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Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

2.0 star property
Wellington's Pipitea neighborhood offers a comfortable base near the business district with friendly drinks, convenient express check-out, and central location

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets - Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Wellington)
Terrace/patio - Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Wellington)
Breakfast area - Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Wellington)
Interior - Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Wellington)
Exterior - Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (Wellington)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Pipitea is minutes from Wellington's center. Enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast, evening drinks at the bar, or local dishes at the restaurant. Free in-room WiFi keeps you connected, and the staff offers city exploration guidance.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 25 of 25 rooms

View all photos for Double Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(27 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single (Shared Bathroom)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bunk Style Twin (Shared Bathroom)

  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Shared Bathroom (4 Beds)

  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (6 Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Private Bathroom (8 Beds)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Ensuite (6 Bed, Female Only)

  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin, Double & Single Ensuite

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(18 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Shared Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room, Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room, Ensuite

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 24 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room with Private Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Private Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Double&Single Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Double&Single Ensuite

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Ensuite Twin Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ensuite Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room With Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room With Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom

Interior

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room with Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4-Bed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8-Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 8 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Premium Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Double or Twin Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Pipitea, a neighborhood in Wellington, Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is near a train station and near the beach. Wellington Cenotaph and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Lambton Quay and Cuba Street Mall. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at TSB Bank Arena, or consider a night out at The Opera House. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as kayaking. Visit our Wellington travel guide
View more Hostels in Wellington
Map
1 Bunny Street Wellington Cbd, Wellington, 6011

What's nearby

  • Wellington Central Business District
    Wellington Central Business District
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Lambton Quay
    Lambton Quay
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • New Zealand Parliament Buildings
    New Zealand Parliament Buildings
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Wellington New Zealand City Aerial Panorama
    Hnry Stadium
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Archives New Zealand
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles

Getting around

  • Wellington Station
    1 min walk
  • Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG)
    19 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mojo Featherston
    2 min walk
  • Sir Breadwins
    6 min walk
  • Concorde Café
    5 min walk
  • McDonald's
    1 min walk
  • Trax Cafe & Bar
    2 min walk

About this property

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers

Hostel near Interislander Ferry Terminal
You can look forward to laundry facilities, a bar, and a restaurant at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Express check-out, ATM/banking services, and an elevator
  • A vending machine, a 24-hour front desk, and a front-desk safe
  • Smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All 108 rooms have comforts such as free WiFi and safes. Guest reviews speak well of the clean rooms at the property.
Other amenities include:
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • Art Deco architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

More

  • Heating
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: NZD 10
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
At check-in, guests must provide a record of full COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination record requirement applies to all guests aged 12 and up; guests must have received complete COVID-19 vaccination at least 30 days prior to check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: NZD 20.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Late check-out fee: NZD 10 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Downtown Backpackers
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Downtown Backpackers Hostel Wellington
Downtown Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Wellington
Hotel Waterloo Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers)
Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out is available for NZD 10 (subject to availability).

Where is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers located?

Located in Pipitea, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Wellington Central Business District, Lambton Quay, and Archives New Zealand. Wellington Cenotaph and Parliament House are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 1-minute walk.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers Reviews

7.6

Good

7.6

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.0

Staff & service

6.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 404 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 221 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa

Excellent location, will stay again if in Wellington
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Naomi

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Exactly what I needed for one night
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharmaine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff , great room
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Good basic place to stay. Handy to train and ferry terminals plus airport bus.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness
I had a late check-in after coming in on the 1am ferry and the staff were so friendly and nice! would recommend 100%
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Needed a cheap place to sleep for a night sleep. Bed was comfortable and room was clean but pipes were loud and could hear noise from other rooms most of the night. Good for price though.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Qitian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Decently clean with nice staff, but basically no amenities beyond the basics. Also there was no table so you'll either have to eat in the air or on the floor.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Natkrita

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The lady staff is really helpful and kind. Kitchen is clean and tidy compared to the age of building.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was perfect, quiet, clean, simple. Great value for money. Will book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable and close to train and ferry. The Gastro Pub attached/in the Hostel serves very good food in good portions. Enjoyable again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Cleaners were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elaine

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location. Secure room. Room was clean even though some aspects dated - carpet buckled. Window in bathroom could not close - was tied in place with a shoelace. When a cold wind was blowing, the bathroom was very cold.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Convenient, central location.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KAREN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to all shopping needs
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were lovely. Accommodation was average but i was solo travelling so for price i couldnt complain.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed 3 times. I enjoyed the whole stay. Loved the views from recent stays. Look forward to staying again
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CLAIRE

Liked: Cleanliness
This rating is based on the balance of price and amenities. The room and ensuite were clean, if a little tired. The WiFi was not 100% reliable. I appreciated the tea/coffee facilities in the room. I did not make use of the communal areas. Very conveniently located for the train station and Bluebridge Ferry to Picton.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamaica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers. The place felt welcoming from the start. Solid facilities, and genuinely warm, attentive staff all contributed to a relaxed and pleasant experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

L M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very clean room. Nice to have tea-making facilities and microwave. Staff always wonderful here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Miriam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was clean and tidy.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Natalia

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is located across the street from both the Train station and the Ferry Terminal making it very convenient if you have to take an early train or have a late ferry arriving into Wellington. The cleaniness leaves a lot to be desired. Our bathroom was filthy (specially the bathtub). We were so tired that we only used the sink to wash our face & hands. the toilet was OK. The room itselft was good too however one of the window panes were broken. I'm not sure if I'd go back again to this property.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gordon

A 2 star hotel so it's a bit old and tired, but has comfortable beds and hot showers. Close to public transport, eateries and within walking distance of the CBD
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kathryn

Liked: Staff & service
We were able to check in late (our boat docked at 1am) felt save with a buzzer entry. Room was basic but fine. Windows were okd so a fair bit of street noise was present all night
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trish

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Customer service was excellent - ensuite room clean and warm - close to train and BlueBridge ferry. Perfect, thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

BRAD

Liked: Cleanliness
Very reasonable rates. Rooms were great and such an excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025