A small, friendly hostel in a character house just a few minutes' walk from central Queenstown. Known for its welcoming community atmosphere and helpful owners who give excellent local tips.
Bumbles Hostel Queenstown occupies a character house on Brunswick Street, a few minutes' walk from central Queenstown's lakefront and restaurant district. Unlike the larger purpose-built chain hostels in town, Bumbles operates out of a converted home, giving it a smaller, more domestic scale, with a handful of dorm and private rooms rather than the multi-floor layouts of bigger hostels. The communal kitchen and garden are the heart of the property, and there's no restaurant, pool, or bar on site, with some rooms including a free breakfast as part of the rate. What distinguishes Bumbles is its owners, who run the hostel personally and are regularly mentioned by guests for the quality of their local tips, from hiking routes to where to book activities at a fair price. The atmosphere is quiet and community-oriented rather than party-focused, making it a better fit for solo travelers and longer-stay backpackers who want a personal connection to their accommodation than for those chasing a big hostel social scene. There is no pool, spa, or restaurant on site, but the garden offers a relaxed outdoor space for the BBQ, and the short walk into central Queenstown puts the lakefront and main restaurant strip within easy reach for evenings out.
Amenities
- Communal kitchen
- Garden
- WiFi
- Laundry
- Free breakfast some rooms
- BBQ
Location
2 Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300
-45.0290, 168.6570 View on map
Highlights
- Small, owner-run character house with a personal, community feel
- Owners known for excellent local tips and advice
- A few minutes' walk from central Queenstown's lakefront
- Communal kitchen and garden
- Free breakfast included with some rooms
Tips for visiting
- Ask the owners for local recommendations, they are well regarded for honest, practical advice
- Good choice for solo or long-stay travelers wanting a quieter, more personal hostel than the central party hostels
- Check which room rates include breakfast when booking
- Smaller size means it can sell out even when larger hostels in town still have space