The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers) offers quality backpackers hostel accommodation conveniently located directly opposite the railway station in the heart of Wellington.

Ideal for the budget conscious single, couple, family, friends holidaying together, corporate business travellers or convention delegates, the Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is located in Wellington's historic Art Deco Waterloo Hotel, which was chosen for the Queens 1953 Coronation Tour.

The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is the closest accommodation to all major public transport including trains, buses and the inter-island ferry, the Westpac stadium, the city area and Te Papa, Wellington's fabulous Museum of New Zealand.

The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers a choice of mixed and female only share dorm rooms, as well as Single, Twin and Double Hotel Rooms with and without private en suite bathroom. The Single, Double and Twin rooms all feature fully made up beds with FREE Sky TV. Some rooms also include tea and coffee making facilities. I the Dorm Rooms,linen and blankets are provided FREE OF CHARGE. If you’re looking for great value and unique quality budget hotel accommodation Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers is your best choice.

Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers offers the luxury that most rooms are ensuite (even dormitories), for the price of a room without an ensuite. The shared rooms will have you sharing the bathroom with one other room only.


The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers features spacious common areas, a fabulous in house café with great low priced food, an in house bar which gives you the opportunity to socialise and meet new people bar, FREE Sky TV, internet as well as high security with card lock access. Book your onward journey and activities with the incredible travel team. Reception is open 24/7 for your convenience.

Further guest facilities and services include a games room with billiards and pool table, guest lounge/TV area, WiFi ( fee applies), vending machine for drinks) and snacks, 24-Hour Front Desk, tour desk, baggage storage, guest laundry, communal guest kitchen, facilities for disabled guests, BBQ facilities, express check-in/check-out, lift/elevator, all spaces non-smoking (public and private) and cot hire. Children under 5 years STAY FREE OF CHARGE when using existing beds.

We want Wellington to be a highlight of your NZ experience and we have lots of information to help you to plan your stay.


The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers - Finalist NZ Tourism Awards 1999, 2000 and 2001.
Finalist Golden Backpackers Awards 2012 & 2014

The Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers (formerly Downtown Backpackers) is one of the best Wellington hostels.