YHA New Zealand was established in 1932 in part to cater for the burgeoning demand from tramping clubs, cycling groups and schools requiring accommodation both within towns and further off the beaten track. Since then our mission has remained effectively unchanged: 
"To deliver services to members which enrich their understanding of others and the environment by providing quality accommodation and travel experiences"
Our network of hostels has evolved to become an ideal choice for groups of all types. We provide unmatched budget accommodation in the most diverse locations, including the best activity and educational centres in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, we consider a group to have a minimum of 10 members. However, please feel free to discuss your group accommodation needs, whether you’re a string quartet or rugby squad, we will be happy to accommodate you.
Why YHA?
- Quality assured accommodation in the best and most convenient locations
- Affordable accommodation to suit your group requirements with shared and private rooms
- Safe and secure rooms and communal areas
- Excellent self catering facilities
- Friendly and helpful hostel staff to make planning your trip and activities as easy as possible
- Membership giving you access to YHA accommodation worldwide
Accommodation
Each hostel has a range of accommodation options available to your group, from shared to private rooms. As a group you will be allocated dedicated bedrooms and will not be expected to share with other guests. If your group comprises children and under 18’s we will endeavour to provide separate leader and driver rooms, depending on the hostel size and room availability. These rooms will be located as close as possible to the group to facilitate effective supervision.
Catering
YHA hostels offer excellent self catering facilities, the kitchens are fully equipped with all cutlery, crockery and utensils. This is very cost effective allowing you to tailor your menus exactly to your needs and budget. Should you have any special catering requirements, our hostel managers will be happy to discuss and arrange this with you.
Touring & activities
We understand organising a group trip is a time consuming and difficult task, especially if your group is planning to stay in more than one location on your trip. YHA NZ is able to arrange both accommodation and activities for your group stay in the YHA NZ hostel network. Booking all your accommodation and activities can be done in just one phone call to 0800 278 299.
Membership
All groups staying at YHA NZ hostels require a YHA New Zealand Endorsed Group status or Hostelling International group membership. YHA New Zealand Endorsed Group status is free to all youth and school groups and available to non-profit groups such as recreational or community groups for $40 for one year. You can request YHA Endorsed Group status when you are making your reservation. Not only will your membership give you access to the YHA Network in New Zealand, you will also be able to access the worldwide YHA/Hostelling International network.
Rent-a-Hostel
If you are looking for a more exclusive experience for your group, we also offer the opportunity to book the whole hostel for the sole use of you and the members of your party. We will be happy to discuss the options available to you and your group – call 0800 278 299.
We would normally require 3 months notice to arrange exclusive use of the hostel.
Match a hostel to your activity
Check out our hostel grid to see where you could take your school group on their next trip!
Contact us
To enquire about group accommodation, please email our Customer Services team or phone freephone (within NZ) 0800 278 299.
Or if you would like to make a group booking, please fill out our Groups Booking form.