New Zealand Hostels Association
Stronger together
Connecting, supporting and representing New Zealand's backpacker and youth accommodation sector.
Supporting New Zealand's hostel sector
The New Zealand Hostels Association (NZHA) is a dedicated sub-group within BYATA, established to represent, connect and support New Zealand's backpacker and youth accommodation sector.
New Zealand has approximately 200 hostels and lodges. Many are small, independently operated businesses, particularly in regional areas. These operators play a vital role in the visitor economy, yet often face rising operating costs, changing visitor demand, staffing pressures and limited resources.
By bringing accommodation operators together, NZHA helps strengthen the sector, share knowledge, improve industry representation and create opportunities for businesses to learn from and support one another.
Our philosophy is simple: by working together, we can build a stronger, more connected and more sustainable accommodation sector.
Membership costs have been structured to make participation more accessible and affordable for small businesses. NZHA also has a dedicated presence at BYATA's annual conference, providing accommodation operators with opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn about the issues shaping our industry.
For more information about BYATA, visit the About BYATA page .
What is the New Zealand Hostels Association?
NZHA focuses specifically on the needs and interests of New Zealand's backpacker accommodation sector. The vast majority of the country's hostels have fewer than 70 beds, and many operate independently with limited resources.
Through NZHA, operators have a dedicated forum to raise concerns, exchange ideas and contribute to decisions affecting their businesses and the wider industry.
NZHA currently brings together five regional sectors:
Local operators provide regional perspectives, with representation from both islands on the BYATA Board.
Accommodation providers are at the frontline of the backpacking industry. They often spend more time interacting with backpackers than any other service provider and are well placed to identify changing visitor preferences, emerging trends and shifts in market demand.
This practical, on-the-ground knowledge is valuable not only to accommodation operators but also to other BYATA members and the wider tourism industry.
Why do we need NZHA?
Many hostels, lodges and shared-room accommodation providers are small, independent businesses that may struggle to have their voices heard on national industry issues.
NZHA was established in late 2019 to help address this gap. Starting with two independent accommodation operators alongside larger hostel chains, the group has grown to include 25 independent operators and continues to develop.
A dedicated accommodation voice
A forum for hostel operators to raise sector-specific concerns, exchange ideas and help shape decisions affecting their businesses.
Strength through BYATA
A dedicated accommodation network combined with BYATA's wider industry advocacy, connections and support.
Our goal is to ensure accommodation businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to contribute, influence change and help shape the future of the sector.
Together, we can ensure the needs of smaller operators are recognised and the experience and knowledge of accommodation providers contribute to the wider tourism conversation.
What is NZHA focused on?
NZHA works with its members and BYATA to support a stronger, more sustainable and better-represented backpacker accommodation sector.
Highlighting issues affecting budget and backpacker accommodation providers and ensuring operators of all sizes have a voice.
Connecting local sector groups, addressing regional challenges and bringing common concerns to the national level.
Working with BYATA to provide relevant accommodation content and opportunities at the annual conference.
Encouraging practical and sustainable business practices among members.
Engaging with Tourism New Zealand and other relevant organisations to advocate for greater recognition and support for the backpacker market.
Working with BYATA, Hospitality New Zealand and relevant stakeholders on immigration, visa and workforce issues.
Monitoring government policy and legislative changes that may affect accommodation businesses, including employment and immigration requirements.
Sharing updates on visitor numbers, emerging trends and changes in market demand.
Advocating for fair and appropriate application of visitor levies and similar charges introduced across New Zealand.
Join us — stronger together
Whether you operate a small independent hostel, a lodge or a larger accommodation business, NZHA provides an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and opportunities of our sector.
By sharing knowledge, supporting one another and working collectively through BYATA, we can strengthen our industry's voice and help create a more resilient future for backpacker accommodation in New Zealand.
NZHA membership includes BYATA membership, and vice versa, with no duplication of membership fees.
Enquire about membership