Best Budget Accommodation Options Under $200 in New Zealand

The answer is a cozy, prison-style room!
The main advantage, of course, is its affordability. It’s perfect for a solo traveler looking for a one-night stay during the spring and summer months. The hotel itself is an old building with glass louvers on the windows, and the bathroom window doesn’t close tightly. This isn’t a problem in early summer in Auckland, but it would certainly let in the cold drafts during the autumn and winter.

While there’s no air conditioning, the room comes equipped with a fan and a charming, vintage-style heater that you might not even find in China anymore.
For just 200, you get a private bathroom, a central location, and amenities like a TV and fridge. At this price, you’d typically only find a bed in a cramped 6-person dormitory at a hostel, where a good night’s sleep is often a luxury.

One of the standout features is the cleanliness. Even in some of the less-than-stellar hotels in New Zealand, I’ve rarely encountered hygiene issues here. The shower is also quite comfortable, with excellent water pressure and temperature.

On the downside, the soundproofing is poor, and the windows don’t seal properly. Given the unconventional room partitions, it’s easy to imagine the materials used. However, since it’s the low season now, the hotel is nearly empty, making it very peaceful.
Many reviews mention the steep hill leading to the hotel, which can be challenging with luggage.

I must admit, I was tempted to curse when I arrived, but even the high-end hotels nearby, costing 1-2k per night, face the same issue. There’s a bus stop right outside the hotel, and if you’re coming from the airport, you can take a shuttle and then transfer to a bus. Although the straight-line distance is only 1.

2 kilometers, the hill can be quite a workout, especially with luggage.

Hotel name: Kiwi International Hotel
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