Design driven hostels cater to emerging tourism segments

From the developer:

The launch of a new hostel brand is helping New Zealand cater to growing local and international demand from flashpackers, digital nomads, and other emerging market segments seeking community-driven travel experiences.

The 1800-bed Haka House chain will operate 13 hostels across 11 centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The first hostels to open are in Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Christchurch, followed by two Auckland sites, as well as Rotorua, Franz Josef, Wellington, Wanaka, Taupo, Bay of Islands and two Queenstown locations by mid-2024. 

The new hostel management venture was formed between GCP Hospitality and Haka Tourism Group, founded by Ryan Sanders. 

Sanders, in his ongoing role as Haka House CEO, says their investment in renovating and rebranding the properties has been strategically planned to ensure visitors can travel through key tourism destinations and experience a consistently high standard of accommodation throughout their stay.

“There is an undersupply of high-quality shared accommodation in this part of the market, which has created a significant barrier to travellers wanting to visit some of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. 

“The launch of the new brand is designed to provide domestic and international travellers with unified and consistent experiences throughout all our newly renovated hostels,” he says. 

Sanders says as part of a renovation programme, they have responded to the demand for a more sustainable travel experience with solar power generation installed in several properties. 

In addition, the bed linen and duvets sourced for the properties are made from over 160,000 recycled plastic bottles – and a further 1000 were used in the fabric of staff uniforms. 

The CEO says that in addition, the amenity containers available for guests are made from locally sourced post-consumer plastic waste.

Sanders says Maori artists Charles and Janine Williams, who specialise in large-scale mural painting and urban design, have also been commissioned to create a series of artworks for each hostel. 

“The works will focus on the connection between Maori culture and the natural world in each location,” he says.

Sanders says there is a growing number of digital nomads who combine travel with remote working. 

“This segment of the market is looking for a higher standard of amenities and technology including high-speed internet, USB A and C charging, as well as well-designed communal areas including fully equipped kitchens, dining and living room areas along with lockable storage.

“Across the network, we will have 1800 custom-built beds, with rooms that are a mixture of private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and shared rooms consisting primarily of four and six-bed room configurations – including female-only dorms. 

These rooms are designed to fit the needs of a range of travellers – including those who value privacy and connectivity,” he says. 

Erwann Mahe, CEO of GCP Hospitality, says Haka House has a portfolio of design-driven hostels at the crossroads of design, community living and shared experiences. 

“Hostels now attract a wide demographic of travellers including couples, young families, along with millennials and Gen Z. 

These market segments are attracted to the value for money offered by a new ‘hostel 2.0’ accommodation model that provides modern, well-designed rooms, inviting facilities and vibrant spaces which foster social interaction and a community-driven atmosphere,” he says.

Photography: Jo Walker & Emma Keirle from Shoot & Swoon

Interior design: Laura Heynike, Pocketspace Interiors

Designed by: Interiors by Laura Heynike, Pocketspace Interiors

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jo Walker & Emma Keirle from Shoot & Swoon