Drifter's Hotel-Hostels Are Landing in Wellington and Auckland, Then Its Melbourne Stay Is Becoming the Brand's Biggest Yet
The hostel brand will open two more New Zealand properties in 2027, before its existing Melbourne CBD location gets a huge revamp.
Remember that nightmarish hostel stay? It doesn't have to be that way. Since 2024, Drifter has brought a design-led touch to backpacker hostels across Australia and New Zealand. Recently, they company announced a serious Trans-Tasman expansion, landing in Wellington and Auckland for the first time, plus elevating an existing Melbourne location.
Now taking bookings for January 2027, Drifter Wellington is the first of this trio to launch, transforming Welly's historic Post Office in Te Aro into a 51-room hybrid hotel-hostel. Think vintage charm meets an artsy, modern-day hangout, complete with 15 private rooms, a public bar serving locally produced sips and an NYC deli-inspired menu available until late.
Drifter Wellington. Render: Supplied.
Then, in Auckland, Drifter is expanding again, featuring an 80-room property expected to open in early 2027. Situated in a super central location on Wellesley Street West, the famed Auckland Sky Tower, Albert Park and the harbourfront precinct are just a short walk away. Like Wellington, expect social energy focused on an upbeat bar and eatery, this time offering Asian-inspired cuisine.
Finally, the team is headed back to Melbourne, where this series of openings and expansions culminates with a reimagining of Drifter's existing Franklin Street location. Scheduled for completion in the second half of 2027, the renovated property will be the brand's biggest to date, featuring 775 beds spanning dorms, private rooms and Dream Pods.
Drifter Auckland. Render: Supplied.
Meanwhile, the revamp will include a new public bar and social club, set to offer all-day food, late-night drinks, vinyl-led parties and more. Other amenities that might come in handy for the modern traveller include a fully kitted podcast studio, a leisure club, co-working facilities and wellness experiences delivered with a distinctly Melbourne vibe.
"Each city has its own creative energy, and our focus is on building Drifter experiences that reflect and celebrate that local culture rather than applying the same formula everywhere. Melbourne, in particular, feels like a natural home for the brand," says Drifter Co-Founder and Co-CEO Hugh Stephenson.
Drifter Melbourne. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Melbourne. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Melbourne. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Wellington. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Auckland. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Wellington. Render: Supplied.
Drifter Wellington and Drifter Auckland are expected to open in Q1 2027 and Q2 2027, respectively, with a new-look Drifter Melbourne opening in Q3 2027. Head to the website for more information.
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Renders: Supplied.
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