Nomads Queenstown Backpackers is a hostel through and through, though its a bit sleeker than what one might expect of a youth-focused budget property and attracts a smattering of families and older travelers, particularly because of its private rooms on the top floors. From the outside, it looks like a modern hotel, with a mix of glass windows and light-brick sections. The modern vibe continues inside the property, with a bright lobby furnished with a few leather sofas ringing a gas fireplace. Additional common areas include a lounge with big red sofas and a foosball and a billiards table plus a large dining area with benches and tables.

Nomads Queenstown Backpackers is located in the center of Queenstown, about a block from Lake Wakatipu and approximately a four-minute walk to the edge of Queenstown Gardens. Davies Park -- home of the Queenstown Events Center and Frankton Golf Course -- can be reached in about 12 minutes by car, while the airport is a 15-minute drive away. 

Nomads offers both dorms with four to 12 beds and private rooms. The latter has en-suite bathrooms, and some of the dorms do too, although others share facilities in the hallways. Most dorms are mixed, though female-only dorms are available. Rooms are simply furnished, with metal-frame bunkbeds, small storage lockers for free guest use, and split air-conditioning units. Each bed has its own private reading light. Bathrooms are snug, with toilets, minuscule sinks, and glass shower stalls. Private rooms are located on the top floor and open up to a terrace with lovely town views. All of these units have either a king bed or two queens and feature hotel room-like amenities, including wet bars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and even mini-fridges, but their bathrooms are identical to those found in the dorms. Note that there have been complaints of uncomfortable beds.

Nomads shines when it comes to its heaps of facilities, including a travel desk, free luggage and ski storage, a sauna, a cinema room, a large guest laundry room, and a huge communal kitchen with tons of food storage space plus a large communal food preparation bay with multiple gas stoves. A basic breakfast with hot tea and coffee is served daily, free of charge. There's also a large dining area with long tables suitable for big groups, plus a lounge with foosball and billiards. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for a nominal fee, and there are four internet kiosks for guest use.