Utopia31 Hostel, formerly Frienz Backpacker, is a 44-room hostel at 31 Victoria Street East in the Auckland CBD. The hostel is a short walk from the SkyTower, about six minutes, and the SkyCity bus terminal is a few steps away. Facilities include a shared kitchen with cookware, free Wi-Fi in public areas, a sun terrace, BBQ facilities, a TV room, luggage storage, laundry and 24-hour security. Bicycles can be rented. There are no cots in the rooms.
Guests say the staff are helpful, especially with luggage on arrival, and that the kitchen is good and the place clean. Several say the upper levels are quiet, and that the price and central location are good value. One guest found the stairs a problem when the lift was not working. Others describe the atmosphere as low key, with the option to socialise if guests want it. The Depot Eatery and Oyster Bar is 500 metres away, and Vulcan Lane is 350 metres away.