booking hostels in AUS and NZ

Hi.

I'm considering the following 3 legs of a trip:

* NZ Auckland - Wellington, then Dunedin - Queenstown - Christchurch from Feb 20th - Mar 15th * Australia Melbourne - Darwin from Mar 18th - Apr 16th * Australia Melbourne - Cairns from Apr 17th - May 20th

During these time periods, how easy is it to just show up in a town or city along the route and immediately book a bed for that night? Is at advisable at these times to plan my itinerary a few days in advance and call ahead? How different would weekends or weekdays be?

Thanks,

Easter has a big impact - I think there is something wrong with your itinerary but assuming this is right then you'll be between Melbourne & Sydney over Easter - that is a popular holiday time. ANZAC Day (25th April) will have an impact too - first things will be closed in the morning but also unusually it is a long weekend.

Why risk not being able to find accommodation just because you didn't book ahead?

Nick

Not being able to find accommodation? In the autumn in Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, Christchurch, etc.? Come on. Each of those cities has a backpacker housing glut and aside from a little easter traffic (which doesn't have that much effect since the vast majority of patrons - the only ones allowed in the case of some hostels - are foreign and unlikely to be over just for the long weekend).

Never booked a hostel in my life and never slept rough as a result yet.

Hi Miguel,

I must admit that I always book before I travel. On the other hand, it would probably be more exciting to just show up and hope for the best. Lets hope they are as lucky as you.

Nick.