Nomads Queenstown Backpackers was expecting more than 200 guests by the end of last week, operations manager Shannon Smith said.
Forward bookings through to the end of the ski season were "reasonable" for the major tenant's first winter within the $24 million Church St development.
There was a good number of bookings for spring and summer and several for the 2010 ski season, he said.
Mr Smith said he estimated 40% to 50% of guests were Australian and 30% to 40% were British.
"There's a varied bunch of guests, FITs [free and independent travellers] and quite a few older guests as well, opting for the en suites.
"Everyone so far is pretty amazed by the hostel.
Our entertainments guy, Ben O'Neil, is organising meet-and-greets and took a dozen people bowling, and we've got football in the park."
Mr Smith said the hostel employed eight full-time staff, and another travel consultant and receptionist might be hired as the business required.
