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Featured hostel destinations

Destination inspiration for your trip – find a hostel

Queenstown

18 hostels

Christchurch

8 hostels

Nelson

7 hostels

Dunedin

7 hostels

Wanaka

6 hostels

Greymouth

5 hostels

Picton

5 hostels

Franz Josef

4 hostels

Te Anau

3 hostels

Lake Tekapo

3 hostels

Kaikoura

3 hostels

Oamaru

3 hostels

Marahau

3 hostels

The best hostels in South Island

Check out our selection of great hostels in South Island

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Manor on the Park Backpackers

Dunedin

Located in Dunedin and with Taieri Gorge Railway reachable within a 17-minute walk, Manor on the Park Backpackers provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi...

Y
Yu Pei
From
New Zealand
The bathrooms were modern and exceptionally clean, with fancy mirrors. The bed was very comfortable, although the top bunk was a little high, so you need to be careful when climbing up. There was plenty of space to store belongings as well. The kitchen was spotless and fully equipped with all the cooking utensils and tableware you could need. There was also a cozy lounge area, a nice study space, and lots of relaxing little corners throughout the hostel. All of the staff were incredibly friendly, and you could tell they worked hard to keep everything clean and well maintained. I absolutely loved staying here, it’s the best accommodation I’ve ever stayed in. If I ever come back to Dunedin, I will definitely stay here again!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 382 reviews
Price from
$75.61
1 night, 2 adults

Southern Comfort

Invercargill

Located in Invercargill, Southern Comfort features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a grill....

B
Brigita
From
Croatia
Everything was great. Room was big. You get 2 towels and there is shampoo and body wash in the bathroom. There is also 2 extra bathrooms if you don’t want to use the one in the room. Extra covers for the bed if you are cold, or you can turn the heater on. There is free bread, milk, cereal, jam, etc. for breakfast. Also different coffees and teas. Lots of free parking around the hostel. 2min to Queens park and 15min to city center. Merlyn was lovely,. Beth as well. She borrowed me her rain jacket because I forgot mine at home.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 485 reviews
Price from
$56.12
1 night, 2 adults

Rata Lodge Accommodation

Otira

Located in Otira, 7.7 miles from Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, Rata Lodge Accommodation provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge.

M
Michele
From
United States
Stayed one night and it was recently redone and very comfortable. The community spaces felt like a comfortable home. Gerard and Vicki were friendly, kind, helpful, I can’t say enough good things about them. I needed to do laundry ($10 to wash and dry) and Vicky brought it up to me when it was done. One thing needed more drying and she graciously put it back in the dryer and brought it up to me again. Would have loved to stay longer and explore the beautiful Arthur’s Pass area.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 456 reviews
Price from
$73.98
1 night, 2 adults

Adventure Inn Marahau

Marahau

Located in Marahau, a 3-minute walk from Marahau Beach, Adventure Inn Marahau has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.

P
Pooja
From
New Zealand
Great location, friendly staff, social vibe, met a lot of cool people
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 324 reviews
Price from
$40.82
1 night, 2 adults

Last Light Lodge

Tuatapere

Located in Tuatapere, Last Light Lodge features a garden, shared lounge, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms at the hostel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kitchenette....

E
Emma
From
Australia
Newly refurbished clean and tidy rooms, bathrooms and showers. The availability of in room fridge, kettle and running water. The availability of a laundry very close to our room. The garden and green areas between the buildings.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 230 reviews
Price from
$108.17
1 night, 2 adults

Global Village Travellers Lodge

Greymouth

Global Village Travellers Lodge has free bikes, fitness center, a garden and shared lounge in Greymouth.

E
Ethan1405
From
Israel
The decor, the beds, the lounge. The staff was amazing, everything was clean.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 970 reviews
Price from
$48.98
1 night, 2 adults

Tasman Bay Backpackers

Nelson

This hostel offers free unlimited Wi-Fi, a log fire in the guest lounge and heaters in all rooms. Guests can relax in the hammock in the garden.

J
Jakubeková
From
Slovakia
I loved how helpful the staff was. There were musical instruments and games in the common room. And the PUDDING 🖤🖤
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 987 reviews
Price from
$56.12
1 night, 2 adults

The Bohemian at Noah's Ark

Greymouth

Located in Greymouth, The Bohemian at Noah's Ark features free bikes, garden, shared lounge, and free WiFi throughout the property.

p
pingping
From
Belgium
The room is super clean, beautiful interior and well equipped. Receptionist is exceptionally helpful. He gave us a full introduction of the history of the building and this made our stay very special.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 47 reviews
Price from
$97.15
1 night, 2 adults

Punakaiki Beach Hostel

Punakaiki

Located in Punakaiki Village,0.6 mi from the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole, Punakaiki Beach Hostel is within yards of the sea wall walkway and sea. The commanding cliffs which overlook PBH are majestic.

L
Lynn
From
New Zealand
Great place to stay to see the West coast. Loved the walks, which were close to the beach hostel. Several interesting places to visit. Very friendly people managing the hostel with lots of local knowledge.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 60 reviews
Price from
$58.68
1 night, 2 adults

The Brownston Hostel

Wanaka

Located in Wanaka and with Puzzling World reachable within 1.5 miles, The Brownston Hostel provides a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,793 reviews
Price from
$79.59
1 night, 2 adults
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.0
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,930 reviews

FAQs about hostels in South Island

Hostels That Guests Love in South Island

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Avg. price/night: $132.96
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,077 reviews
Good Hostel. Great location, great price and the communal storage for ski/board gear was handy. The staff were very accommodating, genuine people. Enjoyed my stay here and would book again.
Guest review byKade
Solo traveler
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 795 reviews
The hostel is in a great location being pretty much in the centre of town, and the main bus interchange is less than a five minute walk. The staff were excellent and the facilities were generally clean and well-maintained. The common areas were quite big and spacious which was nice as hostels often tend to have somewhat cramped common areas.
Guest review bymblonkers
Solo traveler
Avg. price/night: $65.22
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,090 reviews
Great being back at this backpackers as I first stayed here 33 years ago when it was a YHA Hostel. Have many happy memories here - so great to see it re-opened! Great location and ambiance. Friendly staff. Clean, tidy & nicely decorated. Good WiFi and communal areas. Awesome whale mural in dining room.
Guest review byMargaret
Young couple
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,021 reviews
It was a pleasant stay and Jjen (not sure of spelling) was very helpful and kind. The first night came with a rough morning because of all the people going in and out of the door right by my head very early in the morning (fresh powder!) Not the hostels fault I know, but hard to sleep. But Jjen switched me to a room further down and it was loads better. The kitchen was very busy most of the time so I didn't cook there. But it was clean in the morning. It was a great location and nice staff.
Guest review byPatti
Solo traveler
Avg. price/night: $51.05
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,503 reviews
Friendly staff, spacious hostel, good socialising vibes for those looking for it and great location.
Guest review byFilipe
Solo traveler
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 987 reviews
Awesome decorations! Paintings and jokes on the walls were all phenomenal! Magnificent! One of the best hostels so far! Lovely volunteers
Guest review byArttu
Solo traveler
Avg. price/night: $184.24
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 3,152 reviews
Nice and cozy hostel. Very clean and friendly. I stayed in a common room. This is so great they have female-only room. There were 2-level beds. Each place had its own curtain for privacy, a small light inside, and a socket. Lower beds had two sections for storage underneath. There also was a separate vertical row of lockers. Nice that rooms had heaters (button on the wall).
Guest review byAlinaTao
Solo traveler
Avg. price/night: $321.07
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,600 reviews
The hostel is honestly amazing. The facilities are well kept, clean and well maintained. I met Hannah at reception and she was extremely helpful and friendly. One of the best hostels I have ever had the pleasure to stay at
Guest review byTiziano
Solo traveler
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Excellent - What previous guests thought, 221 reviews
A charming Swiss chalet-like hostel full of character, warmth, and nice touches for guests. Tristan is a natural at hospitality, with an innate sense of guest need. Warm, cosy rooms, a log fire, comfy beds and armchairs, a well equipped kitchen, a place radiating backpacker hospitality at its best. Highly recommended. Will remember it well.
Guest review bySamuel
Solo traveler
Avg. price/night: $66.89
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 2,940 reviews
Te Anau Lakefront Backpacker offers a pleasant stay for budget-conscious travelers. The combination of its central location, affordable rates, and clean, comfortable rooms makes it an excellent choice for both short and long stays. While it may not offer luxury amenities, it excels in providing the essentials at a great price.
Guest review byPatnarin
Young couple