Search hostels in South Island

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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

6 hostels

Greymouth

5 hostels

Wanaka

4 hostels

Franz Josef

4 hostels

Picton

4 hostels

Oamaru

4 hostels

Te Anau

3 hostels

Lake Tekapo

3 hostels

Kaikoura

3 hostels

Marahau

3 hostels

The best hostels in South Island

Check out our pick of great hostels in South Island

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Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

Franz Josef

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef offers a modern accommodation across three wings in the Franz Josef Glacier Village, just a10-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier and 30-40 minutes for Fox Glacier.

F
Felix
From
Germany
free breakfast, amazing hot tub
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,714 reviews
Price from
US$126.29
1 night, 2 adults

Global Village Travellers Lodge

Greymouth

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

A
Aidan
From
United States
Clean rooms and vibrant culture. Lots of amenities.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,020 reviews
Price from
US$53.39
1 night, 2 adults

Manor on the Park Backpackers

Dunedin

Set in Dunedin and with Taieri Gorge Railway reachable within 1.5 km, Manor on the Park Backpackers offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the...

m
maarden
From
Netherlands
Clean new privacy beds Comfort lights + fast chargers bed curtains for privacy Staff was amazingly friendly + helpful. They are so laid back and efficient
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 115 reviews
Price from
US$69.32
1 night, 2 adults

Southern Comfort

Invercargill

Located in Invercargill, Southern Comfort features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property.

M
Madison
From
Canada
Absolutely adored my stay here!!! It felt like my home away from home and would be back in a heart beat!! Merlyn was a fantastic host and more than welcoming, not to mention her gardens are breath taking!! Please if you're heading Invercargill way, definitely stay here!!!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 583 reviews
Price from
US$60.28
1 night, 2 adults

Forest Lodge

Castle Hill

Situated in Castle Hill, 17 km from Broken River Ski Field, Forest Lodge features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.

L
Laurie
From
Belgium
Margie is wonderful and the views oh my!! Perfect getaway!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 114 reviews
Price from
US$68.31
1 night, 2 adults

Rata Lodge Accommodation

Otira

Located in Otira, 12 km from Devils Punchbowl Falls, Rata Lodge Accommodation provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge.

R
Ron
From
United States
Nice community atmosphere, hosts were very generous and helped us way beyond what is often encountered, view and grounds are great the setting is rural garden like nestled in the mountains.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 401 reviews
Price from
US$77.50
1 night, 2 adults

Oxford Queenette Backpackers

Oxford

Set in Oxford, Oxford Queenette Backpackers offers a garden, shared lounge and BBQ facilities. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

D
Daniel
From
Austria
awesome accomodation for a quick layover
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 111 reviews
Price from
US$55.11
1 night, 2 adults

Adventure Inn Marahau

Marahau

Set in Marahau, 300 metres from Marahau Beach, Adventure Inn Marahau offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.

I
Ingeborg
From
Netherlands
Amazing stay. Super comfortabel, clean, good place to meet new people. Super close to Abel Tasman great for hikes etc.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 401 reviews
Price from
US$63.15
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 units at the hostel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kitchenette.

H
Heide
From
Germany
Wonderful lodge with nice rooms & comfortable beds. New and clean bathrooms. Fully equipped spacious kitchen. But the best is Craig cooking this wonderful dinner and sharing the table with guests.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 184 reviews
Price from
US$103.33
1 night, 2 adults

Tahuna Pod Hostel

Queenstown

Tahuna Pod Hostel is located in the heart of Queenstown and features and a large balcony area with stunning views over the city. Limited on-site car parking is available for a fee.

Á
Ágnes
From
Hungary
Lovely reception crew. Clean facilities, comfortable pods.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 991 reviews
Price from
US$111.51
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in South Island

Most booked hostels in South Island this month

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Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,200 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,549 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,241 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,689 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 2,064 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,161 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 966 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 2,909 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 991 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 5.9
Passable - What previous guests thought, 1,200 reviews

FAQs about hostels in South Island

Hostels that guests love in South Island

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Avg. price/night: US$122.85
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,549 reviews
Great location, great reception, easy instructions. Safe
Guest review by
Edit
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$142.71
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,200 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 by
Kade
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$72.18
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 872 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 by
mblonkers
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$100.75
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 750 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 by
Margaret
Young couple
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 769 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 by
Patti
Solo traveller
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,605 reviews
Friendly staff, spacious hostel, good socialising vibes for those looking for it and great location.
Guest review by
Filipe
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$63.15
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,010 reviews
Awesome decorations! Paintings and jokes on the walls were all phenomenal! Magnificent! One of the best hostels so far! Lovely volunteers
Guest review by
Arttu
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$364.27
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,689 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 by
AlinaTao
Solo traveller
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,161 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 by
Tiziano
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$57.69
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 274 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 by
Samuel
Solo traveller