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.

W
Wawan Kurniawan
From
Indonesia
Friendly Staff, very clean and Comfort, nice kitchen. And I've got 2 Muffin when I do the check in. I think this is the best one for me. And will comeback staying here again.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,715 reviews
Price from
US$88.19
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...

J
James
From
New Zealand
Nice modern facilities and a very cute dog
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 115 reviews
Price from
US$68.70
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.

J
Jason
From
Australia
The peace and quiet and the amazing views
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 114 reviews
Price from
US$67.71
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.

M
Maurice
From
Ireland
complimentary milk, tea and biscuits. a small gesture but really appreciated very clean
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
Price from
US$54.62
1 night, 2 adults

Old Bones Lodge

Oamaru

Situated in Oamaru, 35 km from Moeraki Boulders, Old Bones Lodge features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

M
Maria
From
Canada
Everything , Karen and Grant were so nice and very hospitable right from the start till the end. Me and my partner have never been but always wanted to go there and we’re so happy we got to experience their beautiful accomodation
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 279 reviews
Price from
US$56.90
1 night, 2 adults

Haka House Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo

Haka House Lake Tekapo features accommodation in Lake Tekapo. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

j
julie
From
Qatar
Modern, clean and comfortable. Great location on the beautiful lake. Staff were helpful and welcoming . Perfect stay for two nights for hiking we didn’t get to experience the observatory which is just next door as both nights were cloudy. The burger restaurant next door was fabulous but gets busy as it’s only small, but the other restaurants close by were also superb.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,694 reviews
Price from
US$131.88
1 night, 2 adults

LyLo Christchurch Airport

Christchurch

Say hi to LyLo Christchurch! Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Christchurch International and Domestic Airport, LyLo is ideal for resting before or after a long journey.

n
neima
From
Israel
Everything was efficient, easy and clear. The place was clean, awesome location and a good price.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,557 reviews
Price from
US$91.89
1 night, 2 adults

Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau

Te Anau

Barnyard Backpackers Te Anau offers accommodation on spacious grounds with spectacular mountain views. Free WiFi and private on site parking is available.

C
Chirag
From
United Kingdom
Rooms were spacious and there was a great view to the outside. Common space was roomy and kitchen was clean. It had a "mature backpacker" vibe and people were very friendly.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,104 reviews
Price from
US$93.88
1 night, 2 adults

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Te Anau

Set in park-like grounds on the shores of Lake Te Anau, 5 minutes' walk from the town centre, Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers has both mountain and lake views from the majority of the rooms.

G
Gonen
From
Israel
This was the cleanest hostel I've been in while in New Zealand. The shower was spacious and clean. The kitchen was also spacious and clean, and well designed. The lounges had a great view. The location is also good, near the town center.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 2,907 reviews
Price from
US$62.58
1 night, 2 adults

Ivorytowers Accommodation

Fox Glacier

Ivorytowers Accommodation is situated opposite Westland National Park rainforest and mountains, just a 4-minute walk from Fox Glacier Village.

F
Faby
From
Mexico
A place well thought and complete for backpackers Had parking Arrangements for after hours
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,858 reviews
Price from
US$48.36
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in South Island

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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, 4,202 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,557 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,233 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 2,060 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,694 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,160 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 2,907 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 956 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 996 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,313 reviews

FAQs about hostels in South Island

Hostels that guests love in South Island

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Avg. price/night: US$121.76
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,557 reviews
Great location, great reception, easy instructions. Safe
Guest review by
Edit
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$138.94
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,202 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$71.54
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 871 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$99.85
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 748 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, 768 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, 1,604 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$62.58
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,009 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$361.03
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,694 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, 1,160 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$57.17
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