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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.

J
Julia
From
Singapore
Great lodge very well equipped with everything needed, even coffee, tea, popcorn etc are provided. Very clean. Can fully recommend
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,715 reviews
Price from
US$125.17
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.

N
Nikolaos
From
Greece
Everything was awesome. I think it's the best hostel I've been to my entire life and among 20 countries.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,018 reviews
Price from
US$52.91
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

Southern Comfort

Invercargill

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

T
Tomoyo
From
Japan
Very comfy and cozy place. The house was warm enough entirely when we arrived, even after 7pm at the end of autumn. The host is welcoming and informative, and we enjoyed her homemade pound cake.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 584 reviews
Price from
US$59.74
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.

A
Awarua Angle
From
New Zealand
Such lovely accommodation in an amazing environment, run by welcoming people. Will be back sometime
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 114 reviews
Price from
US$67.71
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.

T
Tamara
From
Argentina
Super cosy place to stay. The hosts are amazing. We had a lovely time. Everything super clean as well. Will totally recommend to everybody 💜
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 401 reviews
Price from
US$76.81
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.

J
Juya
From
Japan
All the facilities were impeccable. You don’t have to worry about the kitchen utensils or anything else. Clean and tidy inside, staff were lovely. We’re just enjoying chatting with each other so much. They give me a map of Oxford which I can see somewhat we should try in the small town. Overall, that was one of the most nicest backpackers ever!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
Price from
US$54.62
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.

M
Miriam
From
Ireland
So many things to do at this hostel! feel very comfortable and at home- the kind of hostel you could spend weeks! Live music and Karaoke was fun
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 401 reviews
Price from
US$62.58
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.

N
Nicola
From
Australia
We stayed here the night before and after walking the Hump Ridge Track. Last Light Lodge worked seamlessly and actually enhanced this fabulous walk. Food was outstanding. Violaine and Craig have created an incredible offering, with an abundant garden supplying the kitchen they create generous delicious meals that were an absolute highlight of our holiday. Rooms at the LLL are very well appointed - comfortable beds, quality linen, immaculately clean with big windows looking out on gardens and Birdlife. Shared bathrooms are modern, clean and convenient with plenty of hot water and great showers - so important post hike! Finally, we couldn't fault the friendly service. Nothing was too much trouble. Great communication. Did I mention the packed lunches?? - don't miss them, or the breakfast! Really can't speak more highly of the Last Light Lodge.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 183 reviews
Price from
US$102.41
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.

J
José
From
Mexico
The location was very convenient, really close to the center. The staff was kind and helpful.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 996 reviews
Price from
US$154.13
1 night, 2 adults
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 3,694 reviews

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

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

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
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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, 7,560 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, 4,197 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