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

Lake Tekapo

4 hostels

Franz Josef

4 hostels

Picton

4 hostels

Oamaru

4 hostels

Te Anau

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
John
From
Spain
Had a great night's sleep. Lovely comfy bed. We arrived late and the communication and check-in were good. Keys left in a safe place.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,722 reviews
Price from
US$127.12
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.

K
Katja_kap
From
Croatia
I loved how interior is decorated because it feels more cosy. Nice big common area and comfortable beds! A short walk, maybe 10 min to the town centre.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,024 reviews
Price from
US$53.74
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, 135 reviews
Price from
US$69.77
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
Marketa
From
Czech Republic
The best hostel I have ever been to. It feels more like a homestay, rather than a hostel. The owner remembers everyone's names. I have stayed here two times and she remembered me. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Breakfast included, with many different teas, coffee, etc. Washing machine and dryer too.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 570 reviews
Price from
US$60.67
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.

H
Hobie
From
Denmark
Such a beautiful location, so amazing! Sam working there was really friendly and created a good vibe! Loved all about it here
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 113 reviews
Price from
US$68.76
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.

L
Laeli
From
Indonesia
Clean and really good for taking rest after long drive they over you alot of free stuf also super good
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
Price from
US$55.47
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.

M
Michelle
From
New Zealand
The food was exceptional. Rooms very clean and tidy. Great place to unwind after hiking.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 192 reviews
Price from
US$104
1 night, 2 adults

The Brownston Hostel

Wanaka

Set in Wanaka and with Puzzling World reachable within 2.4 km, The Brownston Hostel offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace.

C
Christian
From
Austria
"The hostel has an excellent location, with short walking distances to bars, restaurants, etc. Additionally, it is well-equipped, modern, and clean. All in all, it's very comfortable, offering great value for the price."
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,294 reviews
Price from
US$86.67
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.

F
Fanny
From
Sweden
Amazing view and placing of the hostel in town. View of lake through the big windows. Clean hostel and quit in general, really liked it!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 3,670 reviews
Price from
US$228.81
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.

J
Jiří Veverka
From
Czech Republic
Great, next to the airport by walk without problems.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,538 reviews
Price from
US$93.31
1 night, 2 adults
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,194 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.0
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Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 3,670 reviews

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 2,924 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in South Island

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,013 reviews

FAQs about hostels in South Island

Hostels that guests love in South Island

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Avg. price/night: US$128.85
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 7,538 reviews
Great location, great reception, easy instructions. Safe
Guest review by
Edit
Solo traveller
Avg. price/night: US$273.30
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 4,194 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$85.98
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 877 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$67.60
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 763 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, 782 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, 1,590 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$63.56
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,023 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$624.02
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 3,670 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
Avg. price/night: US$450.68
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,194 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
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 271 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