Hostels in South Island

12 available hostel offers

2 nights
2
1
  • airbnb
  • booking
  • hotelscom
  • vrbo
  • tripadvisor
  • expedia
  • tripcom
  • agoda
  • homestay
  • tuivillas
  • hostelworld
  • hotelopia
South Island hostels
Choose the perfect holiday accommodation
Price per night
Accommodation type
Rating

12 Hostels in South Island

Best South Island hostels with breakfast included

Among the 4 accommodations in South Island, here are the 4 best hostels with breakfast included

Hotel Give - South Island
8.9 15009 reviews

Hotel Give

hostel, Christchurch
Hotel Give is situated in the heart of Christchurch, just a stone's throw from the Botanical Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and Hagley Park, offering a convenient base for exploring the city. It's a 2.5-star hotel with excellent user ratings, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
The hotel provides a range of accommodation options, including self-contained apartments, private rooms, and shared rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, terrace, garden, restaurant, bar, and fitness centre, making it a great choice for families and those looking for a relaxing and active holiday.
Rainforest Retreat - South Island
8.8 3431 reviews

Rainforest Retreat

hostel, Franz Josef
The Rainforest Deluxe hotel is located in Franz Josef, just a short distance from the Franz Josef Glacier, offering easy access to stunning natural beauty. It consistently receives excellent ratings for location, cleanliness, and overall guest experience.
The hotel offers a range of modern amenities including a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and spa, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy stunning views from the terrace, unwind in the sauna or jacuzzi, and explore the surrounding area with ease.
Tombstone Motel, Lodge & Backpackers - South Island
9.0 2387 reviews

Tombstone Motel, Lodge & Backpackers

hostel, Picton
Tombstone Motel, Lodge & Backpackers is conveniently located in Picton, a short walk from the Bluebridge ferry terminal and within a 15-minute walk of the Picton Railway Station and Inter Islander ferry terminal. The motel has received excellent ratings for cleanliness and location, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The motel offers a range of accommodation options, including private rooms, a self-contained apartment, and dormitory rooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a shared kitchen, dining area, TV room, laundry facilities, games deck, gym equipment, a spa, free Wi-Fi, parking, bike hire, and luggage storage.
The Palace Backpackers - South Island
8.2 4703 reviews

The Palace Backpackers

hostel, Nelson
Bridge Backpackers is conveniently located in Nelson, just a short walk from Christ Church Cathedral and Trafalgar Park, offering easy access to the town's attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for its cleanliness and overall experience, with an excellent location rating.
The backpacker accommodation has a garden and a shared lounge, perfect for relaxing and meeting fellow travellers. You'll find a range of facilities and activities here, including a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a tour desk, luggage storage, a dart board, a sauna, and a fitness centre.

Best South Island hostels with a locker

Adventure Queenstown Hostel - South Island
9.3 6611 reviews

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

hostel, Queenstown
Adventure Q2 Hostel is located in Queenstown, just an 8-minute walk from the Skyline Gondola and Luge, offering easy access to the town's main attractions. The hostel has received excellent ratings for location and user experience, with a very good rating for cleanliness.
The hostel offers a shared kitchen and grill area for guests to prepare meals and socialise. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and complimentary bikes to explore the area, as well as a tour desk to help plan their activities.
Hong Kong A11 Hostel - South Island
9.1 251 reviews

Hong Kong A11 Hostel

hostel, Hong Kong
Hong Kong A11 Hostel offers excellent accommodation in Tsim Sha Tsui, located on Nathan Road, just 100 metres from the MTR station and a 5-minute walk from Harbour City and Victoria Harbour.
This guesthouse provides complimentary toiletries, hairdryers, in-room LED TVs and free WiFi, with convenient airport bus A21 service available downstairs and a 30-minute MTR journey to Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park.
Dusky Lodge - South Island
8.7 2021 reviews

Dusky Lodge

hostel, Kaikoura
Dusky Lodge is a short drive from the Kaikoura Peninsula, a popular destination for whale watching and other marine activities, and offers budget-friendly accommodation in a scenic location. The hostel has received very good ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall value.
The lodge offers a range of facilities including a shared kitchen, swimming pool, hot tub, and sun decks. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, and a tour desk to help plan their activities.
Wontonmeen - South Island
8.8 1072 reviews

Wontonmeen

hostel, Hong Kong
Wontonmeen hostel is situated in Prince Edward, a lively district in Hong Kong, just a short walk from the MTR Prince Edward Station and within easy reach of attractions like Metro Harbor Plaza and Ladies’ Market. The hostel consistently receives excellent ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with a very good location rating.
The hostel offers a range of shared rooms, all featuring a unique design with bunk beds, individual reading lights and cloth hangers. Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, a cafe on the ground floor, a terrace, a bar, a garden, free WiFi, and various activities such as table tennis and darts.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in South Island

  • What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit in the South Island of New Zealand?

    For budget-conscious travellers, the South Island offers plenty. Free activities abound, like hiking the many trails in Fiordland National Park (consider the Kepler Track or Routeburn Track, though permits may be needed), exploring the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, or wandering through the stunning landscapes of Hokitika Gorge. Many smaller towns have free museums or walking tours. Camping is a very affordable way to stay, with Department of Conservation campsites dotted throughout the island. Hitchhiking is also common but requires careful planning and consideration of safety.
  • What are the best hostels in South Island?

    Among the hostels in South Island, Adventure Inn Marahau, The Barn Cabins & Camp and Kanuka Ridge Lodge are the most popular ones.

  • What are some unmissable, lesser-known spots in the South Island of New Zealand?

    While Queenstown and Wanaka are popular, consider venturing further afield. The West Coast's Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes are a geological wonder less crowded than some other attractions. Lake Sumner Forest Park offers incredible hiking and tranquility. The Catlins, in the south, boast hidden waterfalls, stunning coastal scenery, and wildlife viewing opportunities like yellow-eyed penguins. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the rugged beauty of Stewart Island, accessible by ferry from Bluff.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in South Island?

    The Barn Cabins & Camp and The Barn Cabins & Camp are the best hostels for families and kids in South Island.

  • What are the best nightlife spots in the South Island of New Zealand?

    Queenstown is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and pubs catering to various tastes. Fergburger is a legendary Queenstown institution, although it's more of a late-night food spot than a bar. Wanaka also has a lively bar scene, though on a smaller scale. Smaller towns offer a more laid-back atmosphere, with pubs often serving as the central social hub.
  • What are the best pet friendly hostels in South Island?

    The best pet friendly hostels in South Island are Adventure Inn Marahau, The Barn Cabins & Camp and The Barn Cabins & Camp.

  • What’s the ideal length of stay to get a full experience of the South Island of New Zealand?

    A minimum of two weeks allows for a taste of the South Island's diverse landscapes, but three to four weeks is recommended to explore more thoroughly. A longer stay, even a month or more, allows for more in-depth exploration of specific regions and activities like multi-day hikes.
  • What are the best hostels with parking in South Island?

    Adventure Inn Marahau, The Barn Cabins & Camp and Kanuka Ridge Lodge are the best hostels with parking in South Island.

  • Does the South Island of New Zealand offer any iconic natural events?

    The South Island is known for its stunning natural beauty, but large-scale, regular 'events' are less common than smaller, daily occurrences. Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) can be viewed from the southern parts of the island, but sightings are dependent on solar activity and clear skies. The changing seasons and weather patterns create dramatic shifts in the landscape, constantly offering new sights.
  • Are there special cultural workshops or experiences to explore in the South Island of New Zealand?

    Yes, there are opportunities to learn about Māori culture. Many iwi (tribes) offer cultural tours and workshops, showcasing traditional arts like carving, weaving, and storytelling. These experiences vary in location and availability, so it's best to research and book in advance. Look for tours and workshops offered by local Māori communities.
  • How can you dive deeper into the culture and connect with locals in the South Island of New Zealand?

    Staying in smaller towns and engaging with local businesses offers better opportunities for cultural immersion. Participating in activities like farm stays or attending community events provides opportunities to meet locals. Learning a few basic Māori phrases is also a thoughtful gesture. Respecting local customs and traditions is crucial for meaningful cultural exchange.
  • Which restaurants and bars in the South Island of New Zealand offer the best local cuisine?

    Many restaurants across the South Island showcase New Zealand cuisine, often incorporating fresh, local ingredients. Specific restaurants vary in location and popularity, so local guides and reviews are helpful. Look for establishments that highlight New Zealand seafood, lamb, and other locally sourced produce.

Nearby regions

Best South Island hostels with air conditioning

Nomads Queenstown Hostel - South Island
8.0 8709 reviews

Nomads Queenstown Hostel

hostel, Queenstown
Nomads Queenstown is situated in the town centre, just 100 metres from Lake Whakatipu, close to Queenstown's main attractions. The hostel has received very good user ratings, with excellent location and good cleanliness ratings.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly dormitories to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Nomads Queenstown features a cinema room, sauna, and a communal area with a smart TV, pool table, foosball table, and vending machines.
Yesinn @Ymt - South Island
8.0 3456 reviews

Yesinn @Ymt

hostel, Hong Kong
Hi Inn@Nathan Road, a guest house in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, is situated a 1-minute walk from Temple Street Night Market and a 0.6-kilometre walk from Yau Ma Tei MTR station and Ladies' Market.
This family-friendly establishment offers a single bedroom with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, room service, and on-site parking, plus access to a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre; nearby attractions include the Ladies' Market and Temple Street Night Market.
Sunny Private Double Bed Room @Tst - South Island
9.6 305 reviews

Sunny Private Double Bed Room @Tst

hostel
This charming guest house is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, a bustling district in Kowloon, just a short walk from the Star Ferry pier and Nathan Road. The B&B has received excellent ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
The guest house features a comfortable double bed and a private bathroom, ideal for a couple's stay. You'll also enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, a kettle, and essential toiletries.
Tripinn Boutique Motels & Affordable Accommodation - South Island
8.9 1591 reviews

Tripinn Boutique Motels & Affordable Accommodation

hostel, Westport
Tripinn Hostel Backpackers YHA is situated just a 3-minute walk from Westport's main street, 4 minutes' drive from Carters Beach and the Coaltown Museum, and 12 minutes' drive from Westport Airport. The hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The hostel offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including a garden, a terrace, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, laundry facilities, and a fitness centre. You can also enjoy free tea and coffee, and the hostel offers a tour desk to help you plan your activities, such as cave rafting trips.

Best South Island hostels with laundry available

Atlantis Backpackers - South Island
8.5 8753 reviews

Atlantis Backpackers

hostel, Picton
Atlantis Backpackers is conveniently located in Picton, within easy walking distance of the waterfront, train station, and ferry terminal. The hostel enjoys a very good user rating and an excellent location rating, as well as a very good cleanliness rating.
The hostel offers a choice of dormitory rooms or private rooms, all with access to a shared kitchen. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a jacuzzi, spa, fitness centre, and free parking, as well as a terrace, garden, and barbecue facilities.
On Top Backpackers - South Island
8.2 2533 reviews

On Top Backpackers

hostel, Dunedin
On Top Backpackers is located in the Octagon district of Dunedin, just a short walk from the city centre and close to the vibrant nightlife of the area. It has received very good user ratings, with excellent location and good cleanliness ratings.
The hostel has a sun-drenched sundeck overlooking the city, perfect for relaxing. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, free high-speed Wi-Fi, secure rooms, on-site laundry facilities, and a bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, garden, and parking.
Uptown Backpackers - South Island
8.7 1353 reviews

Uptown Backpackers

hostel, Dunedin
Uptown Backpackers is ideally located in the centre of Dunedin, just a short walk from The Octagon and the railway station. The hostel enjoys a very good rating for cleanliness and user experience, and an excellent rating for its location.
The backpackers offers a shared lounge with free Wi-Fi and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Guests have access to luggage storage and bed linen is provided.
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers - South Island
8.8 6532 reviews

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

hostel, Te Anau
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers is a short walk from the town centre, offering stunning views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding Fiordland National Park mountains. The hostel has received excellent ratings for location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The backpackers is set in beautiful park-like grounds, providing a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a bar, fitness centre, movie room, well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and free unlimited Wi-Fi, as well as organise tours and activities with the friendly staff.
©2026 cozycozy.com