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

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.
The Bohemian At Noah's Ark - South Island
9.0 47 reviews

The Bohemian At Noah's Ark

hostel, Greymouth
The Bohemian at Noah's Ark in Greymouth offers budget accommodation a 1km walk from Greymouth railway station and 2.9km from Cobden Beach.
This three-guest capacity guesthouse features free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and some rooms with sea views, plus a private bathroom in select units, all equipped with flat-screen TVs and hairdryers.
On Top Backpackers - South Island
8.1 2549 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.
Lake Tekapo Village Motel - South Island
8.5 277 reviews

Lake Tekapo Village Motel

hostel, Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo Village Motel is situated in Lake Tekapo Village, providing straightforward access to winter sports facilities and local amenities, with a proximity of 2 kilometres to the daily accessible ski slopes.
This family-friendly guesthouse offers complimentary high-speed internet, free on-site parking, and rooms featuring balconies or terraces, alongside a communal kitchen equipped with a fridge and microwave oven.

Best South Island hostels with a locker

Traveller's Hostel - South Island
9.4 7 reviews

Traveller's Hostel

hostel, Hong Kong
Traveller's Hostel is located in a bustling commercial area of Kowloon, just a short walk from shopping malls, banks, and restaurants. It is highly rated by guests, with many praising its convenient location and friendly staff.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, all of which are clean and comfortable. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and discounted tickets to local attractions.
Skyview Hostel - South Island
No reviews

Skyview Hostel

hostel, Kowloon
Skyview Hostel in Kowloon is conveniently located 4km from the city centre, near Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Ocean Terminal, and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
This budget-friendly lodging offers guests free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and a shared kitchen, alongside airport transfers (surcharge applies), concierge services, and air conditioning in all rooms.
Cindy Hostel - South Island
8.7 552 reviews

Cindy Hostel

hostel, Hong Kong
Cindy Hostel is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, just a short walk from Kowloon Park and K11 Art Mall, with Harbour City and Temple Street Night Market within 1.5 kilometres. This 2-star hostel has received very good user ratings for its cleanliness and location.
The hostel has one bedroom and one bathroom and offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. Guests can enjoy a restaurant on site and explore the nearby attractions, including the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district.
Traveller's Hostel - South Island
No reviews

Traveller's Hostel

hostel, Kowloon
Traveller's Hostel is a budget accommodation located in Kowloon, a short walk from the city centre and near Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Ocean Terminal, and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
This hostel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a garden, concierge services, an on-site restaurant, room service, and shared kitchen facilities, with accessible facilities including an elevator.

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

Lylo Christchurch Airport - South Island
8.2 10201 reviews

Lylo Christchurch Airport

hostel, Christchurch
Lylo Christchurch is located just a short walk from Christchurch International Airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers arriving or departing by air. It's also close to Spitfire Square and the International Antarctic Centre, offering easy access to both shopping and attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The hostel has a communal area and kitchen, perfect for meeting fellow travellers and preparing meals. Guests can also enjoy a terrace or balcony, a garden, and free parking, as well as 24-hour reception, luggage storage, laundry service, and even room service.
Amu Dreamhouse 阿木旅舍 - South Island
8.4 1817 reviews

Amu Dreamhouse 阿木旅舍

hostel, Hong Kong
Amu Dreamhouse is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, a short walk from both Mira Place 1 and the Star Ferry Pier, making it ideal for exploring Hong Kong's bustling heart. The hostel consistently receives very good ratings for cleanliness and overall user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The accommodation offers a shared lounge for socialising and each room is equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and room service, as well as parking facilities, and the hostel also provides a paid airport shuttle service for added convenience.
Leisure Hostel - South Island
No reviews

Leisure Hostel

hostel, Île de Hong Kong
Leisure Hostel is conveniently located just two kilometres from Hong Kong's city centre, close to Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong Ocean Terminal and the Hong Kong Museum of History. This makes it easy to access a range of attractions and explore the neighbourhood's unique character.
The hostel has one bathroom and offers comfortable rooms with amenities such as a TV and slippers. Guests can also benefit from a tour assistance desk and an elevator, ensuring accessibility for all.
Wontonmeen - South Island
8.7 1071 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.

Best South Island hostels with laundry available

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown - South Island
9.0 5145 reviews

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

hostel, Queenstown
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown is located right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, a short walk from the Gondola and transport links to ski resorts and adventure activities. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel offers private bathrooms in all rooms, a rare feature for this type of accommodation. Guests can enjoy a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, a games room with satellite TV, secure storage, a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, a fitness centre, and a tennis court.
Drifter Christchurch - South Island
9.1 3619 reviews

Drifter Christchurch

hostel, Christchurch
Drifter Christchurch is located in the city centre, just a short walk from the Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. It has received excellent ratings from previous guests, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The hostel has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to connect and share stories. It offers a range of amenities including free internet, a terrace, a fitness centre, and parking, as well as social activities like singing, laughing, and writing stories together.
Kaikoura Seaside Lodge - South Island
8.1 1357 reviews

Kaikoura Seaside Lodge

hostel, Kaikoura
Kaikoura Sea Side Lodge is located on the mountainside overlooking the ocean, just a short walk from the town centre and the surf beach. The lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the mountains and the coastline.
The lodge has a large kitchen and lounge area, perfect for socialising and enjoying the views. It offers a range of rooms, including dormitories, and can accommodate up to 2 guests. The lodge provides free shuttle service, bicycle and car hire, laundry facilities, free WiFi, a BBQ, tea and coffee facilities, and a door code for late entry.
Nomads Queenstown Hostel - South Island
8.1 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.
©2026 cozycozy.com