Best Hostels in South Island

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. Free WiFi is provided and parking is available. 2 minutes' walk from both Spitfire Square retail precinct and International Antarctic Center, it is 20 minutes' drive from Christchurch CBD (Central Business District) and 33 minutes' drive from Lyttelton Port. At LyLo Christchurch you will find a 24-hour reception as well as elevator access. Other services include luggage storage, laundry service and travel advice. Interconnecting rooms are available on request. Guests have access to a large communal area with guest kitchen facilities. For your convenience self-check in terminals are available.

- "10/10 Wonderful :)" - "location so close to airport, comfortable bed, great chill out room" - "Perfect and it’s money worth" - "Lylo was great, people will be lucky to stay here." - "Great stay at the Lylo" - "Good budget place for a short stay" - "Very good" - "Great and convenient place to stay in Christchurch. Easy 10 walk from airport over to the location." - "Excellent for the travellers and travel tips to pick up."

Hostel in Christchurch with a 24-hour front desk
Self parking, concierge services, and laundry facilities are available at this smoke-free hostel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, express check-in, and express check-out are onsite.
LyLo Christchurch offers 79 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

- "I stayed in a private room with a bathroom, which was great to have some privacy and rest after landing about midnight. Would stay here again" - "Convenient ,walkable and comfortable" - "We are two of your older clients and perhaps need a little more help than younger people but i have to say that the Asian young lady who is off to Australia went out of her way to help us." - "Very quiet " - "Amazing place to spend the night. "

Located in the center of Greymouth, The Duke Hostel offers free unlimited WiFi throughout the property and a fully equipped guest kitchen. The property is walking distance to the bus stop, train station, cycle trail, cafes and shops. The The Duke Hostel is a 5-minute walk from Greymouth Train Station and the i-SITE Visitor Information Center. Rapahoe Beach is a 10-minute drive away. Greymouth The Duke Hostel features a warm and comfortable dining room with coffee and tea 24 hours a day. Guests have access to a book exchange library and a range of DVDs. Guests can hire bicycles to explore the area with the help of local staff to assist with exploring the west coast. Each room offers access to shared bathroom and toilet facilities. Rooms with private bathroom are available. All bed linen is included.

- "Excellent" - "More than what I expected, second time around even nicer. Wonderful host." - "One of the. best hostels in NZ" - "Awesome location to explore Greymouth" - "Perfect for the night!" - "Lovely hostel" - "Great comfortable stay and great staff. Nice and quiet when we were there." - "Great value, good facilities and great location" - "A wee gem!" - "As above. Thoroughly exceptional & exceeded expectations"

Hostel with a rooftop terrace, 5-minute walk to Lake Wakatipu
A bar/lounge, a rooftop terrace, and a microwave in a common area are available at this smoke-free hostel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, concierge services, and laundry facilities.
LyLo Queenstown offers 52 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

- "Tiny but cozy room. Perfect place to walk downtown from. " - "great space! Stayed on our honeymoon. Rooms are small but conveniently set out. " - "The set up of pods in the hostel are ideal for privacy and being able to get a complete nights rest. Storage locker in the rooms were a great size. Very nice having a rooftop lounge. " - "I liked IT much more than Lylo of Auckland. The pod seemed more spacious and cleaner." - " Conveniently located in the heart of Queenstown. Efficient staff, spotlessly clean. Great value. Will go again."

Global Village Travellers Lodge has free bikes, fitness center, a garden and shared lounge in Greymouth. Located around one mile from Greymouth Train Station, the hostel is also 27 miles away from Punakaiki Scenic Attraction. The property has a shared kitchen and free WiFi. Guests at the hostel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Greymouth, like fishing, canoeing and cycling. Hokitika Airport is 22 miles from the property.

- "Awesome! Everything is awesome!" - "Very nice experience with you. Clean tidy comfortable and relaxing. Thank you so much for providing this wonderful envir" - "Very nice." - "Highly recommended" - "Amazing" - "Best hostel in NZ!" - "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" - "A down to earth hostel, fantastic staff and all about comfortable surroundings." - "Must Stay There!" - "It felt like home" - "Lovely stay in greymouth, great location and really cool vibe"

Lakefront hostel with a coffee shop and a restaurant
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hostel has a coffee shop/cafe and laundry facilities. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a vending machine.
Haka House Lake Tekapo offers 8 accommodations with air conditioning. This Lake Tekapo hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 25+ Mbps. Bathrooms include showers. Hypo-allergenic bedding and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "The hotel service was excellent, and the accommodation room was also very nice. I was a bit flustered during my first experience in the public restaurant, but it was definitely a memorable experience. I would definitely visit again if given the chance." - "Good communal facilities. spacious (we were off peak) Great location, friendly staff." - "The location is great. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable."

Located in Oamaru, 22 miles from Moeraki Boulders, Old Bones Lodge has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 5-star hostel offers a shared kitchen. Guests can enjoy pool views. At the hostel, rooms contain a desk. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, certain accommodations at Old Bones Lodge also feature a sea view. Richard Pearse Airport is 64 miles from the property.

- "Beautiful location!" - "Wonderfully Warm and Welcoming" - "One of the best!!!!" - "Slice of tranquil paradise" - "Lovely stay in a rustic friendly lodge. Warm and comfortable, lovely location near the sea." - "Beautiful setting, friendly staff. Warm and cozy" - "Good location. Large and attractive common area. OK shared kitchen."

Hostel in Wānaka
Along with self parking, this smoke-free hostel has a microwave in a common area and a refrigerator in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, laundry facilities, a garden, and a picnic area are onsite.
Housekeeping is available on request.
Haka House Wanaka offers 32 accommodations. Each accommodation is individually furnished. This Wānaka hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 25+ Mbps. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered on request and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Service was really great, ensuite room with good value for money. Location is unbeatable. Very clean, and comfy. " - "Great location, nice facilities and staff. Super close to awesome food and shopping options as well as the lake." - "Friendly vibe, great location" - "Fantastic staff, and bed was comfy. Always love the private pods in dorm rooms with haka " - "Nice place although didn’t realise it was a hostel. Small room. But workable and functional. Great location. Easy walk to lake shops restaurants. "

Noah's Ark Backpackers has free bikes, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Greymouth. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a grill. Free WiFi and a shared kitchen are offered. Rooms have a shared bathroom with a shower, while certain rooms contain a balcony and others also feature city views. Guests at the hostel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Greymouth, like hiking, fishing and cycling. Cobden Beach is 1.8 miles from Noah's Ark Backpackers, while Greymouth Train Station is a 11-minute walk from the property. Hokitika Airport is 23 miles away.

Sports/Activities • Balcony/Terrace • Laundry • Smoking • Tv • Guest Services • Entertainment • Kitchen • Fireplace/Heating • Parking • Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking • Security/Safety

Hostel in Riwaka with free breakfast
Concierge services, laundry facilities, and an arcade/game room are available at this smoke-free hostel. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a library, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are onsite.
Limited housekeeping is available.
Eden's Edge Lodge offers 8 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature premium bedding. This Riwaka hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered on a limited basis and irons/ironing boards can be requested.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Beautiful place, amazing breakfast. We also had a car accident the night we were staying and needed taxis and then to hang around for a tow truck the following day. Eric and Barb were absolutely brilliant and super helpful!!" - "Outstanding in every respect...room, communal facilities, surroundings, hosts and breakfast " - "We liked our stay. Friendly owner operators great continental breakfast. Everything was great . Except cold showers . I asked was told people are using too much of the hot water. Tried 2 hours later still cold. I would suggest switching to a water on demand system this would solve the issue . Overall nice place. "

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. The property is only a short walk from many bars and restaurants in Queenstown. We have a variety of budget accommodations options including king-single and queen pods, plus a few private rooms for couples. Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities, with multiple facilities located on each floor. Tahuna Pod Hostel merges Maori heritage and traditional values in its design, and shares culture with guests through art, music, movies, food and entertainment.

- "Home away from home, amazing place to stay without a doubt" - "A great place to stay in Queenstown" - "Excellent stay in a hostel environment!" - "Very comfortable place to stay" - "Nice place" - "Wonderful staff, comfortable bed" - "Great option for solo traveller" - "Great hostel in excellent location, great hospitality, cleanness and as well all what you need when" - "Recommended big time."

Hostel in Christchurch
Along with a microwave in a common area, this smoke-free hostel has a refrigerator in a common area and laundry facilities. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, express check-out, a garden, and barbecue grills are onsite.
Haka House Christchurch offers 43 accommodations with portable fans. This Christchurch hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 25+ Mbps. Bathrooms include showers.

- "Clean tidy and modern. 👌" - "Good" - "Good place" - "A character building, conveniently located close to all city amenities. Quiet, with helpful staff. " - "Awesome place to stay dnt think i can add anything else" - "Room was clean and warm. Perfect for what I needed." - " " - "Haka was in a good location for the centre of Christchurch and easy access to the botanic gardens and Hagley Park" - "Great rooms, clean and and well situate"

Discover Haka House Franz Josef, a welcoming and vibrant hostel nestled in New Zealand's Glacier Country. The hostel features a spirited, genuine, and down-to-earth atmosphere that calls to free-spirited and curious travelers alike. Nature lovers and adventure-seekers will feel right at home at Haka House Franz Josef, with easy access to the stunning Westland Tai Poutine National Park, where lush rainforest and majestic snow-capped peaks await. The hostel's great location makes it easy for guests to experience the magic of Glacier Country, from nature walks to exhilarating Heli-hikes. After exploring, guests can retreat to warm, cozy private rooms and comfortable, fully equipped shared spaces.

- "A comfortable stay in a tiny town." - "Very clean, comfortable place to stay!" - "Comfortable, relaxing and excellent. Would stay here again" - "Bec is a super star, best HAKA we stayed" - "Pleasant time, can’t wait to come again" - "Review for Haka House Franz Josef (Stayed on 30th July - 31st July, 1 night)" - "a comfortable stay in a nice location" - "Really enjoyable experience staying here with my family.Would stay again."

Adults-only hostel with a coffee shop and a bar
A bar/lounge, a coffee shop/cafe, and coffee/tea in a common area are available at this smoke-free hostel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a microwave in a common area, a refrigerator in a common area, and laundry facilities are onsite.
On Top Apartments & Hostel Backpackers offers 43 accommodations with rice cookers and shared/communal kitchens. Guests can make use of the in-room full-sized refrigerators/freezers and microwaves. Bathrooms include showers.

This Dunedin hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

- "It was very good value for my money " - "Congratulation to the owners who were very kind!" - "Was very safe and clean .the security was a great experience " - "Good clean property a bit of a werid request to uncover your pillow case if in a doom room. Surely its easy to see if someone has slept in the bed or not." - "I liked having my own room. Even though it was pricey, the privacy was what needed at that time. Air circulation was questionable. The room had a stuffy odour by the time I checked out. I decided not to cook since the kitchen facility was very crowded."

At Haka House Aoraki - Mt Cook, adventure and comfort merge in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its great location which provides easy access to the must-see Tasman Glacier, and captivating surroundings of the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, our hostel offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and moments of discovery. Guests can unwind in friendly shared spaces, retreat to cozy, fully equipped rooms, and even relax in the sauna. Not to mention, Haka House Aoraki - Mt Cook is located within the International Dark Sky Reserve, for a stay filled with incredible stargazing experiences. Let your glacier adventures begin here, at Haka House Aoraki - Mt Cook.

- "good" - "Lovely view of the Mt. Cook." - "We are happy to have this place to take rest and sleep overnight. It’s an excellent accomadation. It’s clean and bright." - "Perfect stopover for visiting Mount Cook" - "It was a lovely stay at Haka House. It’s easy to get access to all the tracks from here. The sauna room is the highlight" - "love the fellowship and inclusivity!" - "Fantastic hostel" - "Perfect hostel with Sauna and a lot of nice details"

Waterfront hostel with a coffee shop and a restaurant
A restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/cafe are available at this smoke-free hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a hot tub, coffee/tea in a common area, and a microwave in a common area.
Housekeeping is available on request.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers 19 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and hair dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate dining areas. Full-sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and rice cookers are provided. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- "Such a beautiful properly in an amazing part of the world. " - "If you want to be close to nature very weak network and wifi but will get some if you are desperate then this is the place. Your shared bathrooms are pretty big cozy and nice & clesn with all amenities you can imagine. Their breakfast is really good with a killer view and outdoor hot tub has a very nice view. Amazing experience!" - "This lodge was overall fantastic! The owners were super kind and helpful. The room was darling and close to the bathrooms. The view was superb and worth the extra drive out of town to get there. Absolutely lovely."

Located a 3-minute walk from Picton Memorial Park Beach, The Villa offers 4-star accommodations in Picton and has a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a grill. The property has a shared kitchen and free WiFi. You can play pool at the hostel. Shelley Beach is a 9-minute walk from The Villa. Marlborough Airport is 21 miles from the property.

- "Such a lovely wee place to stay!" - "Possibly the best (budget) option to stay in Marlborough." - "Convenient location and reasonably priced Hostel."

Hostel with free parking, near Mount Cook National Park
This hostel features a sauna, laundry facilities, and a TV in a common area. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include a front-desk safe and a vending machine.
Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook offers 16 accommodations. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Bathrooms include showers. Hypo-allergenic bedding and hair dryers can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

- " I had a late check in and I forgot to let them know but luckily then left the key with my name on it in an envelop. The place was very clean. It looks new and simple. Staff were nice. I will be back for sure. " - "Beyond all expectations this place absolutely amazing, the owners are very friendly and welcoming" - "Location is wonderful. There are no many options for budget travelers around Mt Cook. Yet it is worth to visit. Staff are friendly. Price are competitive."

Just 2 minutes' walk from Kaikoura town center, Dolphin Lodge features views of the coastline and the mountain ranges. Guests enjoy free on-site parking. Guests can choose to stay in a dormitory room or in the comfort of a private room. Each room includes free linen, heating and daily cleaning. Most rooms have shared bathroom facilities. There are deck chairs in the garden for you to unwind in. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available. The property has a fully equipped shared kitchen with a stove, an oven and a microwave. Barbecue facilities can be found on site. Kaikoura Dolphin Lodge is 4 minutes' drive from Kaikoura Train Station. The Whale Watch and Seal Swim booking offices are each 10 minutes' walk away.

- "Welcoming, homely,inspiring views of ocean and mountain" - "Lovely small hostel" - "Scenic but not secure" - "Unseen Repairs: Room Intrusion Left Guest in the Dark" - "Great location" - "Definitely for backpackers"

Hostel in Franz Josef Glacier, steps from Our Lady of the Alps
This smoke-free hostel features laundry facilities, a garden, and a picnic area. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a vending machine.
Haka House Franz Josef offers 38 accommodations. This Franz Josef Glacier hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 25+ Mbps. Bathrooms include showers.

- "Clean, comfortable bed, good kitchen facilities, Franz Josef is small so short walking distance to main street" - "Very good facilities for the price, well worth it" - "Amazing location and reasonable price" - "The large rooms were beautifully presented,and had all the features one could want.The hosts were friendly and v obliging." - "Great spot for exploring the area. Great room & communal facilities. Would recommend " - "Probably one of my favourite hostel stays in the South Island. I stayed in a total of three Haka Houses over my NZ trip, but I think Franz Josef was my favourite. Obviously the location is incredible and proximity to the glacier can't be beat. The kitchen is massive with lots of facilities and storage, the games room/lounge/dining room and movie room are all pretty generously appointed. It also lends itself well to socialisation and I think I unexpectedly made the most pals passing through here (and Arthur's Pass). The front desk staff are really nice and are there from 0800-2000hrs. There was no onsite parking (paid) available due to summer high season but plenty of free street parking available. All Haka Houses I've stayed at have the same bunk style with two AU/NZ electrical sockets as well as a USB-A and USB-C port, plus lockable storage that has the same thing inside (bring a decent-sized lock, I had some tiny ones and had to buy a medium one). This is a great idea. You can charge things while you're away and they're locked up, and if you don't have an international adapter you can use cable only. The privacy curtains are a good touch as well. They also have all had the nice enclosed showers with a detachable showerhead. And bath mats! I also think I had my best hostel sleep here, the beds are decently comfy and I got really lucky with roomies - three other women, none of us snored."