Chateau Backpackers & Motels

The 7 Best Hostels in New Zealand (2025 Edition)

"More like a lodge than a hostel, this is my favorite place to stay when visiting the glaciers: it’s right next to the forest and about a ten-minute drive from the glacier, and it’s within walking distance of town. There’s free homemade soup every night, free breakfast with homemade waffles and pancakes and coffee/tea, two communal kitchens, a hot tub, a gym and coworking area, and dorm and private rooms with pod-style beds that have privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and two outlets — just be aware the Wi‑Fi isn’t the strongest when many people are online." - Matthew Kepnes