Chateau Backpackers & Motels

We stayed at Chateau Backpackers & Motels from 25–27 January and it was one of the worst accommodation experiences we’ve ever had. The room and overall property were filthy and clearly not maintained to basic hygiene standards. We encountered bed bugs, spiders, and a severe mosquito infestation inside the room. It was impossible to sleep properly on both nights. I personally suffered severe mosquito bites, leaving my leg swollen. What was most concerning was the impact on my young children, my wife, and my elderly mother, all of whom were extremely uncomfortable and distressed throughout the stay. This is not about luxury or expectations — this is about basic cleanliness, pest control, and guest safety, all of which were seriously lacking. A property in this condition should not be hosting families. Due to being in a remote location and travelling with kids and an elderly parent, relocating at short notice was not possible. I would strongly advise future travellers — especially families — to look elsewhere.

Stayed in the private room here for 1 night. The room was really nice and big, for the price. We had shared kitchen, where there profide free koffee, tea, Oats, Pasta and Rice. In the afternoon there is free afternoon tea with a homemade treat. In the morning there where again free homeade scoons and a coffee station with syrup. Absolutely amazing and well worth the price

We had a great night at the Chateau Backpares & Motel - Chris is a wonderful host. He manages this place with dedication and passion. He gave us awesome tipps. The price was also quite cheap for our studio. Thank you again for the great experience and night - we will definitely be back for longer.

Chateau Backpackers ended up being exactly what we didn’t know we needed. We checked out, the rain came down like it had a personal grudge, and instead of sending us off into the soggy abyss, the owner just let us stay and chill for the day. No stress, no guilt trips - just genuine kindness and a super laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of small gesture that says a lot about a place. You don’t just get a bed here - you get a bit of humanity with it. Highly recommend. And if you happen to get rained in, you just might end up enjoying it.

I stayed 2 nights in a dorm and it was great. It is so cheap, definitely dont hesitate and book here. It has everything needed for cooking ( free rice pasta and oats ), a gym, a nice outdoor, close to walks, laundry…. The receptionist was also very kind and explained me the upcoming weather. Recommend it 100%

The nice lad who is running the place is a real one man army. With all the freebies, the cozy coaches and sweet areas this one of the hostels you like to be at on a rainy day. 10/10 would recommend 🫶

You can't find a better spot in Franz Josef! The bedroom was big, with own table, couch, fridge and bathroom! Unexpected and really amazing! They offer a lot of free things like coffe, tea, pasta or oats, and they offer amazing free services like pool table, fitness room or... Hot tube! The staff was also really nice and helpful, we loved them! And the best... Was the price! It was the cheapest accommodation of Franz Josef, but also a really unexpected and awesome one! I can say that it was the best deal quality-price that we have in the whole year travelling around New Zealand. Highly recomended!

The room was surprisingly comfortable for an old run down accommodation. As another review noted, the sheets are a bit grey, but clean. Overall good though the walls are thin. Wifi didn’t work and there isn’t a lot of parking but it is at the end of a quiet cul de sac so there is street parking.