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The best hostels in South Island

Check out our pick of great hostels in South Island

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Global Village Travellers Lodge has free bikes, fitness centre, a garden and shared lounge in Greymouth. Located around 1.6 km from Greymouth Railway Station, the hostel is also 43 km away from Punakaiki Scenic Attraction. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and free WiFi. Writing as a part time wheelchair user and walking stick user. This feels like a home and a group of people just enjoying each other's company. As a smaller hostel, the family running it do a fantastic job. Lots of travellers come back here and I can see why. You feel at home and like you are very welcome to come back. Very colourful and clean. Staff and guests were very friendly and the free shuttle service from the station was a game changer for me. I came as a last minute thing and informed the team of what I might benifet from. Jacinda wrote back derailing exactly the steps and ramps and what might be tricky for me so I could navigate it and work it out. Making access is really clear for me. Thank you would love to stay again! Beds so comfy and clean really nice vibe of the whole place.

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9.4
Superb
1,004 reviews
Price from
US$24
per night

Set in Dunedin, 1.2 km from Taieri Gorge Railway, Travel Stay City Hostel offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.3 km from Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. Loved staying here and it was the cleanest backpacker type stay I have ever seen.

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9
Superb
171 reviews
Price from
US$51
per night

Located in Invercargill, Southern Comfort features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.5 km from Rugby Park Stadium.

Guests at the hostel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Invercargill, like cycling. The best hostel I have ever been to. It feels more like a homestay, rather than a hostel. The owner remembers everyone's names. I have stayed here two times and she remembered me. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Breakfast included, with many different teas, coffee, etc. Washing machine and dryer too.

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9.6
Exceptional
583 reviews
Price from
US$26
per night

Situated in Castle Hill, 17 km from Broken River Ski Field, Forest Lodge features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities. 19 km from Craigieburn and 23 km from Porters, the hostel provides ski storage space. Guests can enjoy mountain views. This place is adorable and awesome to get your forest lodge experience. Margie, the care taker, is a beautiful soul and made us feel right at home

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9.2
Superb
115 reviews
Price from
US$29
per night

Located in Otira, 12 km from Devils Punchbowl Falls, Rata Lodge Accommodation provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge. The property is around 13 km from Arthur's Pass Train Station, 14 km from Arthur's Pass National Park and 8.6 km from Temple Basin. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

All units in the hostel are equipped with a kettle. At Rata Lodge Accommodation every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a patio with a mountain view. Loved the experience! The owners are very kind and helpful, they explained everything and the place had everything I needed. WiFi was good as well, which was a plus considering how remote the place is.

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9.3
Superb
387 reviews

Set in Oxford, Oxford Queenette Backpackers offers a garden, shared lounge and BBQ facilities. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking.

At the hostel, all rooms are equipped with a balcony with a city view. The units in Oxford Queenette Backpackers are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Wonderful place. What a gem. The en suite had a superb showerroom. Big clean kitchen with everything provided including slow cookers and rice cookers👍 Very friendly couple running it.

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9.1
Superb
119 reviews
Price from
US$35
per night

Set in Marahau, 300 metres from Marahau Beach, Adventure Inn Marahau offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities. The accommodation features evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

At the hostel, all rooms have air conditioning and a shared bathroom. 10 minutes from the abel tasman start.

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9
Superb
399 reviews
Price from
US$25
per night

All units at the hostel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kitchenette. With a shared bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at Last Light Lodge also provide guests with a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Rooms, bathrooms, and all facilities were exceptionally clean and well supplied. There was a sink, toaster, and tea kettle in our room along with tea, coffee and cocoa. Milk was provided. In addition to the Spotless rooms … I cannot give a high enough rating for Craig’s cooking. Our meal was one of the best anywhere we’ve eaten in NZ. All fresh veggies from garden. Salad had little blue edible flowers! Not only beautiful, but tasty huge portions!

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9.2
Superb
179 reviews
Price from
US$63
per night

Situated in Oamaru, 35 km from Moeraki Boulders, Old Bones Lodge features accommodation 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. We loved the huge communal area. The kitchen was spotless and well equipped. The room was also comfortable. A great location close to town, coast and penguins!

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9.3
Superb
275 reviews
Price from
US$58
per night

Set in Dunedin and with Taieri Gorge Railway reachable within 1.5 km, Manor on the Park Backpackers offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. Popular points of interest nearby include Dunedin Casino, NZSG Dunedin Research and Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. Location is good and the building was recently renovated, facilities are fantastic

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9.1
Superb
57 reviews
Price from
US$17
per night

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