Where to Find the Best Cheap Accommodation in Ohakune
New Zealand’s carrot-growing capital, ski town and mountain biking mecca doesn’t have to be an expensive stay. With backpacker lodges, motels and a holiday park, this small town at the base of Mt Ruapehu packs a lot of cheap accommodations. So, find the ideal stay for you and your group with this list of the best budget accommodations in Ohakune!
For more trip-planning advice, check out The Guide to Ohakune on a Budget and the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.
1. Station Lodge
This characterful hostel and apartment accommodation near the railway station at The Junction part of town gives you proximity to mountain bike trails, bars and clubs that come alive in winter, and the Ohakune Mountain Road leading to the ski field. Guests can enjoy a spa pool, an outdoor wood fire pizza oven, bikes for going to town (and mountain bikes to hire) and more. The hostel also offers campervan sites, dorm rooms, private double and family rooms, as well as premium apartments. See more like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Ohakune.
Check Station Lodge out:
© Station Lodge2. Snowman Lodge and Spa
An affordable lodge in the centre of town, right by the New World supermarket, Snowman Lodge and Spa not only provides convenience but its a place for a little bit of pampering. Indulge in the outside spa pool, the private sauna or even get a massage treatment. As for accommodation, you’ll find campervan sites and a range of affordable private rooms such as double, twin, triple, quadruple rooms and even rooms for up to six people. Some but not all rooms have an ensuite. Otherwise, there are shared bathroom facilities. While there aren’t self-catering facilities, guests can enjoy hot drinks at the on-site cafe or make use of the barbecue. Thanks to its spa aspect, we also list this in the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Ohakune.
Check Snowman Lodge and Spa out:
- Snowman Lodge and Spa on Booking.com
- Snowman Lodge and Spa on HostelWorld
- Snowman Lodge and Spa on Trip.com
- Snowman Lodge and Spa on Expedia
© Snowman Lodge and Spa3. Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park
Ohakune’s only holiday park has something for everyone, from camping sites to cheap cabins with shared facilities to fully self-contained motel units. The “Gypsy Cabins” are a fun feature sleeping up to three guests while being close to the communal block with showers, toilets and a kitchen. Those who prefer their own space can opt for the “Kitchen Cabin” or one of the motel units for a reasonable price. The holiday park features a children’s playground, a private spa, go-kart hire, petanque and all sorts of fun stuff. See more like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Ohakune.
Check Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
© Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park4. LKNZ Lodge
With a prime location in the town centre, LKNZ Lodge is a budget accommodation well worth considering when staying in Ohakune. The lodge has private ensuite double and family rooms, as well as double, twin, quadruple and dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. If you’re not making use of the kitchens, there’s an on-site cafe to get your food fix. Plus, facilities include pool tables, limited free WiFi and a bunch of hire options, such as mountain bikes, spa pool and sauna.
Check LKNZ Lodge out:
© LKNZ Lodge5. Ossies Motels and Chalets
A little old school but still in the ski holiday spirit, Ossies Motels and Chalets is made for groups and families on a budget. Every accommodation choice here fits at least six guests, as well as provides cooking facilities, free WiFi, heating and more. While units are not serviced every day, this helps keep the price low for one of the most affordable group stays in Ohakune. They also offer ski rental so you can get a quick start on the mountain.
Check Ossies Motels and Chalets out:
- Ossies Motels and Chalets on Booking.com
- Ossies Motels and Chalets on Trip.com
- Ossies Motels and Chalets on Expedia
© Ossies Motels and Chalets6. The Hobbit Motorlodge
Apart from jumping on The Lord of the Rings bandwagon, The Hobbit Motorlodge has a good range of budget rooms for travellers. The lodge offers well-presented motel studios and multi-bedroom units with ensuite and kitchen facilities to make for a fully functional stay. There are also backpacker dorm rooms which include Sky TV, a communal bathroom, lounge and kitchen. On-site is also an outdoor spa pool and a mountain shuttle service.
Check The Hobbit Motorlodge out:
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Booking.com
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Trip.com
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Expedia
© The Hobbit Motorlodge7. Ohakune Court Motel
A classic Kiwi motel, the Ohakune Court Motel isn’t anything flashy but still provides a pleasant stay for those seeking their own space. The motel is ideally located between the main town and The Junction with stunning views of Mt Ruapehu and the Tongariro National Park. Relax in the sunny courtyard and enjoy a self-contained stay in the various grades of studios, family units or the three-bedroom house with cooking facilities, ensuite and many with views of the mountain.
Check Ohakune Court Motel out:
© Ohakune Court Motel8. Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge
Situated alongside the picturesque Mangawhero River, Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge offers a diverse range of budget accommodation in Ohakune. Stay in self-contained studios, motel units or spacious apartments for large groups. Alternatively, there are economy lodge rooms to keep the rates to a minimum with a communal kitchen and lounge. For alternative motel stays, be sure to check out the 10 Best Motels in Ohakune.
Check Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge out:
- Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge on Booking.com
- Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge on Trip.com
- Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge on Expedia
© Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge9. Alpine Motel
A cheap and cheerful lodge-style accommodation that will keep you cosy in winter with a spa pool and electric blankets, need we say more about the Alpine Motel?! If we must, the motel offers nine ground-floor studio and chalet units, as well as a four-bedroom holiday home, should you have a group seeking its own space. Facilities include Sky TV, electric blankets, free WiFi, a spa pool, off-street parking and a central location in town. Note that not all rooms have full self-catering facilities.
Check Alpine Motel out:
© Alpine Motel10. Snowy Waters Lodge – The Old Nurses Home
For an alternative place to stay between Ohakune and the Whanganui National Park, Snowy Waters Lodge, also known as The Old Nurses Home, provides budget accommodation in Raetihi. The lodge radiates historical charm which can be seen from its large open-plan communal kitchen to its sunny lounge. The lodge has queen, twin and family rooms with communal bathrooms and an attractive outdoor area with a spa pool and magnificent views of Mt Ruapehu. For more small-scale stays like this, check out the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Ohakune.
Check Snowy Waters Lodge out:
© Snowy Waters Lodge - The Old Nurses HomeMore About Budget Accommodations in Ohakune
That’s it for our list of the best budget accommodations in Ohakune, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out more guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Mt Ruapehu:
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune
- 11 Things to Do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day
- 20 Best Things to Do in Ohakune
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Ohakune on a Budget.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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