Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Picton
Save money on accommodation in Picton so you have more to spend on dolphin swimming, cruising the Marlborough Sounds, hiking the Queen Charlotte Track and more! We’ve picked out some of the best-value motels, holiday parks, lodges and hostels in this complete list of the best budget accommodations in Picton.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in 10 Amazing Things to Do in Picton and 12 Awesome Hikes in Picton.
1. Harbour View Motel
Forget dusty and drab motel rooms. Harbour View Motel is your modern budget accommodation in Picton, boasting well-appointed rooms and many with a balcony. Situated on the harbourfront, the Harbour View Motel has an ultra-convenient location close to eateries, the ferry terminal and where many of the activities depart. As for your accommodation, choose from “Budget Studios” up to “Seaview Two-Bedroom Apartments”, all of which are well-priced. Not all rooms have kitchen facilities, but you will have your own bathroom, free WiFi, communal laundry and on-site parking. For more romantic getaways with “harbour views”, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Picton.
Check Harbour View Motel out:
2. Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel
Another motel worth considering in Picton is the Picton Gateway Motel. Located on High Street, you’re in the centre of it all, yet have your own space in one of the contemporary-style units or studios. Even your entry-level budget studio has kitchenette facilities, while you might also want to make use of the large grassy barbecue area at the centre of the motel. While not all of the rooms bask in natural light, the decor is fresh and clean, making it a pleasant place to relax after a ferry trip or exciting excursion in the Marlborough Sounds.
Check Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel out:
- Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel on Booking.com
- Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel on Trip.com
- Picton Accommodation Gateway Motel on Expedia
3. Tombstone Backpackers
Dorm rooms, private twin and queen rooms, triple and quad rooms with ensuites, queen rooms with ensuites and a self-contained apartment… It’s all here at the Tombstone Backpackers. The premium hostel located by the town’s cemetery (hence the name) offers well-appointed rooms, as well as communal facilities, from the kitchen to the outdoor areas with a spa pool and game tables. While a little out of town compared to other budget accommodations in Picton, the hostel is still only three minutes from the ferry terminal and has free bike hire available. The event at Tombstone though is the free hot scone breakfast freshly baked each morning. See similar cheap accommodations like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Picton.
Check Tombstone Backpackers out:
- Tombstone Backpackers on Booking.com
- Tombstone Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Tombstone Backpackers on Trip.com
- Tombstone Backpackers on Expedia
4. Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, need some cheap accommodation or space for your group, you’ll find something at the Waikawa Bay Holiday Park. The budget holiday park accommodation is a short drive from town and offers a wide range of cabins, self-contained units, motel rooms and camping sites. There are some quirky-themed cabins to choose from, aptly named the “Quirky Standard Cabin” and a renovated public transport bus from Christchurch. Upgrades are available to cabins with a kitchen, ensuite cabins and tourist flats for families and groups.
Check Waikawa Bay Holiday Park out:
- Waikawa Bay Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Waikawa Bay Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Waikawa Bay Holiday Park on Expedia
5. Aldan Lodge
Find private motel-style accommodation in a central location at the Aldan Lodge. The budget motel offers a few different options for couples, families and groups, from the basic “Petite Studio” to the “Two-Bedroom Spa Suite” for up to six guests. The split-level family units, private barbecue area and some rooms with a spa bath are all drawcards for this cheap accommodation. Some of the suites are modernly decorated, while others need to catch up, yet provide a great value stay in Picton. What’s more, guests receive free WiFi, free parking and a free car wash station. For more motel options, also check out the 10 Best Motels in Picton.
Check Aldan Lodge out:
6. Atlantis Backpackers
Another backpacker hostel worth considering in Picton is the centrally-located Atlantis Backpackers. The hostel offers some of the cheapest dorm beds in town, as well as private twin, double and single rooms. Guests have access to communal bathrooms and a kitchen. For more privacy, choose the retro-styled two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and ensuite. The hostel offers a few perks, such as free bike hire, free breakfast, free towel (a rarity in a dorm), free WiFi and a free dessert on an evening. As for the decor, well, it’s bright, colourful and unashamedly quirky. You’ll love it.
Check Atlantis Backpackers out:
- Atlantis Backpackers on Booking.com
- Atlantis Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Atlantis Backpackers on Trip.com
- Atlantis Backpackers on Expedia
7. High Street Living Motel
“High Street Living” means you have one of the most central locations in Picton town, which you can enjoy views of from the motel’s communal deck. The budget motel offers 10 units, four studios and six two-bedroom units including accommodation to suit the elderly and disabled. All rooms have very basic kitchenette facilities, but at least guests get a discount from the motel’s partner restaurant across the road. Each unit has its own designated parking space, while a town car can also be hired for your stay.
Check High Street Living Motel out:
- High Street Living Motel on Booking.com
- High Street Living Motel on Trip.com
- High Street Living Motel on Expedia
8. Lochmara Lodge
Located in the stunning Marlborough Sounds, Lochmara Lodge not only provides budget accommodation but an experience. Although you will need to pay for water transport to get there, which can be arranged with Lochmara, it’s worth it once you get there with the lodge’s network of trails, flying fox, kayaks, restaurant and underwater observatory. The units at the lodge make an affordable stay in the Marlborough Sounds, especially in the shoulder seasons, but note that prices go up in summer and you’ll need to get in quick as it books up fast. The lodge is closed in winter.
Check Lochmara Lodge out:
9. Picton Campervan Park
As the closest holiday park to Picton town centre and ferry terminals, Picton Campervan Park makes a convenient stay for campers and budget travellers. While the accommodation here is affordable, you have limited choice with only one cabin type: a “Double Standard Cabin” sleeping two people. Nevertheless, if you’re a solo traveller or couple, this is ideal as the unit is modern and comfortable and features a TV, heater, sofa, table and chairs. You’ll also have access to communal facilities, such as a kitchen, lounge and more. Camping is also available at powered sites for campervans only. See more accommodations with facilities like a kitchen in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Picton.
Check Picton Campervan Park out:
- Picton Campervan Park on Booking.com
- Picton Campervan Park on Trip.com
- Picton Campervan Park on Expedia
10. Parklands Marina Holiday Park
For a holiday park in Picton with more accommodation options, choose Parklands Marina Holiday Park. The peaceful holiday park set in Waikawa Bay offers tent and powered sites, as well as budget cabins and self-contained units. The one-bedroom units sleep up to four people but only some have a kitchen and bedding is not included but available for hire. Alternatively, the self-contained units all have a kitchen and bedding is provided. The holiday park is a fantastic choice for budgeting families, with a playground and barbecue area on site. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Picton.
Check Parklands Marina Holiday Park out:
- Parklands Marina Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Parklands Marina Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Parklands Marina Holiday Park on Expedia
More About Budget Accommodations in Picton
That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Picton, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out these articles to make the most of your stay in Picton:
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Picton
- 12 Awesome Hikes in Picton
- The Food Guide to Picton: Places to Eat & Food Tours
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Picton on a Budget.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.