12 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka 🛌🏼 [2024]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Wanaka

With a whole bunch of amazing activities and experiences to be had in Wanaka, why not save the cents on accommodation? With that in mind, we have put together this list of what we consider the best budget accommodations in Wanaka.

The cheap accommodations in Wanaka listed below consist of hotels, motels, holiday parks, chalets and B&Bs are included. If you are looking for something cheaper, such as shared rooms, then be sure to also browse the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka.

For more ways to save money in Wanaka, check out 20 Free &Cheap Things to Do in Wanaka and The Complete Travel Guide to Wanaka.

1. Altamont Lodge

With some of the most affordable private rooms on this budget accommodation list, Altamont Lodge is well worth considering for your stay in Wanaka. Each room has access to communal bathrooms and a large kitchen, as well as a spa pool and barbecue. The accommodation is 1km (0.6 miles) from the town centre. Free parking and free WiFi are also available. For more lodges to browse, take a look at the 10 Best Lodges in Wanaka.

Check Altamont Lodge out:

2. Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park

Stay in a cabin with shared holiday park facilities like a kitchen, bathroom and laundry for the cheapest option. Alternatively, book a studio for the private use of a kitchenette and bathroom. Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park is within driving distance from the town centre with free parking available so be sure to have your own transport. Enjoy the use of the swimming pool and spa pool as well as free WiFi.

Check Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

3. Peak Sport Chalet

For self-contained yet budget accommodation in Wanaka with your own private kitchenette and bathroom, try Peak Sport Chalet. The property is a five-minute drive from the town centre and offers free parking and free WiFi. This charming chalet is ideal for couples travelling with their own transport. For alternative self-contained stays, also check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Wanaka.

Check Peak Sport Chalet out:

4. Hawea Hotel

An alternative location in the Lake Wanaka area, the Hawea Hotel sits on the edge of the serene Lake Hawea. Aside from stylish hotel rooms, the accommodation also has a separate lodge with shared two- and four-bed dorms and cheap private double rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. There’s a comfortable lounge to relax in, while WiFi and even towels are included in the room rate. If you don’t feel like cooking, you also have the option of food from the hotel’s Eatery with options to take away.

Check the Hawea Hotel out:

5. Lake Wanaka Lodge

Perfect for couples or friends, Lake Wanaka Lodge provides sleek, stylish and well-priced twin and double rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and either a balcony or a courtyard. Free WiFi is available as is free parking on-site. Japanese meals and breakfast are available to purchase. See more couple-centric stays like this in the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Wanaka.

Check Lake Wanaka Lodge out:

6. Mt Aspiring Holiday Park

Offering a family-friendly retreat in the hills just outside of Wanaka town, Mt Aspiring Holiday Park is well worth considering for cheap accommodation in Wanaka. The holiday park offers a range of budget self-contained units with separate bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, as well as campsite facilities for motorhomes and tents. Facilities at the holiday park include a summer outdoor swimming pool, bike hire, children’s playground, barbecue area, TV room, communal laundry and kitchen facilities and more. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Wanaka.

Check Mt Aspiring Holiday Park out:

7. Wanaka Bakpaka

A cheap hostel with million-dollar views, Wanaka Bakpaka is a top choice for backpackers or any traveller on a budget, for that matter. Relax in the spacious communal lounge, make use of the fresh herbs in the communal kitchen and enjoy the views of the lake from the outdoor patio area. The hostel offers a range of rooms including double ensuites, as well as double, twin and bunk rooms with shared bathroom facilities. For more hostels, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka.

Check Wanaka Bakpaka out:

Wanaka Bakpaka on HostelWorld

8. Wanaka Hotel

With regular and affordable deals on room rates, Wanaka Hotel makes it on our list of budget accommodations in Wanaka. As well as having several cafes and restaurants on-site, there is also a communal kitchen to save on meals. Each private room has an ensuite and sometimes a bath. What’s more, there’s free on-site parking, yet the Wanaka Hotel is a mere one-minute walk from the town centre. See more hotels, including some affordable ones, in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka.

Check Wanaka Hotel out:

9. WanaHaka Studio

From the team that is bringing you the WanaHaka cultural welcome and wine tour experiences in Wanaka (see 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka), WanaHaka Studio is your affordable solo or couples’ stay just mere moments away from the town centre and lakefront. Your cosy studio is kitted out with an ensuite, a TV with streaming services, hot drink-making facilities, a fridge and Maori-inspired decor! Ride into town or on the lakefront trails using the free bikes provided.

Check WanaHaka Studio out:

WanaHaka Studio on Booking.com

10. The Zula Lodge & Backpackers

Just a five-minute drive from Wanaka town centre, The Zula Lodge is a small and friendly hostel/group accommodation with just two bunk rooms and two family rooms. Dorms have quality bunks attached to the walls, while the kitchen and lounge are super spacious yet feature a cosy fireplace. The attractive park-like outdoor space is also a worthy place for a morning coffee.

Check Zula Lodge out:

11. Manuka Crescent Motel

Ideal for couples, friends and groups, Manuka Crescent Motel offers twin, double and triple studios at an affordable price. Rooms have a private bathroom and a patio and come with free WiFi. Most rooms have a kitchenette so you can save the cents on food. Check out our recipes for inspiration on quick and easy meals to make when travelling. Manuka Crescent Motel is a short drive (or walk) away from the town centre with free on-site parking. See how this motel compares to the 6 Best Motels in Wanaka.

Check Manuka Crescent Motel out:

12. Archway Motels & Chalets

Offering studios and chalets with your own private kitchenette and bathroom, the Archway Motels & Chalets have everything you need for a budget stay with your own space. The accommodation is well within walking distance of the town centre, also including free on-site parking. Relax in the spacious gardens with a barbecue area, picnic tables and spa pool (charges apply for use of the spa pool). WiFi is included. Book your stay in the shoulder seasons for the best rates. For more studio-style stays, also check out the 6 Best Holiday Apartments in Wanaka.

Check Archway Motels & Chalets out:

12 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka 🛌🏼 [2023]

More About Budget Accommodations in Wanaka

Now that you know the best cheap budget accommodations in Wanaka, here’s more advice on planning the ultimate trip to Lake Wanaka:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Wanaka.

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.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Contact Laura About Our Team