9 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tongariro National Park 🎒 [2023]

1. Manowhenua Lodge (National Park Village)

In the heart of National Park Village, Manowhenua Lodge is a newly renovated backpacker hostel with large communal areas and a wide variety of room layouts for singles, couples, groups and “Whanau Hui”. All the essentials are there for a comfortable budget-friendly stay in National Park Village, including a spacious communal kitchen (and yes, there is enough space in the fridge)! Enjoy a game of pool or table tennis, exchange stories around the fireplace or crank up the barbecue on the attractive outdoor deck. What’s more, you can easily combine your stay with the Tongariro Crossing thanks to your local hosts also running National Park Shuttles. Check out their generous shuttle and accommodation packages over at manowhenualodge.co.nz.

© Manowhenua Lodge

2. Skotel Alpine Resort (Whakapapa Village)

An alternative base in the Tongariro National Park is Whakapapa Village. This tiny settlement at the base of Mt Ruapehu is close to the Whakapapa Ski Field with a whole range of walks and a quick shuttle away from the Tongariro Crossing. Skotel Alpine Resort is the only accommodation offering backpacker dorms in Whakapapa Village but is still a fantastic option with a ski chalet decor to get you in the mood for alpine exploration. Watching the sunset from Skotel’s hillside position is also a must. See more hostels in the Whakapapa/National Park area in the 7 Best Hostels in National Park Village & Whakapapa.

Check Skotel Alpine Resort out:

• Skotel Alpine Resort on Booking.com
• Skotel Alpine Resort on HostelWorld
• Skotel Alpine Resort on Trip.com
• Skotel Alpine Resort on Expedia

3. Station Lodge (Ohakune)

At “The Junction” end of Ohakune, Station Lodge can be found at the Ohakune Railway Station. It is within walking distance of hiking tracks and bike trails. As for the hostel itself, Station Lodge is spacious yet has a homely vibe. Relax in the free spa pool or make use of the barbecue in summer (get inspiration from 5 Effortless Barbecue Meals to Cook in 15 Minutes). It might be a 15-minute walk from the town centre, but the riverside walkway into town makes it a treat; borrow one of their free town bikes to get there quicker! Discover what to do in the Ohakune area using our 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ohakune.

Check Station Lodge out:

• Station Lodge on Booking.com
• Station Lodge on Expedia

© Station Lodge

4. National Park Backpackers (National Park Village)

Hiking equipment hire, shuttle services to the Tongariro Crossing, an indoor climbing wall… The National Park Backpackers has you all set for your time in Tongariro National Park. The backpackers, of course, also has all the essentials expected in a hostel – private rooms, dorms, communal kitchens and bathrooms, etc. – as well as welcoming campervans to park up onsite. It is also easy to find just off the main highway into National Park Village. For experiences while you’re staying in National Park, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in National Park Village.

Check National Park Backpackers out:

• National Park Backpackers on Booking.com
• National Park Backpackers on HostelWorld
• National Park Backpackers on Trip.com

© YHA National Park Backpackers

5. LKNZ Lodge (Ohakune)

In the town centre of Ohakune, LKNZ Lodge offers an ideal location for exploring Tongariro National Park’s mountain biking trails, hiking on Mt Ruapehu or skiing at Turoa. There are several modern lounge areas and kitchens, however, when you don’t feel like cooking there is an on-site cafe. Plus, pool tables, limited free WiFi and a bunch of hire options, such as mountain bikes, spa pool and sauna make up the remainder of the abundant facilities. For more options in Ohakune, take a look at the 6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Ohakune.

Check LKNZ Lodge out:

• LKNZ Lodge on Booking.com
• LKNZ Lodge on Trip.com

© LKNZ Lodge

6. Howard’s Mountain Lodge (National Park Village)

Two large kitchens, lounge area, pool table and equipment hire: Howard’s Mountain Lodge has the ideal facilities and more. This budget accommodation in National Park Village has some of the best prices in town during the New Zealand shoulder seasons. As for rooms, choose from private double, twin, triple and family rooms (with or without an ensuite), as well as dorm rooms and even a holiday home for up to 10 guests.

Check Howard’s Mountain Lodge out:

• Howard’s Mountain Lodge on Booking.com
• Howard’s Mountain Lodge on HostelWorld
• Howard’s Mountain Lodge on Trip.com
• Howard’s Mountain Lodge on Expedia

© Howard's Mountain Lodge

7. The Crossing Lodge (Erua)

One more location for your Tongariro National Park stay is in Erua, a five-minute drive from National Park Village. The Crossing Lodge might be off the beaten track, but they offer pick-ups from the National Park train station and bus stop, so even without a car, you can go and enjoy the peaceful location of Erua. The quirky hostel with interesting tree trunk decor has plenty to keep you entertained from the pool table to the spa pool to the hostel pets.

Check The Crossing Lodge out:

• The Crossing Lodge on Booking.com
• The Crossing Lodge on Trip.com
• The Crossing Lodge on Expedia

© The Crossing Backpackers

8. The Hobbit Motorlodge (Ohakune)

If you are in Tongariro National Park to see the famous Lord of the Rings locations then why not complete the experience by staying in The Hobbit Motorlodge? The Hobbit Motorlodge is located on the road between Ohakune town and The Junction, neither here nor there. However, there are plenty of room options in terms of budget accommodation, including backpacker dorms, as well as mountain shuttle services, a spa pool surrounded by native vegetation and Sky TV.

Check The Hobbit Motorlodge out:

• The Hobbit Motorlodge on Booking.com
• The Hobbit Motorlodge on Trip.com
• The Hobbit Motorlodge on Expedia

© The Hobbit Motorlodge

9. Ohakune Central Backpackers & Cabins (Ohakune)

Despite having “backpackers” in the name, Ohakune Central Backpackers & Cabins has moved away from dorm accommodation and now just offers cheap private cabins. Each cabin has a bathroom and kitchenette, but the bed layout is different throughout, so be sure to browse around. Furthermore, the accommodation in the centre of Ohakune is a great place to hang out in the spa pool after a day on the slopes or fire up the barbecue in summer (here are some recipes for inspiration).

Check Ohakune Central Backpackers out:

• Ohakune Central Backpackers on Trip.com
• Ohakune Central Backpackers on Expedia

© Ohakune Central Backpackers