Where to Find Backpacker Accommodation in the Abel Tasman National Park
Pristine golden sand beaches backed with lush native forest, why would you not want to explore the Abel Tasman National Park? Whether you are taking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track or kayaking its shores, save some money by staying in one of the backpacker hostels in Abel Tasman National Park.
The nearest towns to Abel Tasman National Park are Marahau, Kaiteriteri and Motueka. All of these locations have activity providers that can transport you into the national park by water taxi. Find out more about these locations in Abel Tasman National Park – Guide for Backpackers. These backpacker hostels in Abel Tasman National Park are located on the southern end of the national park. To access the northern end, you will need to be in Golden Bay, so find out where to stay with our 5 Best Backpackers Hostels in Golden Bay.
So here are, what we consider, the best backpacker hostels in the Abel Tasman National Park!
1. The Barn (Marahau)
Whether you’re staying in a backpacker dorm or camping, there are various accommodations to suit every budget traveller at The Barn. There’s plenty of space too with multiple kitchen areas and communal spaces, some with a fireplace to keep you cosy in winter while outside are some awesome barbecue spaces to relax with fellow travellers in summer. The Barn looks right over the coast, even with some showers having coastal views. Plus, by being in Marahau, The Barn is situated at one end of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Check The Barn out:
2. Adventure Inn Marahau (Marahau)
Another hostel right on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park, Adventure Inn Marahau is an accommodation exclusively for backpackers with only six-bed and eight-bed dorms available. They’re pretty awesome dorms at that, with each bed featuring its own charging port and personal lamp. And that’s not all! Relax with a movie in the 20-seat cinema room, play a game of pool, pick up a coffee from The Bus Stop Diner, and cook up a storm in the communal kitchen or outside in the barbecue area.
Check Adventure Inn Marahau out:
- Adventure Inn Marahau on Booking.com
- Adventure Inn Marahau on HostelWorld
- Adventure Inn Marahau on Trip.com
- Adventure Inn Marahau on Expedia
© Adventure Inn Marahau3. White Elephant Accommodation (Motueka)
This Victorian homestead will make you feel more like a flashpacker than a backpacker. White Elephant Accommodation is in Motueka, a great base for the Abel Tasman National Park where activity providers can pick you up from. There’s an inside and outside kitchen area complete with a barbecue and pizza oven, ideal for those sunny days in the huge garden. For more ways to enjoy Motueka, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Motueka.
Check White Elephant Backpackers out:
- White Elephant Backpackers on Booking.com
- White Elephant Backpackers on HostelWorld
- White Elephant Backpackers on Trip.com
- White Elephant Backpackers on Expedia
© White Elephant Backpackers4. Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge (Kaiteriteri)
The largest town close to Abel Tasman National Park is Kaiteriteri with plenty of shops, services and things going on. Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge is within short walking distance from all of this, plus the beach where most Abel Tasman activities operate from. Stay in hostel dorms, camping cabins or private double or family rooms. As well as kitchen facilities, the lodge has its own on-site restaurant and bar open every day in summer and limited days in winter.
Check Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge out:
- Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge on Booking.com
- Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge on Trip.com
- Kaiteriteri Beach Lodge on Expedia
© Kaiteri Lodge5. Happy Apple Backpackers (Motueka)
Ideally located in Motueka within a short walking distance from the beach, Happy Apple Backpackers is a great option when staying near the Abel Tasman National Park. Plenty of activity operators do pick-ups from the town. The hostel features plenty of outdoor space to hang out and a large kitchen, meaning that it never feels overcrowded. To top it all off, Happy Apple Backpackers offers free WiFi and parking. Plus, with a range of single, double, bunk dorm and family rooms, you’ve got options when booking.
Check Happy Apple Backpackers out:
- Happy Apple Backpackers on Booking.com
- Happy Apple Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Happy Apple Backpackers on Trip.com
- Happy Apple Backpackers on Expedia
© Happy Apple Backpackers6. Kanuka Ridge Lodge and Backpackers (Marahau)
Just a short drive (or bike ride using the free hostel bikes) from Marahau, Kanuka Ridge Lodge and Backpackers is one of the closest hostels to the Abel Tasman National Park. What’s more, they offer free pick up/drop off to the national park entrance. Kanuka Ridge Backpackers gets its name by being nestled in kanuka trees, perfect for those looking for a peaceful stay in a stunning location. Note that although there are no dorm rooms, private rooms are still pretty cheap.
Check Kanuka Ridge Lodge out:
© Kanuka Ridge Lodge[CLOSED] Aquapackers
One of our 13 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand, Aquapackers gives you the opportunity to stay right in the middle of Abel Tasman National Park. Not only that, but did we mention it’s a backpackers on a boat?! Your stay on Aquapackers includes a barbecue dinner and breakfast. Get to the Aquapackers at Anchorage by booking and simply wave down your hosts!
More About Abel Tasman for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Abel Tasman National Park. For more advice for the ultimate Abel Tasman experience, check these out:
- 11 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park
- Abel Tasman National Park – Guide for Backpackers
- 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nelson
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Tasman and Golden Bay – Guide for Backpackers.
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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