5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Akaroa 🎒 [2023]

Where to Stay in Akaroa for Backpackers

[Update: There are no longer any backpacker hostels in Akaroa. In this guide, we offer alternative accommodation recommendations for backpackers. You can also find cheap stays in our 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Akaroa].

With a stunning harbour full of wildlife, hiking trails to hidden inlets, beaches and much more, no wonder you want to stay in Akaroa for a while – just see the 15 Best Things to Do in Akaroa. The “French town” of New Zealand is full of character for an entertaining stay.

While staying in one of these affordable Akaroa backpacker accommodations, be sure to fill your itinerary with awesomeness by checking out our Akaroa – Guide for Backpackers. Get out on the water, swim with dolphins, see New Zealand’s largest little blue penguin colony, visit an alpaca farm, and so much more!

1. Madeira Hotel

You can’t get any more central in Akaroa than this hotel offering a cheap place to stay. The Madeira Hotel offers cheap 4-bed dorms and an affordable double room. Each room has a small kitchenette with a microwave, toaster and coffee machine; but don’t expect full kitchen facilities here. Nevertheless, the accommodation, attracting trade workers more than backpackers, is situated above the Madeira Hotel pub so you don’t need to go too far for food and a drink.

2. Halfmoon Cottage

What used to be a hostel has now transformed its dorm rooms into affordable private rooms; more like an out-of-town B&B than a backpackers. Nevertheless, Halfmoon Cottage in Barrys Bay provides very affordable twin rooms, double rooms and quadruple rooms, while BBH members still get a discount. Enjoy a spacious garden in the back of this homely cottage. There are also bikes and kayaks to hire to make the most of the area. Be aware that this accommodation is usually closed in the winter season which runs from June to September in New Zealand. Discover more small-scale stays like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Akaroa.

Check Halfmoon Cottage out:

Halfmoon Cottage on Booking.com

3. Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park

With accommodation ranging from small studios to powered campervan sites, the Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park has something for everybody, even backpackers on a budget. We recommend the studio units as the cheapest accommodation apart from camping. Family units are a great consideration for groups as well. Note that there are communal kitchen and bathroom facilities, so you’ll have access to all of the essentials just like a hostel. For more information on holiday parks, check out The Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand.

Check Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

4. Duvauchelle Holiday Park

Finally, near the waterfront of Duvauchelle Bay just outside of Akaroa, Duvauchelle Holiday Park offers more camping options on the Banks Peninsula. Either pitch a tent, park your campervan or stay in one of the cabins or the self-contained tourist flat. There are cabins suitable for up to two or four guests with drink-making facilities and some with ensuites. Only the tourist flat comes with linen supplied so bring your own or hire some from reception. Note that there is also a fully-equipped kitchen and an absolution block with toilets and showers on timers. Discover more options with cooking facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Akaroa.

[CLOSED] Onuku Farm Hostel

For an experience, rather than just accommodation, check out the Onuku Farm Hostel in the nearby settlement of Onuku. With all the backpacker-style accommodation you could think of – dorms, private rooms, cabins, stargazer cabins, van sites, tent sites and more – you will be sorted at the Onuku Farm Hostel. This is the perfect spot for getting off the beaten track. This hostel also features as one of our 13 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand.

[CLOSED] Chez La Mer Backpackers

The brightest and most central backpacker hostel in Akaroa is the Chez La Mer Backpackers. Stay in this budget accommodation with free WiFi, free mountain bike hire, free fishing rods and much more! Relax in the garden or lounge and make use of the kitchen and laundry facilities in this historic yet homely hostel.

[CLOSED] Bon Accord Backpackers

Another central hostel in Akaroa is the Bon Accord Backpackers. Keeping on the historic French theme, the Bon Accord hostel is set alongside the river on the edge of Akaroa town centre. Relax in the garden, grab some herbs and vegetables from the garden and make use of the communal kitchen facilities. As for rooms, choose from dorms, private rooms and cabins.

More About Backpacker Hostels in Akaroa

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Akaroa. For more advice on staying in Akaroa on a backpacker budget, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Akaroa – Guide for Backpackers.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Robin via our contact page