5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Fiordland National Park

Where to Stay on a Budget in Fiordland National Park

The largest national park in New Zealand has so much to explore that you’ll definitely want to stay here a while. While most of the accommodation in Fiordland National Park are Department of Conservation huts along hiking trails, and a few hiking trail lodges on the Hump Ridge Track, there are still a few hostels to be found in and around Fiordland. With that in mind, we’ve put together this quick list of the best backpacker hostels in Fiordland National Park!

The Fiordland hostels consist of hostels within the park, as well as on the outskirts making a great base for Fiordland hikes, boat trips, scuba diving, jet boating and more! Check out our 10 Must-Dos in the Fiordland National Park for inspiration on what to do in Fiordland during your stay.

1. Milford Sound Lodge

Just a five-minute drive of the Milford Sound mariner, the Milford Sound Lodge is in the middle of all the actions. The lodge has backpacker dorms, powered sites and non-powered sites for campervans and communal facilities for cooking, laundry, etc, for those on a budget. Otherwise, the lodge also has private rooms as well.

2. Gunn’s Camp

Want to try something completely old school? Gunn’s Camp is nestled in the Hollyford Valley and one of the most isolated budget accommodations you’ll find. There’s no cellphone coverage so the only way to make a booking is to flick them an email or show up and see what happens! There are communal spaces like an equipped kitchen and dining area, a few walks and a mini-museum, on top of cabin-style accommodation. Charge your phones during the day because the power generator will be switched off at night.

3. Deep Cove School Hostel

Stay in Doubtful Sound in this affordable hostel accommodation! Despite being called a “school hostel” Deep Cove School Hostel welcomes casual visitors. There’s a communal kitchen which is fully equipped, however, you may need to bring your own sleeping bag.

4. Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

A great base for exploring the Fiordland National Park is in Te Anau. On the edge of the Fiordland National Park, it’s a popular spot to visit Milford Sound from, as well as starting multi-day hiking trips like the Kepler Track, Milford Track and more. Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers has all the essential facilities expected in a hostel and a variety of budget rooms. For more hostels to choose from in Te Anau, see 6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Te Anau & Milford Sound.

Check Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers out:

5. Tui Base Camp

As for getting off the beaten track and exploring southern Fiordland, stay in the town of Tuatapere. The small town is a popular base for the Hump Ridge Track, jet boating on Lake Hauroko, hunting in the national park, and more! Tui Base Camp has a variety of budget accommodation from dorms to powered sites to motel units.