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 for a while. While most of the accommodations in Fiordland National Park are Department of Conservation huts along hiking trails, 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 Best Things to Do in the Fiordland National Park for inspiration on what to do in Fiordland during your stay.
1. Milford Sound Lodge (Milford Sound)
Just a five-minute drive from the Milford Sound mariner, the Milford Sound Lodge is in the middle of all the action. The lodge has powered sites for campervans and communal facilities for cooking, laundry, etc, for those on a budget. Otherwise, the lodge also has private rooms and cabins for those with a little more dough to spare. Learn more about your accommodation options near Milford Sound in our 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound. [Update: Milford Sound Lodge no longer does backpacker dorms].
Check Milford Sound Lodge on:
© Milford Sound Lodge2. Deep Cove School Hostel (Doubtful Sound)
Stay in Doubtful Sound in this affordable hostel accommodation! Despite being called a “school hostel” Deep Cove School Hostel welcomes casual visitors too. One of the casual accommodations is “Wilmot Lodge”, offering a communal kitchen which is fully equipped, however, you may need to bring your own sleeping bag. There’s also “Wanganella Apartment” sleeping up to six with full self-catering facilities.
© Deep Cove Hostel3. Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers (Te Anau)
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, as well as start 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, including dorms in glamping tents. For more hostels to choose from in Te Anau, see the 7 Best Backpacker Hostels in Te Anau & Milford Sound.
Check Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers out:
- Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers on Booking.com
- Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers on Trip.com
- Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers on Expedia
© Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers4. Tui Base Camp (Tuatapere)
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 accommodations from dorms to powered sites to motel units. Check out more to do in the area in the 7 Amazing Things to Do in Tuatapere.
Check Tui Base Camp out:
5. Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers (Te Anau)
On the edge of Te Anau town, Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers is a spacious and well-equipped hostel with everything you need for an affordable and, more importantly, fun stay! There’s a warm and friendly vibe here, helped by your gracious hosts, while there are comfortable places to relax – the fireplace in the main lounge is a popular hangout. As for rooms, most are shared dorms while a private double room is also available. Remember to make use of the BBH discount and check out the nearby alpaca farm that has been entertaining guests for years.
Check Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers out:
- Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers on Booking.com
- Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers on Trip.com
- Bob & Maxine’s Backpackers on Expedia
© Bob & Maxine's Backpackers[CLOSED] 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.
More About Fiordland for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Fiordland National Park. For more about planning an epic trip to this stunning corner of the world, check out more of our advice:
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Milford Sound
- 15 Best Things to Do in Fiordland National Park
- The Complete Travel Guide to Milford Sound
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the Fiordland National Park – 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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