5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Fox Glacier & Haast 🎒 [2026]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

Where to Stay in Fox Glacier and Haast for Backpackers

There’s so much to do and explore in the southern West Coast region that you’ll want to save on accommodation where you can. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some of the best backpacker hostels in Fox Glacier and Haast for when your travels bring you to the bottom of the West Coast.

Fox Glacier is famous for its array of glacier activities, as well as walks around the reflective Lake Matheson and in the Fox Glacier valley! Find out where to stay in this list of backpacker hostels in Fox Glacier.

Travel further south and you’ll come to Haast, a small township surrounded by the wonderful wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage Area. Find out why Haast is such an awesome destination in 10 Best Things to Do in Haast & Jackson Bay.

1. Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge (Fox Glacier)

Spread among several buildings, Ivory Towers Backpacker Lodge has a wide range of budget accommodations available, including dorms and private double, twin, triple and quad rooms in the main lodge. The smaller lodge with private ensuite rooms. There are several kitchen and lounge areas to relax in, so the place never feels too crowded, yet it’s still a social enough hostel to meet travellers to tackle the nearby hikes together. What’s more, you are free to relax in the spa pool or sauna – perfect after a day on a glacier.

Check Ivory Towers out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Fox Glacier & Haast

2. Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park & Motels (Fox Glacier)

A whole range of budget accommodations is available at the Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park from powered sites for campervans to a lodge with cheap private rooms. [Update: backpacker dorms are no longer available]. Note that bedding is not included in the price but can be hired. However, there are still communal facilities like a kitchen and laundry machines that you would usually find in a hostel. The holiday park is in a rural setting with a stunning backdrop of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Check Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

3. Wilderness Accommodation (Haast)

Moving onto Haast, you’ll feel like you’ve never left the West Coast rainforest in the central conservatory full of plants at the Wilderness Accommodation. This budget accommodation offers both backpacker rooms and motel units. The hostel side of the equation has a communal kitchen and dining area, as well as the all-essential laundry facilities. You can also borrow some bikes to explore the area.

Check Wilderness Accommodation out:

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4. Haast Lodge Backpackers & Motor Park (Haast)

Haast Lodge Backpackers & Motor Park has a great offering of backpacker accommodations available, as well as power sites for campers. The huge open plan communal area with kitchen, lounge and dining area has all the essentials for an easy and budget stay in Haast. For alternative stays in the “budget” realm, check out the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Haast.

5. [CLOSED] Fox Glacier Inn & Pod Hostel

As the name suggests, Fox Glacier Inn & Pod Hostel has dorm rooms following the “pod” concept of having your own private space. Each bed has its own curtain, light, USB and mains plug. There is also an on-site bar and restaurant should you want to treat yourself. Plus, free spa pool, pool table and movie room with free popcorn available at reception.

More About Fox Glacier and Haast for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Fox Glacier and Haast, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Fox & Franz Josef – Guide for Backpackers or The Guide to Haast on a Budget.

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 [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin C.

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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