5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hanmer Springs 🎒 [2023]

Where to Stay in Hanmer Springs for Backpackers

In the alpine town full of hikes, mountain bike trails, quad biking, horse trekking, skiing and some pretty fantastic hot pools, no wonder you want to stay in Hanmer Springs awhile. To make the most of this stunning South Island town without breaking the bank, stay in one of the amazing backpacker hostels in Hanmer Springs.

There’s a great offering of Hanmer Springs hostels, all with their own charms. However, as there are only two hostels in Hanmer Springs, we’ve added a couple of alternative backpacker accommodations to this list so you can find something right for you. Plus, you can stay longer and try all these awesome 20 Best Things to Do in Hanmer Springs.

1. Hanmer Backpackers

A cosy and homely hostel can be found at the Hanmer Backpackers. This Swiss chalet-style backpackers certainly emphasises the alpine feel of Hanmer Springs, so stay in one of the six rooms where dorms have a mix of single and bunk beds. There are also private rooms and family rooms available. As well as a kitchen, dining, laundry and lounge areas, other facilities include a massage chair and free unlimited WiFi.

Check Hanmer Backpackers out:

2. Kakapo Lodge

As the most central hostel in Hanmer Springs, Kakapo Lodge has the ideal location for a quick stroll to the hot pools. This purpose-built hostel has plenty of space whether you are staying in the dorms (no bunks), private rooms or family rooms. As well as a large equipped kitchen and dining area, you can make use of the laundry and free WiFi facilities or relax outside among the gardens and barbecue area.

Check Kakapo Lodge out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hanmer Springs 🎒 [2023]

3. Pines Holiday Park

Your alternative backpacker accommodation in Hanmer Springs is the holiday parks. They offer budget cabins which provide cheap accommodation with access to all the communal facilities that you would expect in a hostel, such as a kitchen, laundry, etc. Book a standard cabin for your own private space to share with your partner/travel buddies, or treat yourself to a self-contained motel or studio unit. Those travelling in a campervan or who have a tent can make use of the tent/powered sites. For more accommodations with cooking facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Hanmer Springs.

Check Pines Holiday Park out:

Pines Holiday Park on Trip.com

4. Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust

Certainly the cheapest holiday park in Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust is the most backpacker-friendly of the lot! Although all rooms are private, they are very cheap whether you’re looking for a double/twin room, family/bunk room or a self-catering motel unit. The camp also has several communal kitchens (although there’s a charge for using the barbecue). Find this accommodation a short drive from town.

Check Hanmer Springs Forest Camp Trust out:

5. Alpine Adventure Holiday Park

Just one more budget accommodation option in Hanmer Springs to consider is the Alpine Adventure Holiday Park. We like the super-budget option of the non-powered and powered cabins, which is a step between camping and hostelling. Of course, there are also camping sites, flats and even chalets to upgrade to. This accommodation is great for those with their own transport, as the holiday park is a little out of town. However, a courtesy shuttle runs regularly to the hot pools and town if needed. We also list a couple of other holiday parks in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Hanmer Springs so make sure to check those out too.

Check Alpine Adventure Holiday Park out:

[CLOSED] Jack in the Green

It doesn’t get more homely than the Jack in the Green Backpackers in Hanmer Springs. This modern hostel has eight rooms, giving a friendly atmosphere to the place. Stay in dorm rooms with no bunks, private rooms and even a couple of en-suite garden chalets. Of course, the hostel has all the essential communal facilities like an equipped kitchen, laundry and plenty of space to relax in the garden or lounge. Plus, BBH members benefit from a discount.

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More About Hanmer Springs for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Hanmer Springs, 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 Hanmer Springs – Guide for Backpackers and The Travel Guide to Hanmer Springs on a Budget.

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