© Shining Star Accomodation
© Shining Star Accomodation

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hokitika 🎒 [2024]

© Shining Star Accomodation

Where to Stay in Hokitika for Backpackers

This little beachside settlement on the South Island West Coast has so much to do that you’ll definitely want to stay awhile. Watch the famous Hokitika sunset from Hokitika Beach, carve your own greenstone in the jade capital of New Zealand, walk over milky blue waters at Hokitika Gorge, and so much more! Just check our Hokitika must-do list! While you’re out there making the most of this cool little town, save on the cents by staying in one of these backpacker hostels in Hokitika.

But wait a minute, there are only two official hostels in Hokitika… Well, be that as it may, we’ve thrown in a few more budget accommodations for backpackers so that you know your options.

1. Mountain Jade Backpackers

Ideally located in the centre of town, Mountain Jade Backpackers is a great base for your time in Hokitika. The hostel is colourful and characterful with a large open lounge. Plus, there are all the essentials you’ll need for a budget stay: kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, etc. Whether you’re a solo backpacker looking for a cheap dorm or a family looking for motel-style accommodation, the Mountain Jade Backpackers is definitely worth considering.

Check Mountain Jade Backpackers out:

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2. Seaview Lodge & Backpackers

A relaxing albeit spooky stay in the historic mental hospital, Seaview Lodge & Backpackers certainly provides something unique to Hokitika. Stay in one of the characterful dorm rooms or private rooms with retro decor and functional kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. The backpackers also welcomes campers to pitch or park their campervans on the lawns so you can enjoy the coastal views and have close access to the Hokitika Glow Worm Dell and Hokitika Lighthouse.

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Hokitika 🎒 [2023]© Seaview Lodge & Backpackers

3. Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation & Holiday Park

As the name suggests, this motel and holiday park is situated on the beachfront of Hokitika. With budget cabins and motel rooms, Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation is a good value option if travelling as a couple or group. Plus, with powered sites and tent sites, it gives you a great place to camp in Hokitika too. The holiday park has all the essential communal facilities like a kitchen and laundry.

Check Shining Star Accommodation out:

Shining Star Accomodation© Shining Star Accomodation

4. Hokitika Holiday Park

A great value option for campervan road trippers and groups is the Hokitika Holiday Park. Stay in affordable cabins or book a powered site or tent site with access to communal facilities. There are plenty of spacious facilities much like a hostel, including kitchens, barbecues, laundry and a lounge. Hokitika Holiday Park is just a 5-minute drive out of Hokitika.

Check Hokitika Holiday Park out:

Hokitika Holiday Park© Hokitika Holiday Park

5. Lake Mahinapua Campsite

For a cheap camping option, whether you’re in a campervan or tent, is the Lake Mahinapua Campsite. The campsite is run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and has a cooking shelter, flushing toilets and tap water. There are around 100 spaces so you don’t need to worry about getting there too early, but you will need to book online. The campsite is a 10-minute drive south of Hokitika.

Check Lake Mahinapua Campsite out:

Tim Parkinson on Wikipedia© Tim Parkinson on Wikipedia

[CLOSED] Birdsong Accommodation

Just outside of Hokitika town sits the Birdsong Accommodation overlooking the forest and the sea. Needless to say, there are great views from the lounge and some rooms! The hostel is a 30-minute walk from town or a 10-minute walk from the Glow Worm Dell. The hostel is aptly named Birdsong due to the regular native bird visitors to their garden. There are many private rooms available as well as dorms with up to four beds.

More About Hokitika for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Hokitika. For more West Coast travel advice, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the West Coast – 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:

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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