Where to Stay in Ohakune on a Budget
With epic ski fields, mountain bike trails, Great Walks and more, Ohakune is a place where your budget is best spent on activities rather than accommodation. With that in mind, here are the best backpacker hostels in Ohakune!
Hostels are one of the best types of budget accommodation with dorm rooms and shared facilities. They are also a great place to meet like-minded travellers. Follow our tips on How to Live in a Hostel if staying in a hostel for the first time.
As for Ohakune, the town at the base of Mt Ruapehu is packed with awesome activities, from mountain biking trails to the Turoa ski field. Find out more about how to make the most of your time here in Ruapehu – Guide for Backpackers and The Guide to Ohakune on a Budget.
So take a look at what we consider some of the best backpacker hostels in Ohakune.
1. Station Lodge
This characterful backpacker hostel at the railway station is situated in The Junction end of town. Enjoy the proximity of mountain bike trails, bars and clubs that come alive in winter, and the closest you can get to Mt Ruapehu. There’s a free spa pool, an outdoor wood fire pizza oven, bikes for going to down town (and mountain bikes to hire) and more. YHA members get the benefit of a discount and free Wi-Fi. Find out more about YHA in BBH, YHA, BASE or NOMADS: What is the Best Hostel Network?
Check Station Lodge out:
2. LKNZ Lodge
With a prime location in the centre of Ohakune near all the essential services, LKNZ Lodge is well worth considering when staying in Ohakune. If you’re not making use of the kitchens, there’s an on-site cafe. Plus, pool tables, limited free WiFi and a bunch of hire options, such as mountain bikes, spa pool and sauna.
Check LKNZ Lodge out:
3. Ohakune Central Backpackers
This cosy and quiet hostel in the centre of Ohakune is a great place to hang out in the spa pool after a day on the slopes or fire up the barbecue in summer. (Here are some recipes for inspiration). Each room is in a unit with a kettle and TV. What’s more, there’s free WiFi in every room.
Check Ohakune Central Backpackers out:
- Ohakune Central Backpackers on Booking.com
- Ohakune Central Backpackers on Trip.com
- Ohakune Central Backpackers on Expedia
4. The Hobbit Motorlodge
Apart from milking the whole New Zealand/Lord of the Rings thing, The Hobbit Motorlodge has a good range of budget accommodation available including backpacker dorm rooms. Added extras include Sky TV, an outdoor spa pool and a mountain shuttle service.
Check The Hobbit Motorlodge out:
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Booking.com
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Trip.com
- The Hobbit Motorlodge on Expedia
5. Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park
Ok, so we know this isn’t exactly a backpacker hostel, but Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park does provide some budget accommodation in their Gypsy Caravans at around NZ$45 per night. They also offer power sites and tents sites perfect for backpackers travelling by campervan. The communal facilities like kitchen and laundry will supply you with everything you need for a budget stay in Ohakune.
Check Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park out:
- Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.