Where to Find Accommodation in Omarama for Backpackers
On the edge of Lindis Pass and along a scenic journey of the Canterbury region of the South Island, Omarama is a top stop for any South Island road trip! Whether you’re journeying to the Clay Cliffs, taking the Lindis Pass to Queenstown, or road tripping to the stunning Lake Tekapo, it’s definitely worth spending some time in the Omarama area. With that in mind, here are some of the best backpacker hostels in Omarama as well as some other cheap accommodations.
Omarama has hostels and holiday parks in the town as well as budget backpacker sheep stations surrounding the area for that true New Zealand high country experience. Check out the accommodations below for what we consider some of the best hostels and budget accommodations in Omarama. As for activities, check out the 5 Fun Things to Do in Omarama.
1. Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station
Get that high country experience with Tim and Geva as they host you in their backpacker accommodation 10 minutes drive out of Omarama. Free WiFi is included at Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station, but we think you’ll have more fun helping out on the sheep farm if you are keen! Dorm rooms are limited to two, three and four beds, for a more boutique experience, while private queen and twin rooms are also available.
Check Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station out:
- Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station on Booking.com
- Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station on HostelWorld
- Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station on Trip.com
- Dunstan Downs High Country Sheep Station on Expedia
© Dunstan Downs2. Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park
A great budget alternative to staying in a hostel in Omarama is at the Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park. Perfect if you are travelling as a couple, group or family, there are some affordable cabins, as well as camping sites. Facilities include shared bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and nice open spaces to relax in after a hard day on the road!
Check Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
© Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park3. Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers
Solo travellers and couples consider the Ahuriri Motels right in the town of Omarama. The motel complex also includes a backpacker lodge with five separate rooms – shared four-bed rooms and private rooms – and a communal lounge/dining room, kitchen and shower/toilet facilities. Note that the motel is closed in June, July and August.
Check Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers out:
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Booking.com
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Trip.com
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Expedia
© Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers4. Buscot Station
Less than 10 minutes’ drive from Omarama is the sheep and cattle station homestead of Buscot Station. There are rooms to suit any kind of budget traveller, including single rooms, double, twin, dorms and family rooms. Some come with an ensuite bathroom. There’s also the option to camp too. Buscot Station is a member of the BBH network.
© Buscot Station5. High Country Lodge & Motels (Twizel)
As an alternative town to stay in while exploring the Canterbury region, consider Twizel just a 20-minute drive from Omarama. High Country Lodge & Motels is the only backpacker hostel accommodation in the town. They have backpacker dorms and motel accommodation with shared bathrooms, kitchens and dining area facilities. It’s a huge accommodation with quite a small communal kitchen, so get in there early if you want to make your dinner in peace. For more stays nearby Twizel, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Twizel.
Check High Country Lodge out:
More About Omarama for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Omarama. For more advice for the ultimate Omarama experience, check these out:
- 5 Best Things to Do in Omarama
- 7 Bizarre Sights in the Waitaki Valley
- 10 Most Beautiful Roads in New Zealand
Finally, if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Canterbury – 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.
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Kaikoura 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjExODozMTQ=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDIwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Wanaka 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjE1MTozMzc=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDE3NCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxNzQiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Mt Cook 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjE2MjozNzk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMzAwIDIwMCIgd2lkdGg9IjMwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIyMDAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjI1MTo3OTQ=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDY3NSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
