5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Timaru 🎒 [2023]© Anchor Motel
5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Timaru 🎒 [2023]

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Timaru 🎒 [2024]

© Anchor Motel

Where to Find Backpacker Accommodation in Timaru

Get off the beaten track to the classic coastal city of Timaru! Home to a little blue penguin colony, beaches, fishing, hunting, brewery tours, art galleries and more, Timaru is worth staying a night or two. With that in mind, and to keep you on that all-important backpacker budget, we’ve put together this list of backpacker hostels in Timaru!

The awkward thing is that there aren’t exactly five backpacker hostels in Timaru. However, to give you plenty of options, we’ve included some holiday parks with budget rooms for backpackers, as well as hostels in nearby towns. To learn more about what there is to do in Timaru, check out our Canterbury – Guide for Backpackers.

1. Anchor Motel & Timaru Backpackers

Choose from affordable single, double and dorm rooms in the Timaru Backpackers (Anchor Motel). The backpacker accommodation has two kitchens, two bathrooms, a large lounge and TVs in every room, which consist of private double and single rooms for extremely reasonable rates! Relax in the gardens or fire up the barbecue in this large and friendly hostel.

Check Anchor Motel & Timaru Backpackers out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Timaru 🎒 [2023]© Anchor Motel

2. Glenmark Holiday Park

Situated only a 3-minute drive from the city centre, Glenmark Holiday Park provides another affordable backpacker accommodation option in Timaru. Choose from cheap cabins and units that are ideal for those travelling in couples or groups. Of course, there are powered sites and tent sites for camping. As well as your expected essential facilities, the holiday park also has an outdoor pool for use between November and April.

Check Glenmark Holiday Park out:

Glenmark Holiday Park© Glenmark Holiday Park

3. Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park

More backpacker accommodation awaits at the Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park! This slightly more modern holiday park has some great options for budget accommodation in the form of budget cabins, units and motel units. There are also powered and tent sites, as well as kitchen, laundry, lounge and barbecue facilities. 250Mb of free WiFi is available per day.

Check Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park© Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park

4. Rawhiti Backpackers (Geraldine)

Just 35 minutes from Timaru in the town of Geraldine, the Rawhiti Backpackers is a great alternative when exploring the outer Timaru district. Go white water rafting, horse trekking, stargazing and more in the Geraldine area, as listed in the 10 Best Things to Do in Geraldine. The Rawhiti Backpackers is a spacious hostel which is tidy and characterful. A true home away from home!

Check Rawhiti Backpacker out:

Theta 360 Loading...

5. [CLOSED] 1873 Wanderer

[Update: 1873 Wanderer Backpackers is now closed].

For a homely stay in Timaru consider 1873 the Wanderer backpackers. This small hostel situated in a townhouse offers free little blue penguin tours with your enthusiastic host. The hostel has all the essential facilities and rooms expected in a hostel, as well as the option for a tent site in the garden. What’s more, it’s well within walking distance of the town centre and Caroline Bay. Note that the hostel is closed between 1 March and 1 May.

More About Timaru for Backpackers

That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Timaru. For more advice for the ultimate Timaru experience, check these out:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in 13 Best Things to Do in Timaru.

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.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter