Where to Find Backpacker Accommodations in Twizel
But wait a minute, there aren’t five hostels in Twizel! Well, that’s true but with so many backpackers asking us about places to stay in Twizel, we thought we’d put together this list of Twizel hostels and some of the closest hostels to Twizel. It’s always good to have a backup in case the Twizel hostels are fully booked (which is often the case). Most of the hostels close to Twizel are in Omarama and Lake Tekapo.
Why Stay in Twizel
Why would you want to stay in Twizel? Well, apart from being surrounded by amazing high country scenery, Twizel is also a place to see some of the famous Lord of the Rings filming locations! It’s also part of the International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning on a clear night you will get some of the best stargazing in the world. And if they weren’t enough, check out the 8 Amazing Things to Do in Twizel.
1. High Country Lodge & Backpackers
This is it, your official backpacker hostel accommodation inside Twizel itself is the High Country Lodge & Backpackers. This huge motel and backpacker accommodation has a shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities so you’ll have all the essentials for a budget stay in Twizel. Note, however, that for a huge accommodation it has quite a small communal kitchen, so get in there early if you want to make your dinner with less elbows.
Check High Country Lodge out:
2. Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
An awesome alternative to a hostel in Twizel is the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park. It’s only a five-minute drive from the town centre of Twizel, yet boasts a stunning location nestled in lakeside forest. Plus, the holiday park features cheap private cabins (but no dorms). It has all the shared facilities that you would usually get in a hostel too, including bathrooms and a kitchen. It’s also the ideal option for camping in a campervan, car or tent.
Check Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park out:
3. Buscot Station (Omarama)
A 15 minutes drive out of Twizel toward Omarama is the old homestead of a sheep and cattle farm, Buscot Station. With a generous variety of room types, dorms, single, twin, double and family rooms, Buscot Station fits just about any type of budget traveller. They also allow camping on their lawns too. Buscot Station is part of the BBH hostel network. For more hostels close to Omarama, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Omarama.
4. Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers (Omarama)
Another hostel in Omarama, Ahuriri Motels is a 20-minute drive from Twizel. They have a cosy backpacker lodge on-site with its own kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities in a lodge with four separate bedrooms with shared and private options available.
Check Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers out:
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Booking.com
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Trip.com
- Ahuriri Motels & Backpackers on Expedia
5. Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park (Omarama)
Another great holiday park option in the Twizel area is the Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park. Just 20 minutes away from Twizel, Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park has a great selection of cabins that are affordable for solo travellers, couples and groups. They also have tent sites and campervan sites, as well as shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
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
More About Twizel for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Twizel. For more advice for the ultimate Twizel experience, check these out:
- 6 Best Things to Do in Twizel
- 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo
- 10 Easy Meals to Cook in a Hostel in 10 Minutes
Finally, if there’s anything else we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Canterbury – Guide for Backpackers.
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.