5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Twizel 🎒 [2026]

Last Updated: 17 September, 2024

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:

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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:

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:

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:

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 [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])

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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