5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© ASURE Aspiring Court Motel
5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast

9 Best Budget Accommodations in Haast & Makarora 🛌🏼 [2024]

© ASURE Aspiring Court Motel

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Haast and Makarora

After that lengthy drive from Wanaka or Franz Josef, relax in the World Heritage Area of Haast or Makarora at the other end of the Haast Pass. These might be tiny communities on the edge of the wilderness, but there are still some super cheap accommodations that allow you to enjoy all of its natural wonders while staying on a budget. Motels are deceiving here, especially in Haast, offering options for backpackers to campers in their grounds beyond the usual self-contained units, while the odd hidden gem with awe-inspiring surroundings can be found along the Haast Pass. Discover some of our favourites in this list of the best budget accommodations in Haast and Makarora.

For more budget tips and cheap accommodations in Haast, take a look at The Guide to Haast on a Budget and the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Haast.

1. Wilderness Accommodation (Haast)

Surrounding a light-filled atrium with all sorts of native plants, Wilderness Accommodation makes you feel like you’re out exploring the epic wilderness when it might be more likely that the rain is keeping your out of it. The accommodation is split into two wings, a motel wing with self-contained rooms (i.e. a kitchenette and ensuite) and a communal kitchen, and a backpackers’ wing with cheap and cheerful rooms and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. See more like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Fox Glacier & Haast.

Check Wilderness Accommodation out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Wilderness Accommodation

2. Haast River Motels & Holiday Park (Haast)

Bordering the Haast River just off the main highway, Haast River Motels & Holiday Park offers a well-presented range of budget accommodations. From ensuite double/twin rooms to self-contained studios and family apartments, they have something to cover most needs and budgets. Tent and campervan sites are also an option where guests make use of the communal bathroom and kitchen facilities. The playground also makes this a great option for families, as recommended in the 9 Best Family Accommodations in Haast & Makarora.

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5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Haast River Motels & Holiday Park

3. Wonderland Makarora Lodge (Makarora)

At the other end of Haast Pass, Wonderland Makaroa Lodge offers budget accommodation in a breathtaking environment. Stay on the edge of the Mt Aspiring National Park in an A-frame cabin among the bush gardens and majestic mountain landscape. Your cabin has a small kitchenette with hotplates, microwave, fridge and more, while the cabins have a double bed and two singles, ideal for couples to families. On-site is a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you don’t feel like cooking.

Check Wonderland Makaroa Lodge out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Wonderland Makarora Lodge

4. Heartland Hotel Haast (Haast)

Reducing nightly rates more than ever (perhaps as the hotel gets older), Heartland Hotel Haast offers affordable hotel rooms in “The Junction” part of town, i.e. the junction of State Highway 6 and the Haast-Jackson Bay Road. No worries if you need to get to the main town, however, as they offer a courtesy shuttle. Stay in well-presented hotel rooms with all the usual amenities of hot drink-making facilities, an ensuite – some with a spa bath, free WiFi, etc. Rooms come in queen, twin and family set-ups with the option of one or two bedrooms. On-site is also a popular country-style pub/restaurant with an a la carte menu year-round and a carvery buffet in the summer season. For alternative hotel stays, check out the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Haast.

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5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Heartland Hotel Haast

5. Heritage Park Lodge (Haast)

Heritage Park Lodge offers motel-style accommodation in the middle of the Haast township, comprising of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Enjoy all the essential amenities, like a full kitchen and ensuite bathroom, in your unit, while those travelling with little ones will find cots and highchairs available if needed. The motel lodge is set on attractive park-like grounds, while you’re also close to the town’s tavern should you want to eat out.

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5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Heritage Park Lodge

6. Mountainview Makarora Accommodation (Makarora)

Another affordable beauty at the other end of Haast Pass is Mountainview Makarora Accommodation. The “Tui Studio” is an endearing option; a cosy set-up with a kitchenette, dining and lounge furniture to enjoy a quiet night in while listening to the antics of the surrounding birdlife. The lodge also offers two affordable private ensuite rooms with breakfast-making facilities. For more couple-centric stays like this, check out the 5 Best Romantic Accommodations in Haast & Makarora.

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5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Mountainview Makarora Accommodation

7. Haast Beach Motel (Haast)

Located along the beautiful Haast Beach, as featured in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Haast, Haast Beach Motel is a little out of town but that’s all part of the charm. Plus, with a general store nearby should you need supplies for your room’s kitchen, you’re not too far from the essentials anyway. Couples can stay in the well-appointed studio room, while the cheapest option for families is the double-storey family room with a kitchenette and bathroom on the ground floor and a bedroom with one double and two single beds upstairs.

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5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Haast Beach Motel

8. Bay Road Motels (Haast)

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Haast along the scenic Haast-Jackson Bay Road, Bay Road Motels offers well-equipped apartment-style rooms with all the essentials at your fingertips. Near the Turnbull River and with surrounding mountain views, you’ll struggle to beat the scenery and tranquillity of this motel. Choose between one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments with dated fixtures and furniture but well-maintained for a pleasant stay. There are apartments to sleep up to six guests should you bet travelling as a large group.

Check Bay Road Motels out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© Bay Road Motels

9. ASURE Aspiring Court Motel (Haast)

[Update: ASURE Aspiring Court Motel no longer offers backpacker and camping accommodation, but you still may want to consider their self-contained motel units].

More than just a motel, ASURE Aspiring Court Motel also offers basic private rooms, backpacker dorms and campsites – rooms right across the budget spectrum! Most of the motel suites have fantastic views of the surrounding native bush and soak in plenty of sun, as well as provide all the essential amenities at your fingertips. Should you be on a tighter budget, there are plenty of comfortable private rooms, cabins, tent sites and powered sites with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. For more motel stays, check out the 7 Best Motels in Haast.

Check ASURE Aspiring Court Motel out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Haast© ASURE Aspiring Court Motel

More About Budget Accommodations in Haast and Makarora

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Haast and Makarora, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Haast on a Budget.

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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