5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© Stewart Island Backpackers
5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island

5 Best Budget Accommodations on Stewart Island 🛌🏼 [2024]

© Stewart Island Backpackers

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation on Stewart Island

Apart from a million Department of Conservation huts and campgrounds in the Rakiura National Park, there are a few alternative cheap accommodations that make for a comfortable stay on Stewart Island. Backpacker hostels, homestays and the island’s only hotel make up the offering of cheap stays, which you can learn more about in this list of the best budget accommodations on Stewart Island!

For more trip-planning advice, check out The Guide to Stewart Island on a Budget and the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Stewart Island.

1. Stewart Island Backpackers

A welcoming backpacker hostel that’s open year-round, Stewart Island Backpackers is a good go-to for budget accommodation on Stewart Island. As well as private double and twin rooms, the hostel has a range of dorm rooms sleeping no more than four people and with no bunks! Tent sites are also available. Whatever you decide, you’ll have access to a well-equipped communal kitchen, as well as bathrooms, a lounge and laundry facilities surrounding a sunny courtyard garden where you can relax and watch the kaka parrots fly by. Thanks to the private dorm rooms you can hire, we also recommend this hostel in our 5 Best Family Accommodations on Stewart Island.

Check Stewart Island Backpackers out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© Stewart Island Backpackers

2. South Sea Hotel

The waterfront hotel that greets visitors when they first arrive on the ferry is not only the local pub but offers affordable hotel rooms upstairs. The main hotel rooms of the South Sea Hotel boast a traditional flare, reflecting an old-school New Zealand hotel style of a selection of double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms and breakfast-making facilities. It also has a communal lounge with excellent views of Halfmoon Bay. If you prefer more of your own space, then there are nine motel units adjacent to the main building, which include an ensuite bathroom and breakfast-making facilities. See more like this in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay on Stewart Island.

Check South Sea Hotel out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© South Sea Hotel

3. Bunkers Backpackers

A homely backpacker hostel practically located in the centre of Oban, Bunkers Backpackers provides affordable accommodation in the summer season. There are private double and twin rooms available, as well as small dorm rooms sleeping three to four people. Spruce up something for dinner in the cosy kitchen to share with fellow backpackers at this friendly hostel. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities. For more hostels, especially when you get back to the mainland, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill & Stewart Island.

Check Bunkers Backpackers out:

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© Bunkers Backpackers

4. Hicks Farm Accommodation

When it comes to Airbnb accommodation on Stewart Island, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something affordable. That’s with the exception of Hicks Farm Accommodation which just fits the bracket. This homestay offers a unit with a double room and a small lounge with breakfast-making facilities. You also have a private bathroom in an adjacent building. The family property is home to a few pet sheep, and it also makes a good place for kiwi spotting! For more advice on using Airbnb, check out Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb in New Zealand.

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© Hicks Farm Accommodation

5. Jo & Andy’s Bed & Breakfast

Finally, a good old-fashioned Kiwi homestay awaits at the blue cottage of Jo & Andy’s Bed & Breakfast. The cosy centrally heated home includes free breakfast throughout your stay in either a double or twin room. Plus, there is a cheaper rate for single occupancy, as well as for staying in winter. Guests use shared facilities, which include a bathroom, laundry and a kitchen. Your host also offers transfers to/from the ferry. See more like this in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Stewart Island.

5 Best Budget Accommodation in Stewart Island© Pixabay

More About Budget Accommodations on Stewart Island

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations on Stewart Island. For more tips to help plan the perfect island excursion, check out the following guides:

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

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

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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