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:
- Stewart Island Backpackers on Booking.com
- Stewart Island Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Stewart Island Backpackers on Trip.com
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:
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:
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. 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.
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:
- 5 Best Motels on Stewart Island
- 5 Best Romantic Accommodations on Stewart Island
- 20 Best Things to Do on Stewart Island
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Stewart Island on a Budget.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.