Koanui Lodge© Koanui Lodge
Koanui Lodge

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Blenheim 🎒 [2024]

© Koanui Lodge

Where to Stay in Blenheim for Backpackers

If staying long-term in a hostel was ever an experience you wanted to try, then Blenheim is the king of long-term stay hostels thanks to the demand for seasonal workers in the Marlborough region. All of the hostels listed below offer weekly rates making your stay in Blenheim affordable when working a picking season.

For those just passing through Blenheim, wanting to check out the hikes and beaches and do a bit of a winery crawl by bike, then plenty of backpacker hostels welcome short-term guests too. Inspire yourself for things to do with the 15 Best Things to Do in Blenheim.

Without further ado, here are some of the best backpacker hostels in Blenheim!

1. Jack’s Backpackers

Like a big houseshare, Jack’s Backpackers certainly isn’t anything flashy but you’ll be made to feel right at home. With a range of mixed, female and male dormitories, there’s something for most backpackers here, while the communal kitchen, lounge and garden (with tent sites available) are comfortable places to relax. You can also make use of the home gym equipment, yoga mats, game tables and barbecue area. The accommodation is a short walk from town, where you’re free to use the bikes available to get around.

Check Jack’s Backpackers out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Blenheim© Jack's Backpackers

2. Copperbeech Backpackers

As a hostel with that “home away from home” feeling, no wonder Copperbeach is a favourite for a long-term stay. (And let’s be honest, that’s what most of us will be doing in the picking season). Colourful decor, a cosy living room with guitars and a huge garden – it’s a great place to hang out after a hard day’s work on the vineyards. What’s more, some dorms have their own ensuite bathroom, while private double and twin rooms (some with an ensuite) are available.

Check out our Cheap Weekly Accommodation Guide to Blenheim for more budget options for staying in Blenheim long-term.

hostels blenheim© Copperbeach Backpackers

3. Koanui Lodge

Koanui Lodge is often praised for its “good vibes”! There’s plenty of space to lounge and meet new people, whether you’re here long-term or just passing through. It has all the basics – free WiFi, parking, three kitchens and laundry facilities – and a few fun free stuff – barbecue, mini billiard table, pool table and bikes – for your stay in Blenheim. As for rooms, choose from three, four or five-bed dorms (some with an ensuite), as well as private twin and double rooms.

For tips on staying here or any hostel long-term, check out What it’s Like to Be a Long-termer in a Hostel.

Koanui Lodge© Koanui Lodge

4. Blenheim Backpackers and Motorcamp

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to park your campervan, share a dorm or stay in a private cabin, there’s something to suit at Blenheim Backpackers and Motorcamp. Each of the cabins, whether shared or private, comes with a fridge, kettle and toaster, making for easier mornings than crowding in the two communal kitchens. What’s more, free WiFi is available for all guests. Oh, and did we mention there’s a swimming pool?!

Blenheim Backpackers and Motorcamp, like all of the hostels mentioned on this list, are working hostels with contacts in the local horticulture and viticulture industries. For tips on how these hostels work, check out How a Working Hostel in New Zealand Can Help You Find a Job.

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Blenheim© Blenheim Backpackers and Motorcamp

5. Hortus Accommodation

[Update: Hortus Accommodation, formerly Duncannon, has turned into worker accommodation for the local horticulture and viticulture industry and no longer provides traditional “backpacker” accommodation. However, you may still want to look into this accommodation if you’re working in the area].

This backpackers is more aimed towards seasonal workers rather than short-term stays, but if you want a more spacious stay in a grand 98-room complex with 5 acres of backyard to play around in, then this is the place for you.

Duncannon© Duncannon

[CLOSED] Biddy Kate’s Backpackers

A backpackers with an Irish twist – and that twist is the Irish Bar downstairs with some super cheap backpacker meals on offer (meals under NZ$10). If you like to be close to the party, then Biddy Kate’s is the place to be.

[CLOSED] The Grapevine

Aptly named, The Grapevine is popular with seasonal workers and short-term stays alike. This old-style villa has great views of the Opawa River on its decking area – a great place to have a glass of Marlborough wine at the end of the day (if you’re not sick of the sight of it).

More About Hostels in Blenheim

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Blenheim. For more about being a backpacker in Blenheim, take a look at these:

Finally, if there’s anything that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Marlborough – 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:

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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