5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill & Stewart Island [2023]

1. Southern Comfort Backpackers (Invercargill)

Small yet homely, the Southern Comfort Backpackers along with its friendly hosts will make you feel right at home. This restored Victorian villa has a cute garden to hang out in, as well as is close to the city centre and Queens Park – one of the 20 Best Things to Do in Invercargill. There are not too many room types available, but at least you have the basics of dorm rooms and private double and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities. We also like that there are a couple of bikes available for guest use.

Check Southern Comfort Backpackers out:

• Southern Comfort Backpackers on Booking.com
• Southern Comfort Backpackers on HostelWorld

© Southern Comfort Backpackers

2. Stewart Island Backpackers (Stewart Island)

If you have travelled this far south, you might as well take a trip to Stewart Island. Stewart Island Backpackers is a spacious hostel open all year round on New Zealand’s third populated island. Rooms are spread across a couple of accommodation blocks, including dorms, private double and twin rooms, and even tent sites. You also have a spacious kitchen, lounge and garden areas to relax in where you can make friends with fellow travellers and/or the resident kaka (bush parrots).

Check Stewart Island Backpackers out:

• Stewart Island Backpackers on Booking.com
• Stewart Island Backpackers on HostelWorld
• Stewart Island Backpackers on Trip.com

3. Tuatara Lodge (Invercargill)

In the heart of Invercargill, this is the perfect base for exploring the city. The cafe and bar on the bottom floor is a cool place to hang out and a little flashier than the basic hostel upstairs. But at prices like these, who’s complaining? The super large Tuatara Lodge has plenty of room: mixed and female dorms and private single, double and quad rooms. Cooking is easy enough in the spacious kitchen and dining area, while the two lounges are a little cramped with not much going on other than one having a TV. Nevertheless, the essentials are there for a comfortable short stay.

Check Tuatara Lodge out:

• Tuatara Lodge on Booking.com
• Tuatara Lodge on HostelWorld
• Tuatara Lodge on Trip.com
• Tuatara Lodge on Expedia

© Tuatara Lodge

4. Bunkers Backpackers (Stewart Island)

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 options when it comes to cheap stays on the island, check out the 5 Best Budget Accommodations on Stewart Island.

Check Bunkers Backpackers out:

• Bunkers Backpackers on Trip.com

© Bunkers Backpackers

5. Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels (Invercargill)

Your final option for backpacker accommodation in Invercargill is the Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels. It’s a no-brainer if you are travelling with a campervan or have a tent to make use of their camping sites and all the essential communal facilities that you would expect in a hostel. Other budget accommodation options at the holiday park include cabins, which are cheap for couples or groups. For more alternative cheap stays, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Invercargill.

Check Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels out:

• Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels on Booking.com
• Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels on Trip.com
• Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels on Expedia

© Invercargill Holiday Park & Motels

[CLOSED] The Grand Hotel

Steeped in history, treat yourself to a flashpacker experience in Invercargill. The Grand Hotel caters to those on a backpacker budget with four-bed share dorms and twin rooms. The Grand Hotel is also an option for people working in Invercargill and staying a little longer with some rooms at a weekly rate.