5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill
5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill

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

© Tuatara Lodge

Where to Stay in Invercargill and Stewart Island for Backpackers

Well, this is awkward. Because there are only two backpacker hostels in Invercargill, we figured that wouldn’t make much of a “best backpacker hostels in Invercargill” list! Because you have travelled all the way to the world’s southernmost city, you might as well hop on a ferry and visit Stewart Island too. That’s why we have also included Stewart Island hostels on our list.

While exploring the city’s museums, eating Southland Cheese Rolls and sampling Bluff Oysters, save some precious cents by staying in a hostel in Invercargill. Spending less money on accommodation means there’s more for the things you really care about. By the way, have you also seen our 10 Free & Cheap Things to do in Invercargill and 16 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Stewart Island?

Want to Stay Longer?

Remember, WWOOFing is always a good option to work for accommodation should you want to stay in Southland for a while. Find out more about working for accommodation in Everything You Need to Know About WWOOFing in New Zealand and 10 Lessons You’ll Only Learn When Working in a Hostel.

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

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:

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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:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill© 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:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Invercargill© 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:

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

More About Invercargill and Stewart Island for Backpackers

Now that you have found the best backpackers hostels in Invercargill and Stewart Island, check out what awesome things there are to do in Invercargill and Stewart Island:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Invercargill – Guide for Backpackers or Stewart Island – Guide for Backpackers.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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