Where to Find Hostels in Picton for Backpackers
With the Marlborough Sounds on your doorstep, why would you not want to stay in Picton? Not only that, but the backpacker hostels in Picton make it all that easier to explore the area, with most having free bikes to use and other inviting perks.
After a day out on the water, biking on the hills of the Marlborough Sounds, or hiking on the Queen Charlotte Track, relax in the inevitable spa pool offered back at your accommodation. No wonder so many backpackers find themselves staying in Picton for a while with so much to do. Many like to stick around for WWOOFing in one of these hostels!
So take a look at the list below of the backpacker hostels in Picton, as well as all the perks that come with them to have an epic stay in Picton. (Or should we say, “Epicton” stay in Picton?)…
1. Tombstone Backpackers
A quirky theme isn’t the only thing going for this hostel in Picton! Free WiFi, free freshly baked scones for breakfast, welcoming hosts, and free bike hire are just some of the perks of staying at the Tombstone Backpackers. Soak in the spa pool and take in the views looking over the town. (And try to avoid ghosts that creep over from the cemetery across the road). This hostel also features in our 13 Most Unique Backpacker Hostels in New Zealand.
Check Tombstone Backpackers out:
- Tombstone Backpackers on Booking.com
- Tombstone Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Tombstone Backpackers on Trip.com
- Tombstone Backpackers on Expedia
2. Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers
Five minutes from the ferry terminal, train and water taxis, as well as sitting directly opposite a supermarket, Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers offers a convenient stay for all travellers – including families, pets, wheelchair users and more. Whether you’re staying in one of the three to five-bed dorm rooms, private rooms with king-sized beds or family rooms, you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast in the homely kitchen and dining area each morning. You can also relax at the hostel’s two comfortable lounges or outdoor seating area with a barbecue. For more family-friendly finds, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Picton.
Check Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers out:
- Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers on Booking.com
- Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers on Trip.com
- Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers on Expedia
© Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers3. Sequoia Lodge Backpackers
Fun murals welcome you on the way into the Sequoia Lodge Backpackers. The walls are also decorated with a cartoon duck throughout the very spacious hostel. Off-street parking makes parking campervans, for instance, really easy. Plus, you can’t deny the appeal of the free breakfast (May to October), free spa pool, free bike hire and a free dessert of puddings and ice cream available on an evening! They also have all the usual hostel facilities, including a communal kitchen. For alternative accommodations with kitchens, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Picton.
Check Sequoia Lodge Backpackers out:
- Sequoia Lodge Backpackers on Booking.com
- Sequoia Lodge Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Sequoia Lodge Backpackers on Trip.com
- Sequoia Lodge Backpackers on Expedia
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Atlantis Backpackers
The hostel that can’t be missed in Picton… literally! With its ideal location in the centre of Picton and close to the foreshore, Atlantis Backpackers is your convenient choice in Picton with heaps of added extras. Enjoy free breakfast to start your day and free dessert in the evening, as well as your free tea and coffee always available. Not bad when beds start at NZ$20pp! The hostel also offers weekly rates, which is ideal if you’re looking to stick around for seasonal work.
Check Atlantis Backpackers out:
- Atlantis Backpackers on Booking.com
- Atlantis Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Atlantis Backpackers on Trip.com
- Atlantis Backpackers on Expedia
© Atlantis Backpackers5. The Villa
The vintage feel and rustic kitchen at The Villa backpacker hostel give a more homely appeal. Have a play on the guitars in the living area, go for a bike ride on their free bikes to hire, or make use of the spa pool. There’s also free use of fishing gear, should you want to experience Picton like a local. As for rooms, choose from a variety of sized dorms, as well as private double/twin rooms with the option of an ensuite bathroom. For alternative budget accommodations, don’t forget to take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Picton.
Check The Villa out:
© NZPocketGuide.com[Update] Jugglers Rest
[Update: Jugglers Rest no longer offers backpacker dorm accommodation but they still have private cabins and double rooms available].
Welcome to the circus! Not only is Jugglers Rest is an alternative living hostel with free organic food in their vegetable garden, but they have all sorts of circus-themed activities to do in the hostel. Have a go at the slackline, play some of the instruments, and try your skills on the unicycle. In summer, watch a fire show. The hostel also provides free bike hire!
© NZPocketGuide.com[CLOSED] The Buccaneer Lodge
Located on along a stunning beach, The Buccaneer Lodge is your Picton hostel away from town (about 4km/2.5 miles). Escape the hustle and bustle of the ferry loads coming through, but don’t worry about the distance from town with free ferry pick-up when organised a bit in advance. Then, make use of the free bike hire to get around.
[CLOSED] Fat Cod Backpackers
The easiest hostel to find in Picton, the Fat Cod is on the main road through Picton from the ferries. There’s plenty of room in their big dorms. Like the other backpackers, there are free bikes and you can borrow fishing rods. The hostel is ideal for a quick stay in Picton.
More About Backpacker Hostels in Picton
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Picton, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out these articles to make the most of your stay in Picton:
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Picton
- Marlborough – Guide for Backpackers
- 12 Awesome Hikes in Picton
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in the Picton – Guide for Backpackers or The Travel Guide to Picton 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:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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