![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTc4Njo3ODA=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgODY3IDY1MCIgd2lkdGg9Ijg2NyIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NTAiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
![5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MTc5MDoyNjk=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4= "5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo 🎒 [2024]")
Where to Find Backpacker Accommodation in Lake Tekapo
Stay beside the turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo, a mecca for stargazers, hikers and skiers. After the day is done, there are a few great backpacker hostels in Lake Tekapo to stay in and keep the costs low.
Because there is so much to do in Lake Tekapo, as we go over in Lake Tekapo – Guide for Backpackers, combined with the fact that there is limited accommodation in Tekapo, backpacker hostels are often fully booked. We recommend booking well in advance for your stay in Lake Tekapo. That’s why we’ve also included extra budget accommodation in the neighbouring town of Twizel, which is an awesome alternative to the backpacker hostels in Lake Tekapo.
Without further ado, here are some of our favourite backpacker hostels in Lake Tekapo (and Twizel).
1. Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation
This charming hostel is in a quiet corner of Lake Tekapo village while still being within walking distance to shops and services. Relax in the garden with hammocks and hostel pets at Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation where you’ll also get a break from bunks as this is a no-bunk hostel. There’s also sporting equipment to use for the courts free to use behind the hostel, as well as ski tuning equipment. Find out more about the Tekapo ski fields in The 24 Ski Fields in New Zealand.
Check Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation out:
- Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation on Booking.com
- Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation on HostelWorld
- Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation on Trip.com
- Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation on Expedia
© Tailor made Tekapo2. Lake Edge Lodge (Lakefront Lodge Backpackers)
Relax in the spacious dining and barbecue area as you gaze over Lake Tekapo from the Lake Edge Lodge (also known as the Lakefront Lodge Backpackers). This hostel has everything you need from a well-equipped kitchen to laundry facilities and more. Lake Edge Lodge is a short stroll from the hot pools and Mt John, which is one of the best places for stargazing in Lake Tekapo. Note that the lodge is also part of the Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park.
Check Lake Edge Lodge out:
3. Stay in Tekapo Backpackers
As you can probably tell from the name of this backpacker hostel, Stay in Tekapo Backpackers (formerly Lake Tekapo Budget Accommodation), this is a no-nonsense hostel. Incidentally, it’s also a no-frills hostel compared to the other two in town, but it provides a cheap place to stay nonetheless. Although small, there are still all the essential facilities from a kitchen and dining area to laundry. It’s also the most central of the accommodations, situated in the centre of the village, close to all the services. Choose from a six-bed dorm or a private quadruple room.
Check Stay in Tekapo Backpackers out:
© Stay in Tekapo Backpackers4. High Country Lodge (Twizel)
A great alternative to staying in Lake Tekapo is the neighbouring town of Twizel with its own set of attractions – just see the 6 Best Things to Do in Twizel. High Country Lodge offers budget accommodation in the form of backpacker dorms, motel units and studio units. What’s more, there’s plenty of it, so there’s no stress when Lake Tekapo accommodations are fully booked! See more alternative stays in Twizel listed in our 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Twizel.
Check High Country Lodge out:
© High Country Lodge5. Gladstone Hotel (Fairlie)
The next backpacker-cheap accommodation you’ll find close to Lake Tekapo is in the neighbouring town of Fairlie, just a 30-minute drive away. The Gladstone Hotel is your classic old-school Kiwi hotel, so don’t expect anything flashy. You will, however, find cheap single and twin-share rooms that fit the backpacker budget. There are also super-king and queen rooms if you’re interested. Either way, you’ll have shared bathroom facilities and a popular bar and restaurant downstairs where you can pick up some scran, but note that there is no kitchen available. What is available, however, is bicycle hire so you can reach the 10 Best Things to Do in Fairlie a little easier.
Check Gladstone Hotel out:
© Gladstone Hotel[CLOSED] YHA Lake Tekapo
The latest addition to the Lake Tekapo hostel offering, YHA boasts epic views of the famous lake from its lakeshore location. The new purpose-built hostel offers spacious and modern communal areas, as well as a range of rooms from a Queen Studio Ensuite to an 8-Bed Dorm Ensuite. Find out more about YHA hostels in BBH, YHA, BASE or NOMADS: What is the Best Hostel Network?
More About Lake Tekapo for Backpackers
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Lake Tekapo. For more advice for the ultimate Lake Tekapo experience, check these out:
- 10 Great Hostels on the South Island
- 5 Stargazing Sites in New Zealand
- Staying in a Private Room: Hostel, Motel or Hotel?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Lake Tekapo – 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:
- 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.
![6 Best Backpacker Hostels in the Coromandel 🎒 [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MjI3Mjo3ODU=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgOTAwIDY3NSIgd2lkdGg9IjkwMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSI2NzUiIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PC9zdmc+)
