6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Ohakune 🎒 [2024]

Where to Find the Best Hostels in Ohakune for Backpackers

With epic ski fields, mountain bike trails, Great Walks and more, Ohakune is a place where your budget is best spent on activities rather than accommodation. With that in mind, here are the cheapest accommodations of the lot; the best backpacker hostels in Ohakune!

Hostels are one of the best types of budget accommodation with dorm rooms and shared facilities. They are also a great place to meet like-minded travellers. Follow our tips in A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacker Hostels if staying in a hostel for the first time.

As for Ohakune, the town at the base of Mt Ruapehu is packed with awesome activities, from mountain biking trails to the Turoa ski field. Find out more about how to make the most of your time here in Ruapehu – Guide for Backpackers and The Guide to Ohakune on a Budget.

1. Station Lodge

This characterful backpacker hostel at the railway station is situated at The Junction end of town. Enjoy the proximity of mountain bike trails, bars and clubs that come alive in winter, and the closest you can get to Mt Ruapehu. There’s a free spa pool, an outdoor wood fire pizza oven, bikes for going to town (and mountain bikes to hire) and more. There are not just dorm rooms available, but a range of self-contained apartments and private rooms with a choice of ensuite or shared facilities.

Check Station Lodge out:

2. LKNZ Lodge

With a prime location in the centre of town near all the essential shops and services, LKNZ Lodge is well worth considering when staying in Ohakune. If you’re not making use of the kitchens, there’s an on-site cafe. Plus, pool tables, limited free WiFi and a bunch of hire options, such as mountain bikes, spa pool and sauna make up the remainder of the abundant facilities.

Check LKNZ Lodge out:

3. The Hobbit Motorlodge

Apart from milking the whole “New Zealand/Lord of the Rings” thing, The Hobbit Motorlodge has a good range of budget accommodation available including backpacker dorm rooms. Those staying in the backpacker end of the complex also have access to a communal bathroom, kitchen and lounge. Added extras include Sky TV, an outdoor spa pool and a mountain shuttle service. Learn more about the motel-side of the accommodation, as well as alternative cheap stays, in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Ohakune.

Check The Hobbit Motorlodge out:

4. Ohakune Central Backpackers & Cabins

Despite having “backpackers” in the name, Ohakune Central Backpackers & Cabins has moved away from dorm accommodation and now just offers cheap private cabins. Each cabin has a bathroom and kitchenette, but the bed layout is different throughout, so be sure to browse around. Furthermore, the accommodation in the centre of Ohakune is a great place to hang out in the spa pool after a day on the slopes or fire up the barbecue in summer (here are some recipes for inspiration).

Check Ohakune Central Backpackers out:

5. Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park

Ok, so we know this isn’t exactly a backpacker hostel, but Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park does provide some budget accommodation in their “Gypsy Caravans” for just over NZ$100 per night. They also offer power sites and tent sites perfect for backpackers travelling by campervan. The communal facilities like the kitchen and laundry will supply you with everything you need for a budget stay in Ohakune.

Check Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

5. Snowman Lodge and Spa

Finally, for affordable backpacker-style accommodation without the dorm rooms, Snowman Lodge and Spa is definitely worth mentioning. The lodge in the centre of town offers campervan sites and a range of affordable private rooms such as double, twin, triple, quadruple rooms and even rooms for up to six people. Some but not all rooms have an ensuite. While there aren’t self-catering facilities, guests can enjoy hot drinks at the on-site cafe or make use of the barbecue.

Check Snowman Lodge and Spa out:

5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Ohakune 🎒 [2023]

More About Hostels in Ohakune

That’s it for our list of the best hostels in Ohakune, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out more guides to help you plan the perfect trip to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Ohakune 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.

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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