5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Westport 🎒 [2024]

1. Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School

Staying just one night in this colourful surf hostel is just not enough. With murals painted on almost every wall, a courtyard with hammocks and flowers for soaking up those warm sunny days, and a cute lounge with a cosy fire, Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School is always something to look forward to after a day’s surfing (with the crew, might we add?), mountain biking, hiking and more. Room types include a self-contained unit, private single/double/twin rooms, dorms, a 10-person dorm with its own kitchen and bathrooms, as well as camping and caravan options. All in all, there’s something for everyone.

Check Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School out:

• Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School on Booking.com
• Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School on HostelWorld
• Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School on Trip.com
• Bazil’s Hostel & Surf School on Expedia

2. TripInn Hostel

Another popular hostel in Westport, TripInn Hostel is set in a historic building with a hammock-filled garden. Play a round of darts or snuggle by the fire in this comfortable hostel, which also features a wide range of room types. Join fellow backpackers in one of the mixed or female dorms or enjoy your own space in one of the queen or twin rooms with either an ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. Campers are welcome to pitch on the lawn, while the retro caravan in the garden makes for a funky stay.

Check TripInn Hostel out:

• Trip InnHostel on Booking.com
• Trip InnHostel on HostelWorld
• Trip InnHostel on Trip.com
• Trip InnHostel on Expedia

© Trip Inn

3. Wayne’s World Westport

This “most excellent” hostel with its “most excellent” host, Wayne. Whether you understand the movie reference or not, Wayne’s World is a great base for exploring Westport. Sturdy bunks, a homely kitchen and communal areas, a veggie garden… What’s not to love? Expect very reasonable prices for bunk rooms, private single and private double rooms. Scooters are available for guests to hire to get to all the 15 Best Things to Do in Westport in style.

© Wayne's World

4. Pakington Ensuite Homestay

An alternative accommodation with a shared dorm, Pakington Homestay offers a welcoming homestay in Westport. Although its shared two-bunk dorm is a little pricier than the hostels in town, this could be a good backup if the others are full. What’s more, the homestay also has private double, triple and family rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Mingle with other guests and the hosts in the large communal kitchen and relax on the outside deck. And yes, WiFi is included.

Check Pakington Homestay out:

• Pakington Homestay on Booking.com

© Wayne's World

5. [UPDATE] The Old Slaughterhouse Traveller’s Lodge (Hector)

[Update: The Old Slaughterhouse Traveller’s Lodge no longer offers dorm rooms but you can still find affordable private rooms and tent sites. For more alternative cheap stays like this, head to the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Westport].

Don’t be too put off by the name of this accommodation situated in Hector. This hostel is actually often highly rated. The eco-friendly lodge made of recycled timber sits on top of a hill surrounded by native bush boasting spectacular views of the Tasman Sea. The Old Slaughter House is a 30-minute drive north of Westport.

Check The Old Slaughterhouse out:

• The Old Slaughterhouse on Booking.com
• The Old Slaughterhouse on Trip.com

© Old Slaughterhouse

[UPDATE] Beaconstone Eco Lodge (Charleston)

[Update: Beaconstone Eco Lodge no longer offer backpacker accommodation but they are still open for off-the-grid stays for couples and groups in their self-contained hut and cottage].

Only a 10-minute drive south of Westport, Beconstone is a hostel in Charleston with a sustainability ethos. Escape to this small and quiet hostel during the spring and summer months to experience living in a hostel powered by solar power, using rainfall as its water supply (don’t worry, it rains A LOT in the West Coast), amongst other things.

Check Beaconstone Eco Lodge out:

• Beaconstone Eco Lodge on Booking.com

© Beaconstone Eco Lodge

[UPDATE] Rongo Backpackers (Karamea)

[Update: Rongo Backpackers now offers bed and breakfast accommodation instead of backpacker dorms.]

It’s a bit of a drive over the hill to Karamea from Westport, taking about 1h30min to drive, but this hostel is well worth considering. Rongo’s is hard to miss painted in rainbow colours and the inside is just as bright! The hostel even has its own radio station set up around the back so you can record your own show. Not to mention the location is relatively close to the Heaphy Track Great Walk and the Oparara Basin.