15 Best budget places to stay in New Zealand

I have a bit of a love affair with New Zealand. It started in 2001 on a family road trip to the South Island, grew in 2006 on a school mountain biking trip to the North Island, and went out of control in 2015-2016 when I explored the country for 4 months while living out of a car.

People often think I was roughing it out there. Well, they obviously didn’t see the places I was staying. Cue a list of my 10 favorite outdoors spots and 5 favorite hostels – enjoy!

Top 10 Outdoor Spots 

10. WANAKA KIWI HOLIDAY PARK (WANAKA) – $25/night

As far as car camping goes, this is as glamping as you can get. It’s decked out with a hot tub, sauna, cable TV, unlimited WiFi (a real luxury), a massive kitchen, lots of flowery lounging space, and a short drive away from the Wanaka town center.

Talk about an ideal location to rest a sprained ankle!

9. GODLEY PEAKS ROAD LAKESIDE (LAKE TEKAPO) –  $0/night

I found this freedom camping gem by accident while being majorly indecisive on where to stay in Lake Tekapo. Sure, there weren’t any facilities, but it met all my needs and then some: right by the lake, cheap, quiet, and solid photo opps.

Be mindful of the strong winds and leave no trace (as this is *technically* for self contained vehicles only oops *eye-roll*)

8. TE ANAU LAKEVIEW KIWI HOLIDAY PARK (TE ANAU) – $21/night

My most relaxing days in New Zealand were spent in Te Anau, and this holiday park was a big reason for it. Not only is it complete with kitchen facilities, hot showers, unlimited WiFi, a grilling area, and lots of open green space to set up camp, it also just happens to be steps away from the iconic Lake Te Anau.

Make sure to check out the incredible 30 min “Ata Whenua – Shadowland” cinematic experience while you’re there!

7. WHITE HORSE HILL CAMPGROUND (AORAKI/MT. COOK NATIONAL PARK) – $13/night

This campsite sits right in the middle of alpine eye candy, with the towering Mt. Sefton on one end, the Tasman valley on the other, and several bombass hiking trails all around you (e.g., Hooker Valley Track, Mueller Hut). The weather can get aggressive (over 100km/hr wind speeds while I was there), so park appropriately, make use of the spacious cooking shelter, and get ready to play 🙂

6. RAPAHOE BAY HOLIDAY PARK (GREYMOUTH) – $14/night

Hands down best value for money. This charming holiday park has a cozy, spacious, and bright common area filled with books and games, a full kitchen, hot eco-showers, and lots of outdoor play areas. Oh and did I mention it’s right next to the beach where I saw some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen?

If the weather’s looking good in Westland, make Rapahoe your base to explore the famous Punekaiki “Pancake” Rocks and the hidden gem: Motukiekie Beach!

5. LUXMORE HUT (FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK) – $54/night

We balling out. I know the price is steep, but staying at the Luxmore Hut sets you up for one of the most beautiful moments in New Zealand: Day 2 on the Kepler Track. It’s pretty decked out when it comes to hut standards – two floors, recycled homemade hula hoops, informative nature walks, dope limestone caves nearby, and the most entertaining safety briefing I’ve heard from Peter the hut ranger.

Makes sense given the hut receives 8,000-9,000 visitors in season… book ASAP!

4. MOSQUITO BAY (ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK) – $14/night

Talk about secluded awesomeness. While the Abel Tasman track is probably the most popular Great Walk (aka crowded AF), this kayak-only campsite next to a lagoon means low-key, laid-back, chill time. But the coolest thing about Mosquito Bay is actually the tides. The water levels change so drastically that that you can see them rising and falling in front of you. Best of all, the lagoon completely drains at low tide – so surreal!

3. KINLOCH CAMPSITE (GLENORCHY) – $8/night

I stumbled upon this campsite while searching for a place close to the Routeburn Track trail head. I have now been there 3 times…

Located at the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Glenorchy, this bare bones campsite surprisingly has it all. Incredible views of the lake and mountains (and a stunning drive to get there), solid fishing, big fat starry skies, friendly locals, showers/restaurant/shop at the Kinloch Lodge next door, and a DECKED out tree house. Seriously, what more could you want?

2. LIVERPOOL HUT (MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK) – $15/night

I’d heard from many that I had to go to the Liverpool Hut. I presumed it was because of the hike to get there.

Well the hike was definitely an experience to say the least, but the hut was where it was AT. This tiny red cabin, sleeping no more than 10 people, is perched on a small alpine basin with views of the Matukituki Valley, Mount Aspiring, and Mount Avalanche. Cozied up in the mountains, surrounded by nature, and hanging out is my type of heaven. Well worth the steep uphill climb!

Oh and it’s probably one of the best places to take a dump^

1. SPIRIT’S BAY/KAPOWAIRUA (FAR NORTH) – $8/night

Spirit’s Bay takes #1 for me, not only because of the incredible sunsets, funky seashells, and its remote location, but because it was the first night I camped in my car.

It was the first time I had camped by myself, period. It was the first time I had been truly alone. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect, secluded spot – right by the beach, no-frills and perfectly quiet to let my thoughts and body wander. Be sure to check out Cape Reinga, the northern-most tip of New Zealand, and drive down the 90 mile beach while you’re there!

Top 5 Hostels 

While I would have liked to car camp throughout my time in New Zealand, hostels were sometimes the cheaper option. Other times they were just too good to resist 😉

5. DECO BACKPACKERS (QUEENSTOWN) – $0/night (normally $33)

I found this hostel while searching (and failing) for a place to crash after a long 5-day hike and immediately hit it off with Tim, the energetic and hilarious owner. So much so that I spent almost 2 weeks helping out at the hostel in exchange for free accommodation. Deco Backpackers is perfectly located – within walking distance of the town center yet removed from the chaos of the “adventure capital” of the world – and complete with free unlimited high-speed WiFi, a large kitchen, hammocks, free parking, and some of the best views of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountains.

Don’t mind the “long term” travelers while you’re there – they’re crazy but fun – and make sure to get to know Tim and his wife Marla!

4. THE INNLET (GOLDEN BAY) – $33/night

I was lucky to make it to Golden Bay – sure, it’s out of the way, but the dramatic coastline and the laid back culture make it 100% worth it. And the Innlet is the ideal combination of both – it begs for mad lounging, with comfy couches, beautiful gardens, musical instruments galore, a quirky and friendly owner, and the finest compost toilet I’ve ever sat in. It’s close to a grooving local bar, a swimming beach, the 30km Farewell Spit, and the incredible Wharariki Beach. If only we could have stayed longer!

Be sure to grab a bite at the Wholemeal Cafe in the small town of Takaka on your way!

3. SOUTHERN COMFORT (INVERCARGILL) – $26/night

The minute I walked into this hostel, I felt at home. Maybe it was the warm welcome from the sweet elderly owners, or the fact that they’d restored their Victorian villa into a cozy sanctuary. It’s got beautifully painted walls, engraved kitchen chairs, a well tended garden, outdoor seating, free unlimited high speed WiFi, wonderful natural light, and intricately patterned carpets, tablecloths and curtains. Talk about southern comfort!

While there wasn’t much for me to do in Invercargill, I couldn’t have asked for a better home base to chillllll out and explore Stewart Island/Rakuira.

2. ALBATROSS INN (KAIKOURA) – $29/night

The caption for Albatross Inn reads “The Hostel With Soul,” and I couldn’t agree more. The minute you walk in, you’re smacked in the face with full on vibrancy of colors, art, light, and warmth. The massive lounging space (with the also massive kitchen) is equipped with musical instruments, comfy cushions, a painting corner, a phone room, and unbelievable artwork created by various travelers. Not to mention the hammocks outside, eclectic rooms, and friendly owner!

Don’t be swayed by the recent earthquake that hit Kaikoura hard AF – the hostel is still standing, the coastline is still effin’ unbelievable, and the baby seals and dusky dolphins should still be playing 🙂

1. JUGGLER’S REST (PICTON) – $29/night

Nothing can beat this small slice of heaven. Small, because the hostel only has 16 beds. Heaven, because of, well, everything this place has and does. On the food front, there’s fresh homemade bread, jam, locally sourced cage-free eggs, tons of free ingredients (e.g., 30+ herbs/spices, flour, etc.), and a massive organic herb/fruit/vegetable garden. On the lounging front, there’s big comfy bean bags and couches, a log fire, books, games, music, instruments, juggling/circus toys, hammocks, outdoor seating, bikes, and beautifully fragrant flowers everywhere. The list can go on and on but I won’t bore you – the atmosphere Nikki, the owner, has created is one-of a kind. GO! GO THERE NOW!

Oh and while you’re at it, make sure to check out the Queen Charlotte Track!

December 26, 2016January 9, 2017 by mansijain2012 Categories: Insider TipsTags: Accommodation, Campsite, Hostel, Huts, New Zealand 5 Comments