The Best Hostels in Picton and the Queen Charlotte Track

The Best Hostels in Picton and the Queen Charlotte Track Mountain Biking on the Queen Charlotte Track (by Mike Heydon)
Picton is an important town as it is home to the ferry terminal on the South Island of New Zealand, connecting traffic to the North Island in Wellington. Trains and buses depart from Picton to a variety of other cities on the South Island.

Picton is also a launching point for visiting the surrounding wilderness. Specifically, the Queen Charlotte Track is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, as the walk offers beautiful views, lush vegetation, and a chance to see some of the country's finest bays and shoreline.

The hostels below are all top quality. Each has its own atmosphere and vibe, but all cater to travelers of every type. Many offer free breakfast and luggage storage, while some even have other activities centered around the surrounding natural beauty. You can't go wrong with any of them.


A cozy hostel for backpackers, families, and couples

Dorm Bed from $17.79
Private Room from $17.79
Overall Rating: 80%
3a Nelson Square, Picton
With a large variety of room types, including private rooms and dorms, this hostel has something for everyone. Their private rooms have the option for shared or ensuite bathrooms, and they even have larger family rooms. Their dorms are also varied, and they have a female-only dorm option.

The staff of this hostel makes the place very comfortable, homey, and clean. The log fire in the winter keeps everyone warm and social, while the outdoor areas with hammocks in the summer make for some great spots to relax and mingle with other guests. They even have free dessert year-round, and free breakfast during winter months. Their hot tub also helps everyone relax together, as does their movie room with SKY TV. Also on the list of amenities: BBQ, shared kitchen, laundry, parking, Wi-Fi, games, and more.

The Sequoia Lodge is located in a quiet area in the middle of Picton, close to everything you would need.

Guest reviews give very positive scores for the friendliness of the staff, the facilities, and the cleanliness.


A relaxed, social hostel for backpackers, solo travelers, and couples

Dorm Bed from $15.94
Private Room from $22.32
Overall Rating: 85%
34 Auckland St, Picton
The Villa Backpackers Lodge has a lot to offer! First, their location is right in the middle of town, close to shops, restaurants, and everything you would need to have fun or plan your adventures in the nearby wilderness.

They have a variety of room types available, from larger private rooms, to smaller privates and small shared rooms, to dorms. Some rooms have ensuite bathrooms, and some have shared bathrooms, so there is a room at the right price for everyone.

The common areas are perfect for relaxing and socializing. They have a hot tub spa, an outdoor patio and lawn area with tables, two communal kitchens for those who wish to cook, a nice TV room with SKY and video games, a BBQ, and more. They also offer free dessert and free breakfast in the winter months. Free pickup from the ferry terminals is also on offer! The staff helps guests plan their walks and other activities for free when possible, and they can arrange other tours if needed. Free luggage storage is available for those that leave on treks.

Guest reviews rave about pretty much everything, including the friendly and helpful staff. As one reviewer put it, "you would have to be very fussy to complain about this place."


A comfortable hostel for families, backpackers, and couples

Dorm Bed from $20.20
Private Room from $15.15
Overall Rating: 93%
16, Gravesend Place, Picton
Located fairly close to the ferry terminals and walking distance to the center of town, this hostel resides in a building that was custom-built to be a hostel. They have rooms of various sizes and prices, from larger privates with queen beds and ensuite bathrooms, to smaller rooms with shared bathrooms, to dorms of varying sizes. They also have a larger apartment available.

The amenities are quite nice as well. They offer free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free towels, free parking, a shared kitchen, free luggage storage for those going on treks or tours, free pickup and dropoff at the ferry, a hot tub spa, exercise room with a treadmill, pool table and table tennis, TV room, and more! (Can there even be more?) Their outdoor courtyard area allows guests to enjoy their relaxation time, mingle with other travelers, and have a meal while enjoying the views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.

Guest reviews are consistently positive, and repeatedly mention how friendly and helpful the staff is, as well as how nice the facilities are.


Dorm Bed from $18.74
Private Room from $19.69
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 87%
75 High Street, , 7220 ., Picton
This terrific hostel offers friendly service and board games. The good location and overall vibe also make it very popular. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, self-catering facilities, and a microwave. Wi-fi, luggage storage, 24 hour reception, parking, and towels included are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable. And Piwaka Lodge & Backpackers is also child friendly.


Dorm Bed from $17.57
Private Room from $15.42
(Prices vary by season)
Overall Rating: 79%
42 London Quay, Picton
Atlantis Backpackers is very popular due to the atmosphere, great location, and long list of amenities. It features friendly service, a common room, and board games. When it's time to eat, it's also nice because there's free breakfast, self-catering facilities, and a microwave. Laundry facilities, security lockers, luggage storage, parking, towels included, internet access, and air conditioning are also on the list to make sure your stay is very comfortable. And Atlantis Backpackers is also child friendly and pet friendly.
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More Accommodation Options

Check these out other nearby places to stay.

For more accommodation prices and options, check out our guide covering Picton hotel prices for your next trip.



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The Best Hostels in Picton and the Queen Charlotte Track | Budget Your Trip

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