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Backpackers
Get Yourself a Base Worth Coming Back To
Backpackers in New Zealand run the full spectrum, from big-city party hostels to genuinely special lodges tucked away in the middle of nowhere. The ones that stick with you tend to be the latter. In Marlborough, places like Hopewell Lodge are worth a night or two away from the van if you want something a bit more memorable than a powered site. These spots accessed through Picton are some of the top overnight highlights in the region, full stop.
South Island Is Where It Gets Good
Down south, Te Anau is the smart base for Fiordland. Staying here keeps you ahead of the tour bus crowd and puts you right on the lake. The Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park is a solid pick if you want that lakefront outlook. Over in Queenstown, Creeksyde has been doing it well for a long time. Short walk into town through the reserve, good facilities, no drama.
Further north, there are decent backpacker options worth knowing about too. Waitomo has a good YHA if you're doing the caves, and Wellington has a couple of solid ones right in the thick of things, like Hotel Waterloo and The Cambridge. My honest take is that backpackers in NZ are best when they're in a place with a reason to be there, not just cheap beds in a forgettable town.
Backpackers
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Camping NZ App
All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
