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Chateau Backpacker & Motels

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Chateau Backpacker & Motels

A rustic interior with wicker furniture, a wooden table, and a mural.
Restaurant
A building with a red roof and a mural of workers on the side.
BBQ/picnic area
Spa

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Place, Our Lady of the Alps
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪8 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for 4 Bed Dorm

A room with bunk beds, each with a patterned bedspread and a round wall light.

4 Bed Dorm

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Motel Room

Motel Room | Free WiFi

Motel Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier

Chateau Backpacker & Motels places you next to Te Wahipounamu and Our Lady of the Alps. This 43-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a gym.
View more Hostels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Our Lady of the Alps - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • St James Anglican Church - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Full Of Beans Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Landing Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪SnakeBite Brewery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Bar - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Guests staying at Chateau Backpacker & Motels enjoy a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a hot tub. There's free parking and limo/town car service. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, securing valuables, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include a library, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs. Other standard amenities include refrigerators and coffee makers. Housekeeping is not available.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

View from property
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef
Franz Josef Glacier
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 170 reviews
$44 nightly
The price is $51
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Total with taxes and fees
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Fireplace in lobby

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 15

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-8:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 15
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Chateau Franz Franz Josef Glacier
Chateau Backpacker & Motels Franz Josef Glacier
Chateau Franz Hostel Franz Josef Glacier
Chateau Backpacker & Motels Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

This hostel is located in Franz Josef Glacier, just steps from Our Lady of the Alps and Westcoast Wildlife Centre, and within a short walk of Waiho Hot Tubs. You'll also find Glacier Hot Pools and Te Wahipounamu less than a mile away.

How much does it cost to stay at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

As of Jun 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Chateau Backpacker & Motels on Jul 3, 2026 start from $43, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there parking available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Though parking is limited parking, wheelchair-accessible parking is also available.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels feature a casino?

No, Chateau Backpacker & Motels doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Is Chateau Backpacker & Motels a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like a hot tub and limo/town car service plus some rooms include a kitchenette.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Chateau Backpacker & Motels doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Chateau Backpacker & Motels.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels have connecting rooms available?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, there aren't any rooms at Chateau Backpacker & Motels that offer a balcony.

Chateau Backpacker & Motels Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 248 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 92 out of 248 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 248 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 248 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 248 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sabina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff. Overall great stay and would recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lekshmanan Rajesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place and good staf clean room and good service we like kitchen service and good parking space
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nicholas

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good price, basic accommodation but property looking a bit tired but good value for money and excellent location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful staff.
Sunset from deck
Beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spacious clean room. Great kitchen area. It was wonderfully comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really Nice reception, clean room, easy parking
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Accommodating Staff; Good Value for Money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

John

Courteous staff but whole property in need of modernisation, however, typical backpacker venue!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rani

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was so quiet and I was able to get a good rest. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Pik

Disliked: Cleanliness
The property is rundown; the room is ok, but the mattress sheets ha e mildew smell and all the sheets and pillow cases look old and dirty. Receptionist was nice and helpful. He changed the sheets for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Naila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool place to stay for a short visit. Everything is at a walkable distance.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great spot to stay in Franz Josef.

We booked an ensuite room for 2 nights and it was perhaps the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on. Chris, the manager, was friendly and helpful, making soup every night which was free for the guests, as was the breakfast of waffles, pancakes, yoghurt, toast and cereals. Great place to stay and great value.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had everything we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

fraser

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great price
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cherith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Brilliant place to stay, right under the mountain. Free soup and amazing free breakfast every morning. Lovely atmosphere all handled by the superstar owner/manager/bed maker, Chris. We loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

ELAINE S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Well priced basic room in good location.

The place is reasonably priced. Bed was comfortable, room was generally clean but fairly rundown. The manager is a very pleasant knowledgeable man who is ver welcoming and vested in giving guests valuable information about hiking, points of interest etc., the shared kitchen facilities were well-equipped and provided everything you would need to prepare a meal.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Anita

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Not clean enough
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Good little base for exploring Franz Josef with free soup and breakfast. The studio was quite spacious but a little dated. The bed was comfortable, however.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lawrence

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Whilst Chris who runs the accommodation is a nice, friendly guy, the whole property is in desperate need of some TLC and a good clean from top to bottom.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

more suitable for backpackers.

my overall experience wasn't that good as we arrived in the area the whole area went shot down because of the hurricane;however, this accommodation is more suitable for backpackers .
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shani

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
everything was great! nice and comfortable room. from the room you can see the mountain. kitchen have all you need for cooking. breakfast was nice and simple - crepe, tost with butter and jam, and cornflaks. The place close to resturants. the guy that work in the reception was super nice and helpful. thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed in “Deluxe” private room - basically an old motel room, but had microwave, coffee machine, toaster, kitchenette. Manager very helpful, said every guest has towels & sheets provided (info on website was wrong) Not providing free breakfast or soup as stated on website, but Chateau is close to great cafes & bars. Washing machine & dryer worked well - place needs a fix up & paint.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Emily

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Adequate budget accommodation

This place was adequate for our two-night stay. Strong backpacker vibe, with free breakfast (waffles, cereal, toast) and evening soup. Helpful staff. The location was great. The room itself was dated and pretty small. I'd say this is a case of you get what you pay for. It was very affordable and great if you're looking to connect with other travelers, but I think I would personally spring for a place a bit more modern with more amenities next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice hostel with friendly staff. Some younger people stayed up past the quiet time, drank and partied. The electric socket made some noise next to my bed. Other than that no complaints. Cheap with free breakfast and soup for dinner.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was we expected from previous reviews. The motel room was smaller than expected. There were no places to hang clothes
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023