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Chateau Backpacker & Motels

2.0 star property
Eco-friendly retreat offers a natural sanctuary where travelers can relax in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature's tranquility

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Photo gallery for Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Lobby sitting area - Chateau Backpacker & Motels (Franz Josef Glacier)
Exterior - Chateau Backpacker & Motels (Franz Josef Glacier)
Spa - Chateau Backpacker & Motels (Franz Josef Glacier)
Backpacker Double Ensuite | Free WiFi - Chateau Backpacker & Motels (Franz Josef Glacier)
Sundeck - Chateau Backpacker & Motels (Franz Josef Glacier)
Chateau Backpacker & Motels offers a peaceful, eco-certified haven. Guests enjoy the spa tub, lobby fireplace, and library. The hostel combines relaxation with practicality, featuring free self-parking and high-speed WiFi.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for 4 Bed Dorm

4 Bed Dorm | Free WiFi

4 Bed Dorm

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Motel Room

Motel Room | Free WiFi

Motel Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier is home to Chateau Backpacker & Motels. Waiho Hot Tubs and Glacier Hot Pools are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Te Wahipounamu and Westcoast Wildlife Centre. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as snowshoeing. Visit our Franz Josef Glacier travel guide
View more Hostels in Franz Josef Glacier
Map
8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886

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

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

About this property

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Property highlights
A terrace, a garden, and a library are just a few of the amenities provided at Chateau Backpacker & Motels. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a fireplace in the lobby.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Limo/town car service, tour/ticket assistance, and a vending machine
  • A TV in the lobby, luggage storage, and a billiards/pool table
Room features
All guestrooms at Chateau Backpacker & Motels include amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens with refrigerators
  • Coffee/tea makers and heating

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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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

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

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

Is Chateau Backpacker & Motels pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Chateau Backpacker & Motels located?

Situated in Franz Josef Glacier, this hostel is steps from Te Wahipounamu and Our Lady of the Alps. Westcoast Wildlife Centre and St James Anglican Church are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Chateau Backpacker & Motels Reviews

7.6

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

8.0

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 239 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 91 out of 239 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 54 out of 239 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 239 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 239 reviews

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte

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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Mrinali

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I liked that there was free hot soup in the evenings and a free breakfast. We arrived an hour early but weren't allowed to check-in. Also the rooms were not clean, there were bed bugs, the hot water tap wasn't functional and there were spiders in the room. I probably would look for a cleaner accomodation next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Callum

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really good size private room with comfortable bed which also had a mini fridge and little sofa. Decent bathroom. Staff were friendly and helpful. Free parking on site. Two good size kitchens and plenty of communal space but no atmosphere really so not great for solo travellers. Would not recommend using the hot tub - was filthy. Disappointed with laundry facilities - washing machine didn’t drain properly leaving my clothes soaking, dryer did not dry fully, and one of my T-shirts was stolen from the clothesline.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

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

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.

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

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

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

10/10 Excellent

fraser

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Marion

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Schöne Atmosphäre und sehr hilfsbereiter und netter Besitzer.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Four night stay

stayed for four nights, the accomodation is conveniently accessible to the centre of Franz Josef. The bed was comfortable and appropriately sized. Breakfast, albeit simple, was provided. Highly recommend for any one thinking of travelling on a budget.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Magdalena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the Hospitality &Staff very informative &helpfull..Awsome Stay looking forward &happily recommend this Motel/Hotel/Backpackers...
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

rod

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved having the soup on arrival, being able to have a continental breakfast included with pancakes and waffles. We like the undercover walking as it was raining and we were able to load and unload the car without getting too wet. The service was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

David, Lower HUtt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Shared kitchen, pancakes included for breakfast and soup for dinner included
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Trish, Auckland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very helpful and obliging owner.great spacious room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020