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High Country Motel and Backpackers

2.5 star property
Travelers explore the peaceful grounds while getting insider tips from the staff who know exactly where to find the best local experiences

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Photo gallery for High Country Motel and Backpackers

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | WiFi, bed sheets - High Country Motel and Backpackers (Twizel)
Suite, 1 Bedroom | WiFi, bed sheets - High Country Motel and Backpackers (Twizel)
House, 3 Bedrooms | WiFi, bed sheets - High Country Motel and Backpackers (Twizel)
Front of property - High Country Motel and Backpackers (Twizel)
Front of property - High Country Motel and Backpackers (Twizel)
High Country Motel and Backpackers welcomes visitors with its scenic setting, garden, and terrace spaces. Guests connect to WiFi in their rooms or find a quiet corner near the lobby TV - perfect for planning the next day's adventures or unwinding after exploring the area.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Studio

Studio | WiFi, bed sheets

Studio

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom | WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 1 Bedroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms | WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 Queen Bed and 5 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for House, 3 Bedrooms

House, 3 Bedrooms | WiFi, bed sheets

House, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 Queen Bed and 7 Twin Beds

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Carriage House

3 Bedroom Carriage House | WiFi, bed sheets

3 Bedroom Carriage House

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed and 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom | WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

Twizel is home to High Country Motel and Backpackers. Ladybird Hill Vineyard and Ohau Skifield are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mueller Ridge and Lake Ruataniwha. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing. Visit our Twizel travel guide
View more Motels in Twizel
Map
23 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel, 7901

What's nearby

  • Lake Ohau
    Lake Ohau
    28 min drive - 15.4 miles
  • Tekapo Springs
    Tekapo Springs
    47 min drive - 44.9 miles
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    48 min drive - 45.8 miles
  • Twizel Town Centre
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mueller Ridge
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse)
    111 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Vier Project
    9 min walk
  • Poppies Cafe
    8 min walk
  • Mint Folk
    4 min walk
  • Jasmine Thai
    5 min walk
  • Fishtail Authentic Indian Cuisine
    4 min walk

About this property

High Country Motel and Backpackers

Property highlights
Consider a stay at High Country Motel and Backpackers and take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and laundry facilities. Stay connected with in-room WiFi (surcharge).
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • Free self parking
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), barbecue grills, and luggage storage
  • A TV in the lobby and a reception hall
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 104 rooms offer amenities such as WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Studio, Jetted Tub, Lake View | WiFi, bed sheets
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  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
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Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (NZD 3 per 24-hour period)
  • In-room WiFi has a 4-device limit
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (NZD 3 per 24-hour period)
  • WiFi in public areas has a 4-device limit

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Continental breakfast available for a fee: NZD 13 per person

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Reception hall

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (2 PM - 7:30 PM) and Monday - Sunday (8 PM - 10 PM)
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately NZD 13.00 per person
  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: NZD 3.00 per 24-hour period (4-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: NZD 3.00 per 24-hour period (4-device limit, rates may vary)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

National rating

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

Property is also known as

High Country Motel Backpackers Twizel
High Country Motel Backpackers
High Backpackers Twizel
High Country Motel and Backpackers Motel
High Country Motel and Backpackers Twizel
High Country Motel and Backpackers Motel Twizel

Frequently asked questions

Is High Country Motel and Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at High Country Motel and Backpackers?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at High Country Motel and Backpackers?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is High Country Motel and Backpackers located?

Situated in Twizel, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge. Lake Ruataniwha is 2.5 mi (4 km) away.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

High Country Motel and Backpackers Reviews

7.8

Good

8.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.4

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 303 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 105 out of 303 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 53 out of 303 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 303 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 303 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Helpful staff. Clean hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An old work camp from the 1960s (?), now with a big commercial kitchen, lounge, & individual bedrooms, some with bunkbeds, others with a double bed. It serves its purpose, but definitely not posh!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quiet. Handy to lots of great amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was dated but clean. Shower water pressure and temperature was amazing! Beds were super soft
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Laurie

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
You get what you pay for! The young man at check in was very nice and helpful … I appreciated that :)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mathew Marian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to sleep and drive to other attractions. The town itself didn’t have a lot to do, but it did have a decent sized shopping centre and restaurant hub. Staff cleaned room daily, and check in/out process was easy. Nice to have a kitchenette and private washroom in our room.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
room was spotless vary easy to find
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill & Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The unit was clean and the staff were friendly
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Rooms were descent for a motel. Clean sheets. Would have been nice to have toiletries - like shampoo, soap. Rooms have working heater and bed warmers. We landed on a cold night, so nice to have that. Next night was warm with no AC (little uncomfortable)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and facilities keeled very clean and restocked. Only thing was the adjoining door to the next room was paper thin making it difficult to get to sleep with noisy neighbours. However this is no fault of the motel and the nature of accommodation this style. But recommend some ear plugs encase you have night owls next door like me.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Amenities
Very clean, great staff, close to town
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved staying here on our way to Invercargill - tried to book again a few days later but no vacancies It was a lovely cabin, spacious, comfortable, quiet with noise curfew, easy parking, close drive to the township but you could walk off energetic The reception was so welcoming for a one night stay
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brent

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

1 more night in Twizel

Weather was fantastic, locals very friendly, night was great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Claudia

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff was helpful and location is convenient for walking to businesses in town. Room was dated, beds were clean but kitchen pans and dishes were filthy and left an overall feeling of lack of care.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness
The room was satisfactory with good access to Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki and surrounding areas. Nice pub nearby
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rubbish under the bed and shower not clean but location handy to town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the price per night at this motel and it wasn't far from Mt Cook NP and some nice lakes. There are restaurants and grocery stores a short walk away.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wenginn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Closed to town center and supermarket.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Owen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great value and clean
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edmund

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice basic 1 bedroom apt.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Plenty of room and everything you need in the unit and park. Shops next door, easy accessible parking and quiet location. Not fancy but great value for money
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Khim Bahadur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I like the service given by staff.easy access for shooing
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RUTH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy to find, and able to park car outside unit. Next to 4 Square and bar/restaurant, so convenient location. Well equipped kitchen if needed.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Cherie

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Staff were great for late arrival. Dated property but nicely painted and tidy however the room needed a really good deep clean. Toothpaste on bedspread, bathroom needed a good scrub and there was something dribbled on the seats with bird crap on the inside window frame. Real shame the cleaners let this stay down as the rooms a freshly painted and tidy. Huge opportunity to be a great wee property if the cleaners stepped up and did a better job as bitg reception staff spoken to efficient and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025