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We all have a story of a bad budget accommodation experience. The back alley hostel with rattling bunk beds, or the middle-of-nowhere scary walk home. Luckily a tight budget doesn’t mean a worse experience when you’re in Wānaka.
It’s compact enough that you’re never far from the lake or a trail, and the budget accommodation scene is small and social. Whether you want a central social base, a quieter riverside lodge, or a tent under the stars, there’s an option for every kind of traveller.
Read on for local knowledge of what to look for when it comes to finding a spot for your stay. And be sure to book ahead – Wānaka’s small size is part of its charm, but it also means budget beds go fast in peak season.
Here, proximity is everything. How close you are to the lakefront and town centre decides how much of your time is spent getting places. Ideally, most of what you’ll want to do while you’re visiting (a swim, a coffee, a wander along the water) is walkable from your accommodation. The ease of walking or cycling to the supermarket or local grocers is a big one too. Many of the accommodation options in this list are within walking distance of the New World in town, an easy stop on the way back from the lake.
If you’re here to ride or ski, good gear storage matters, and so does a decent kitchen to fill up after adventures. Have a look at what’s nearby for the ski bus or trail shuttles too, before you book.
It’s also worth taking a moment to think about what actually suits your travel style too. Some people want a lively dorm and a room full of new friends, others want a quiet place to recharge. Stay tuned, because this guide covers both.
Haka House Wānaka 94 Brownston Street
A short walk from the lake and just as close to town, Haka House (formerly YHA) Wanaka keeps things simple. The open-plan lounge has a log fire and lake views, and the tour desk can help sort activities if you haven’t got round to it yet.
Rooms run from mixed dorms to private king rooms, some with lake views and ensuites, plus a family room for anyone travelling with kids. It’s a dependable, no-fuss base for exploring the rest of Wānaka.
Wānaka Backpackers Bothy 21 Russell Street
Known locally as “The Bothy,” this is the pick for anyone here to ride or ski hard. There’s a bike maintenance stand and tools on-site, plus a ski and snowboard servicing area in winter, super handy if something needs fixing mid-trip. Bikes are available to hire too.
In terms of bedding, the dorms run from four to eight beds, with double rooms if you’d rather not share. Central, laid-back, and popular with longer-stay travellers, so you’ll probably make a few friends before you leave.
Mountain View Backpackers Wānaka 7 Russell Street
Only 31 beds and about as homely as a hostel gets, Mountain View trades big-hostel energy for a proper community feel. It has a sheltered garden with fresh herbs guests are welcome to pick, and it’s only a two-minute walk to both the lake and town.
Rooms are a mix of dorms and private options, kept quiet and clean. This spot is good for solo travellers who want to meet people but without the pressure and noise of a party hostel.
Looking for something that’s a bit of a step up from staying at backpackers? The full range of Wānaka motels covers private, self-contained options at a wallet-friendly price point.
Wānaka Bakpaka 117 Lakeside Road
Set across the road from the lake in a converted 1920s hunting lodge, Wānaka Bakpaka is the only hostel in town actually on the lakefront. It’s a quiet spot away from town, run by the same local family since 2007, and popular with guests who end up sticking around for a longer stay. The garden courtyard and big communal kitchen are where most of the socialising happens.
There are shared dorms or private rooms (some with ensuites), and the common areas all have access to lake and Southern Alps view, ready to admire with your morning cuppa in hand.
About 10 minutes from town, tucked beside the Clutha and Hāwea Rivers, this is Wānaka’s classic no-frills option. Non-powered sites only, first-come-first-served, pay on arrival via the eftpos machines at the gate. Yes it’s basic, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s real camping at its best, with a stunning riverside setting, the Deans Bank trailhead on its doorstep and Pembroke Patisserie just over the bridge.
About 2km from town, overlooking the lake. This Qualmark 4.5-star park covers powered and unpowered sites, budget cabins, and self-contained motel units, all in a park-like setting with mountain views. It’s got everything you need, no matter whether you’re arriving in a group or a solo traveller.
Just up the road at Lake Hāwea, The Camp has been running since 1971. This is a local icon with tent and campervan sites, cabins and glamping right by the water. Worth the short drive if you want a quieter base with a change of scenery from Wānaka itself. Plus, as a bonus it’s also home to The Secret Sauna, so you can walk from your tent to get your hot–cold therapy dose.
Dig into Things to Do in Wānaka, or head to our local accommodation page. There’s so much to do in our region, all you have to do is book your accommodations and show up.
