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Chateau Backpacker & Motels

3.0 star property
3-star eco-certified hostel with free WiFi

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Photo gallery for Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Lobby sitting area
Front of property
Sundeck
TV
Spa

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Waiho Hot Tubs
    ‪8 min walk‬

Room options

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)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 4 Bed Dorm

4 Bed Dorm | Free WiFi

4 Bed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier

In Franz Josef Glacier .You'll be steps from Our Lady of the Alps and a 5-minute walk from Te Wahipounamu. Westcoast Wildlife Centre and St James Anglican Church are also within half a mile (1 km).
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
  • ‪Landing Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Alice May - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Bar - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

3-star eco-certified hostel with free WiFi
Chateau Backpacker & Motels offers its guests a hot tub and a fitness center. Public spaces have free WiFi. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at the eco-certified Chateau Backpacker & Motels. The hostel can provide limo/town car service and tour/ticket assistance. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Franz Josef Glacier hostel.

  • 43 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Car service
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
Chateau Backpacker & Motels offers 43 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. This Franz Josef Glacier hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include showers.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

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 parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV

Bathroom

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

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • No pets 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, and cash. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

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

How close is Chateau Backpacker & Motels to the airport?

Chateau Backpacker & Motels is 84.4 mi (95-min drive) away from the Hokitika (HKK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Sep 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Chateau Backpacker & Motels on Sep 6, 2025 start from $36.49, excluding 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.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels offer free breakfast?

Chateau Backpacker & Motels does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

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

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

Is there free parking at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels have a pool?

Chateau Backpacker & Motels does not have a pool.

Does Chateau Backpacker & Motels have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Chateau Backpacker & Motels to downtown Franz Josef Glacier?

Chateau Backpacker & Motels is 0.1 mi away from Franz Josef Glacier.

Chateau Backpacker & Motels Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 233 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 233 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 53 out of 233 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 233 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 233 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Annemarie

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

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

6/10 Okay

Mrinali

Traveled with partner
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

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

LONG

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Malcolm, Auckland

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

shani

Traveled with family
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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Cherith

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Naila

Traveled with partner
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

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

10/10 Excellent

fraser

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

David, Lower HUtt

Traveled with partner
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

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