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High Country Motel and Backpackers

2.5 star property
Enjoy the free parking at this Twizel motel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for High Country Motel and Backpackers

3 Bedroom Carriage House | Terrace/patio
Reception
House, 3 Bedrooms | WiFi, bed sheets
House, 3 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio
Breakfast (NZD 13.00 per person)

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
23 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel, 7901
  • Twizel Town Centre
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Mueller Ridge
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Lake Ruataniwha
    ‪4 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

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 Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom | WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 1 Bedroom

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Studio

Studio | WiFi, bed sheets

Studio

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

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 3 Bedroom Carriage House

3 Bedroom Carriage House | WiFi, bed sheets

3 Bedroom Carriage House

  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed and 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for House, 3 Bedrooms

House, 3 Bedrooms | WiFi, bed sheets

House, 3 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 Queen Bed and 7 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Twizel

In Twizel .Within a 10-minute walk of the motel, you'll find Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge. Lake Ruataniwha is within 3 miles (5 km) and Lake Pukaki is within 9 miles (15 km).
View more Motels in TwizelOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Twizel Town Centre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mueller Ridge - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Lake Ruataniwha - 4 min drive - 3.4 miles
  • Lake Pukaki - 10 min drive - 8.4 miles
  • Lake Ohau - 29 min drive - 15.4 miles

Getting around

  • Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse) - 111 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jasmine Thai - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Mt Cook Alpine Salmon - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mint Folk - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Bumbles Bacon Butties - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Musterer's Hut Cafe - ‬6 min walk

About this property

High Country Motel and Backpackers

Enjoy the free parking at this Twizel motel
High Country Motel and Backpackers offers its guests a terrace, barbecue grills, and a garden. Public spaces have WiFi for a fee. High Country Motel and Backpackers also features a picnic area, laundry facilities, and a television in a common area. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Twizel motel.

  • 104 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
High Country Motel and Backpackers offers 104 accommodations. This Twizel motel provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Aerial view

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park

  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 141 reviews
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom

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

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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets 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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 smoke detector
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 and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

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

How close is High Country Motel and Backpackers to the airport?

High Country Motel and Backpackers is 96.5 mi (111-min drive) away from the Timaru (TIU-Richard Pearse) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at High Country Motel and Backpackers?

As of Jul 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at High Country Motel and Backpackers on Jul 9, 2025 start from $60.6, 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 High Country Motel and Backpackers have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at High Country Motel and Backpackers.

Does High Country Motel and Backpackers offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at High Country Motel and Backpackers, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 13.00 per person.

Is there a casino at High Country Motel and Backpackers?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

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

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 7:30 PM.

Is there free parking at High Country Motel and Backpackers?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does High Country Motel and Backpackers have a pool?

High Country Motel and Backpackers does not have a pool.

Does High Country Motel and Backpackers have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is High Country Motel and Backpackers to downtown Twizel?

High Country Motel and Backpackers is 0.3 mi away from Twizel.

High Country Motel and Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 243 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 86 out of 243 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 243 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 243 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 243 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

James

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the price it was of a very poor standard with very poor and very limited facilities and an extremely small unit. The ensuite did not have have a basin and there was not enough room for our baggage(2 medium sized suitcases). We stay in motels between 50 & 100 nights a year & this was the worst we've had the misfortune to stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

RAMESH, Round Rock

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

RAMESH, Round Rock

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great

8/10 Good

R

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Good location and comfortable

The place is fairly basic but clean, tidy and comfortable. WIFI was good. The fridge did freeze everything overnight though which was a little annoying as we didn’t change any settings. Otherwise good and close to the pub.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Warren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very quiet and very accessible
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Tibor Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Noisy neighbor, no reception to call.

The accommodation is sort of ok, what you expect. We had a terrible stay, due to a guest next door left on his tv all night, no stop since we checked in till we checked out, not one minute break. In the evening it was movies, very loud, during the night it was music, very loud. paper thin walls, you could hear every beat. I had to move to an other bed further away from that wall, but still... did not sleep all night. Ear plugs, etc, not much use. The problem was there is no reception after hours, and we were afraid to bang on the wall, not knowing what kind of 'guests' are in the other room. We were afraid they would damage the car or such. This kind of disturbance on this level never happened to me, (flew 11 million kms, 120+ countries), but in a case like this you would normally call reception. We were just unlucky. You pay a fortune to come all the way to see Mt Cook, and you cannot sleep the night before.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Khim Bahadur

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

8/10 Good

Graham

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

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

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Business traveler
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

8/10 Good

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Good value for price paid. Comfortable rooms. Communal ablutions clean. Perhaps some milk in the fridge to go with coffee sachets?
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Tad

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel was convient to many places within walking distance. It was not sound insulated so it was a bit noisy. Felt a little cramped for space. The front desk hours were sporadic. We used the laundry but it was just one washer/dryer for a large number of potential residents.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Ann

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Dated & not particularly attractive. Despite that, had a comfortable night
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Archie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
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

6/10 Okay

Howard

Traveled with family
This motel is quite old, basic facility is there. They have daily room servicing but no standard procedure, like milk was given only once, partially tidy up stuff, curtain was opened without any privacy concept. Location is ok, Four Square is just opposite with various restaurants in walking distance. Parking is ok too. It is a bit pricy at this quality.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael, Covington

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Edmund

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

10/10 Excellent

meir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Melanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Although relatively close to Mount Cook and well kept, everything was dated. The sink fixtures actually still have separate hot and cold taps! Thankfully the hotel did be sure to have drain plugs in each sink so that the hot and cold water could be mixed into warm. Twizel is far from anything else, so maybe bring your own food.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wenginn

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

10/10 Excellent

RUTH

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good budget option. Accommodation was simple but clean and comfortable. All needs were covered. Kitchen was pretty clean. Easy walk within town to supermarket and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023