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Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for Chateau Backpacker & Motels

A rustic interior with wicker furniture, a wooden table, and a mural.
A hot tub with blue lights, wooden walls, and a ceiling with exposed beams.
A building with a red roof and a mural of workers on the side.
A covered outdoor seating area with wooden benches and blue cushioned sofas, stone walls, and a view of a building in the background.
A bedroom with a wooden slat ceiling, a bed with a colorful quilt, a bedside table with a lamp, and a TV mounted on the wall.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Gym
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
8 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier, 7886
  • Place, Our Lady of the Alps
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, St James Anglican Church
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Glacier Hot Pools
    ‪8 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

A bedroom with a large bed, a bedside table, a nightstand, a window with curtains, and a ceiling fan.

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Motel Room

A hotel room with a bed, two chairs, a desk, a microwave, a sink, and a painting on the wall.

Motel Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Double or Twin Room, Mountain View

A room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

Double or Twin Room, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

About the area

Franz Josef Glacier

At Chateau Backpacker & Motels you'll be within steps of Te Wahipounamu and Our Lady of the Alps. Highlights at this hostel include in-room free WiFi and Smart TVs. .Enjoy the gym and Hot tub. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .In proximity to this Franz Josef Glacier hostel you'll find Mount Cook National Park.
View more Hostels in Franz Josef GlacierOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Our Lady of the Alps - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • St James Anglican Church - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Westcoast Wildlife Centre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Glacier Hot Pools - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Waiho Hot Tubs - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Hokitika (HKK) - 95 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Full Of Beans Cafe - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪SnakeBite Brewery - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Alice May - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Landing Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Monsoon Bar - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Chateau Backpacker & Motels offers its guests a hot tub and a fitness centre. Public spaces have free WiFi. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at 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 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 complimentary bottles of water and coffee/tea makers. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Franz Josef Glacier hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 32-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

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

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • 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

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • 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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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.

Property class

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 parking available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Yep, Chateau Backpacker & Motels has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

Is there a spa on site at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, there is no spa at this property. Waiho Hot Tubs is a short 7-minute walk away.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, Chateau Backpacker & Motels does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

No, pets are not allowed.

Chateau Backpacker & Motels Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 70 out of 248 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 92 out of 248 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 248 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 248 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 248 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff. Overall great stay and would recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place and good staf clean room and good service we like kitchen service and good parking space
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good price, basic accommodation but property looking a bit tired but good value for money and excellent location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wonderful staff.
Sunset from deck
Beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spacious clean room. Great kitchen area. It was wonderfully comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Accommodating Staff; Good Value for Money
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cool place to stay for a short visit. Everything is at a walkable distance.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

Courteous staff but whole property in need of modernisation, however, typical backpacker venue!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness
The property is rundown; the room is ok, but the mattress sheets ha e mildew smell and all the sheets and pillow cases look old and dirty. Receptionist was nice and helpful. He changed the sheets for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

4/10 Poor

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 .
Verified review

6/10 Okay

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Not clean enough
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

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