Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Bathroom | Shower, hair dryer, towels

3.8

Good(228 Reviews)

Hostel in Franz Josef / Waiau

3-Star Hostel

Reasons to book

Great price for your budgetOne of the lowest cost properties in the area

Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more

Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this hostel

Eco-certified hostel with a fitness center and a spa tub
This hostel features a fitness center, a spa tub, and laundry facilities. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include limo/town car service, a library, and tour/ticket assistance.
Housekeeping is not available.
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.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a spa tub and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Amenities

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Smoking allowed

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Hot tub or spa

Gym or Fitness Center

Garden

Map of Franz Josef / Waiau

Nearby attractions

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

7.7 mi

Available Rooms

4 Bed Dorm

4 Single

Sleeps 1

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

1 Queen

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

Motel Room

1 Queen

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

$$$$

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

$$$$

3.8

Good(228 Reviews)

Hostel in Franz Josef / Waiau

3-Star Hostel

Reasons to book

Great price for your budgetOne of the lowest cost properties in the area

Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more

Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this hostel

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Amenities

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Smoking allowed

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Hot tub or spa

Gym or Fitness Center

Garden

Map of Franz Josef / Waiau

Nearby attractions

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

7.7 mi

Available Rooms

4 Bed Dorm

4 Single

Sleeps 1

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

1 Queen

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

Motel Room

1 Queen

Sleeps 2

You'll be directed to Expedia.com for availability & pricing

Reviews

3.8

Good(228 Reviews)

2.0

Feb 2024

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.

2.5

Dec 2023

Had everything we needed

3.0

Dec 2023

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.

4.0

Nov 2023

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.

4.0

Apr 2023

It was we expected from previous reviews. The motel room was smaller than expected. There were no places to hang clothes

5.0

Mar 2023

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

2.5

Mar 2023

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.

4.0

Feb 2023

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.

5.0

Jan 2023

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.

5.0

Dec 2022

Cool place to stay for a short visit. Everything is at a walkable distance.

2.5

Nov 2022

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.

5.0

Oct 2022

Great price

2.5

Jan 2022

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.

5.0

Dec 2021

Loved the Hospitality &Staff very informative &helpfull..Awsome Stay looking forward &happily recommend this Motel/Hotel/Backpackers...

5.0

Nov 2021

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.

2.5

Jan 2021

Shared kitchen, pancakes included for breakfast and soup for dinner included

2.5

Mar 2020

I am going to say surprised. I was expecting this place to be rough. We had comfortable rooms with shared clean clean washrooms. The staff was very friendly helpful and happy. The chateau was quirky looking but a fun place with interesting people of all ages and nationalities Very close to restaurants bars and

1.3

Mar 2020

I am going to say surprised. I was expecting this place to be rough. We had comfortable rooms with shared clean clean washrooms.The staff was very friendly helpful and happy. The chateau was quirky looking but a fun place with interesting people of all ages and nationalities Very close to restaurants bars and

1.5

Mar 2020

We had a shared bathroom type room the first night and it was super tiny. We upgraded to an en suite which was much more comfortable. Nice to have the free breakfast and soup in the evening. Staff was great

2.0

Feb 2020

We really enjoyed the free breakfast (pancakes/waffles, cereals, roasts and jams), the number of shared washrooms/showers was limited but we didn’t run into any issues. The hostel is well located, you can easily walk to the grocery store or restaurants.

1.0

Jan 2020

No hot water during my shower. Claimed to have free breakfast, it was 3 round bowel of low grade cereal left on table and nothing else. No staff present. Office was still closed when we leave about 9 am. We just leave the key on the door. Worst paying stay I ever had.

1.0

Jan 2020

The room was not very clean. The Breakfast was not available as the staff didnt turn up. The price much too high.

1.0

Jan 2020

The room was not very clean. The Breakfast was not available as the staff didn't turn up. The price much too high.

1.0

Jan 2020

We spent 3 weeks in NZ and stayed in diffrent places most nights, it think it is fair to say that the worst shower of the trip was in this Backpackers. No presure and either scolding or freezing.The kitchen was also one of the worst equipt of the stay with only one sauspan to share round between the guests!For a place of this size the limited hours of the front desk were also suprising, lots of rules about noise, etc, but knobody to enforce them.Appart from the shower the room was generally comfortable and had a small fridge too. Everything in the town was within walking distance.

2.0

Jan 2020

We spent 3 weeks in NZ and stayed in diffrent places most nights, it think it is fair to say that the worst shower of the trip was in this Backpackers. No presure and either scolding or freezing. The kitchen was also one of the worst equipt of the stay with only one sauspan to share round between the guests! For a place of this size the limited hours of the front desk were also suprising, lots of rules about noise, etc, but knobody to enforce them. Appart from the shower the room was generally comfortable and had a small fridge too. Everything in the town was within walking distance.

2.0

Dec 2019

Well set up and helpful staff v comfortable for motel backpacker units. Just a shame there was no hot water in the morning for a shower.

1.0

Dec 2019

Very expensive for what it is and the condition of the place. The staff are great and very helpful but the place is run down and desperate for a good cleanup.

2.0

Dec 2019

Wonderful stay very cosy and warm in room. Owner /manager looks after guests by providing breakfast in the morning, pancakes toast jams syrup coffee tea, and soup at night too keep you warm plenty of vegetables and barley mmmmm yummy. Staff and owner very friendly. We enjoyed our short stay.

1.5

Nov 2019

The. Young lady, she said her name was a Maori name, was great checking us in and helpful with questions. Soup was good and there was a nice selection for breakfast and both meals were complimentary. Beds were comfortable and room was pretty clean but everything needs a real good cleaning as in walkways and light fixtures above entries

2.5

Nov 2019

Great friendly staff. Breakfast was good but as I’m not a morning person leaving out a little later would be good.

1.0

Oct 2019

Although it was a backpacker place our room was very comfortable and we had an ensuite. Because it was a backpacker place there was free soup at night and breakfast in the morning

2.0

Oct 2019

Although it was a backpacker place our room was very comfortable and we had an ensuite. Because it was a backpacker place there was free soup at night and breakfast in the morning

1.5

Apr 2019

Got stranded in Franz Josef Glacier when the bridge collapsed, it was a cozy, chill place to hang for a few rainy day# complete with a fireplace. The kitchen is large, but I was initially quite stumped by the induction oven.

1.0

Feb 2019

Bed was a bit narrow for two people WiFi rubbish....total hot and miss Took ages to eventually log on....but zero in room Breakfast....first in Best Dressed. Seating is very limited

1.0

Feb 2019

This place caters to backpackers and budget conscious travellers, it's definitely good if that's what you want. We had a double room with shared bathroom which was no frills but was fine for a night and clean and comfortable. The breakfast (pancake mix and waffle maker too) was a bonus and this was a quiet place to stay with no issues with late night noise. Franz Josef is tiny so it's easy to walk around the corner to the shop/cafes and restaurants etc. Visit from the fire engine was a bonus ;)

1.0

Nov 2018

Great for a budget stay in what can be an expensive area. Facilities were very adequate even if a little long in the tooth. However this is what we were expecting and our ensuite double room was adequate and served its purpose. The waffles for breakfast were a nice, unexpected extra.The spa should be avoided as it looked and smelt like it hadn't been maintained for a long while.

2.5

Aug 2017

Stayed for one night in a double room. Room was very comfy with and ensuite, kitchenette, and TV. Facilities included the use of the spa (undercover so can be used in any weather) and unlimited free wifi. When we arrived, checkin staff were friendly and helpful. We also received free soup as part of our stay. In the morning, again free food! Great spread of toast, cereal, and waffles! All in all a great place to stay and amazing value for money - will definitely be staying here again if we are in the area.

2.0

Mar 2017

We spent 1 night in a double room with ensuite. It was clean and tidy as we'd expect. Free soup was available for dinner which was good for a starter. Free breakfast with waffles was a winner. Free WiFi was slow, but it was a wet day so I assume most were keeping themselves entertained. We traveled with a 1yo child and we felt welcomed during our stay.

2.0

Feb 2017

Breakfast was better than usual for backpackers hostel, parking was a little tough to find, rooms were a little small......but I liked the manager, workers, cleanliness and price. Overall, good place for thrifty price!

2.0

Jan 2015

Great accommodation at a reasonable price. Room was tidy and comfortable. Staff were helpful.

FAQs

How much does this hostel cost compared to others in Franz Josef / Waiau?

The average price for a rental in Franz Josef / Waiau is $128 per night. This rental is $40 less expensive than the average.

Is parking included with this hostel?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Chateau Backpacker & Motels. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this hostel?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this hostel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Chateau Backpacker & Motels pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this hostel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, smoking allowed, parking, and laundry.

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4.3

Excellent(233 Reviews)

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Hotel

in Franz Josef

5-star

2 full beds

Garden · Kitchen or Kitchenette · Air conditioner

When traveling to Franz Josef / Waiau, if you are looking for (business stays, family stays, couples stay, getaway vacation, etc.) this is the perfect place at $76 per night.

$$$$

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Hostel in Franz Josef / Waiau

Reasons to book

About this hostel

Amenities

Map of Franz Josef / Waiau

Nearby attractions

Available Rooms

4 Bed Dorm

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Motel Room

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

Hostel in Franz Josef / Waiau

Reasons to book

About this hostel

Amenities

Map of Franz Josef / Waiau

Nearby attractions

Available Rooms

4 Bed Dorm

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Motel Room

Reviews

FAQs

How much does this hostel cost compared to others in Franz Josef / Waiau?

Is parking included with this hostel?

Is there a pool at this hostel?

Is Chateau Backpacker & Motels pet friendly?

What amenities are available at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

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