Is Chateau Backpacker & Motels pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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

As of Oct 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Chateau Backpacker & Motels on Oct 25, 2025 start from $42.49, 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.

How much is parking at Chateau Backpacker & Motels?

Self parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

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

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

Where is Chateau Backpacker & Motels located?

Situated in Franz Josef Glacier, this hostel is steps from Te Wahipounamu and Our Lady of the Alps. Westcoast Wildlife Centre and St James Anglican Church are also within 10 minutes.

Chateau Backpacker & Motels Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

About the neighborhood

Franz Josef Glacier is home to Chateau Backpacker & Motels. Waiho Hot Tubs and Glacier Hot Pools are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Te Wahipounamu and Westcoast Wildlife Centre. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the snowshoeing.

Visit our Franz Josef Glacier travel guide

View more Hostels in Franz Josef Glacier

10/10 Excellent

Rani

Oct 13, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte

Mar 2, 2025

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

Really Nice reception, clean room, easy parking

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Naila

Dec 1, 2022

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

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

6/10 Okay

ELAINE S

Feb 17, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Mar 15, 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Dec 23, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Had everything we needed

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

fraser

Oct 21, 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Great price

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Lawrence

Feb 15, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Nov 28, 2022

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

8/10 Good

Emily

Feb 9, 2024

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

shani

Mar 21, 2023

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

8/10 Good

Matt

Feb 6, 2023

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

8/10 Good

Malcolm

Apr 1, 2023

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

6/10 Okay

Mrinali

Dec 11, 2023

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

Nov 26, 2023

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

8/10 Good

Jane

Mar 10, 2025

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

Feb 25, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Sep 11, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

LONG

Jul 30, 2023

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

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

LVMH FB

Feb 20, 2023

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cherith

Jan 27, 2023

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

Jan 21, 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Marion

Nov 26, 2022

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Schöne Atmosphäre und sehr hilfsbereiter und netter Besitzer.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Jan 13, 2022

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

Dec 24, 2021

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

Chateau Backpacker & Motels

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