Woodsy buildings, murals and rusty bikes as decoration all set the tone of this higgledy-piggledy hostel. Despite ramshackle first impressions, amenities are considerable: a sunny patio, two kitchens, spa pool and den with a wood burner, plus free soup and popcorn. Dorm beds are 'pod'-style, curtained bunks each with their own electrical socket and light.

The free waffle or pancake breakfast is a nice enticer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. West Coast Wildlife Centre

0.14 MILES

The purpose of this feel-good attraction is breeding two of the world's rarest kiwi – the rowi and the Haast tokoeka. As well as a chance to hang out with…

2. Peters Pool

2.18 MILES

Formed by centuries of glacial meltwater, this dainty kettle lake girded by native rainforest is an easy 1km-return walk from the main glacier car park…

3. Sentinel Rock

2.57 MILES

Survey the skies before embarking on the short, steep walk to the top of Sentinel Rock: the lookout reveals either impressive views of the glacier valley,…

4. Fox Glacier Lookout

9.99 MILES

On a clear day, this is one of the best land-based positions from which to see Fox Glacier (though its retreat may mean you see just a snippet).

5. Andris Apse Okarito Gallery

11.5 MILES

Okarito is home to world-class landscape photographer Andris Apse. His precisely composed gallery showcases his beautiful works, which are printed on-site…

6. Lake Matheson

11.54 MILES

On a good day, the famous 'mirror lake' reflects extraordinary views of distant Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman in its forest-shaded waters. The best time to…

7. Petr Hlavacek Gallery

12.67 MILES

Admire the gallery space of Czech-born local Petr Hlavacek, regarded by many as one of NZ's finest landscape photographers, and buy a print if you're…

8. Peak Viewpoint

14.18 MILES

It's a very long way from the actual glacier, but this parking area provides a surprisingly good view over fields to Fox Glacier (weather permitting)…