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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
3 Bedroom Carriage House | Terrace/patio
Front of property
House, 3 Bedrooms
Continental breakfast for a fee

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
23 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel, 7901
  • Place, Twizel Town Centre
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Mueller Ridge
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Tekapo Springs
    ‪47 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio

Studio

Studio

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom

Suite, 1 Bedroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 Queen Bed and 5 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for House, 3 Bedrooms

House, 3 Bedrooms

House, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 Queen Bed and 7 Twin Beds

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Carriage House

3 Bedroom Carriage House

3 Bedroom Carriage House

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Queen Bed and 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom

Double Room, Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

About the area

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 - 0.2 km
  • Mueller Ridge - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Lake Ohau - 28 min drive - 24.7 km
  • Tekapo Springs - 47 min drive - 72.2 km
  • Church of the Good Shepherd - 48 min drive - 73.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Poppies Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Vier Project - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Mint Folk - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jasmine Thai - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Ministry of Works - ‬4 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.

Similar properties

Studio, Jetted Tub, Lake View
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Twizel
  • Parking included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 215 reviews
The price is CA $59
CA $68 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 fire extinguisher and 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 fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

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 May 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at High Country Motel and Backpackers on May 19, 2026 start from CA $84, 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. 106 out of 311 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 107 out of 311 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 311 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 311 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 311 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
The room was fine, but basic. Check in was ok although I got a reminder that unless I checked in by 3pm my room wouldn't be reserved.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Laurie

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
You get what you pay for! The young man at check in was very nice and helpful … I appreciated that :)
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Xiao

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Michael H

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very basic room. Clean but we could hear a snorer in the next room even with the fan on high
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, comfortable bed and great guy (Quentin) on reception
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is fairly basic accommodation which we chose because of limited choice and we didn’t want to travel back to Wanaka, the nearest area with accommodation free. It put my wife in mind of accommodation that was normal 20 years before. Having said that it was clean and we slept ok.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rudi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good experience, the only thing to improve is wifi connection during high season
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Laura

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was dated but clean. Shower water pressure and temperature was amazing! Beds were super soft
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Harlon

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Stephan

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff, amenities, close to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Khaula

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

rosemary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Helpful staff. Clean hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quiet. Handy to lots of great amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Kam oon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room a bit small. Kitchen should open by 6am. Should provide coffee, tea and sugar
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Danielle Anne

Disliked: Cleanliness
Communal spaces weren't maintained/tidy. Especially the kitchen.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Meghan

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It did the job, but that’s all. It looks like it was built with flimsy materials from the 70’s and the mattresses feel that old too. The customer service was lacking as well. The check-in closed an hour earlier than advertised and so we had to use a lock box, which is okay, but we got locked out of our room and no one answered the reception phone for over an hour, conveniently until the time the bars closed, at which point they text a reply rather than calling back. Would not recommend unless it’s the only place in the area to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shweta

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Mingzhen

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a room with private bathroom, but most of the units have shared bathrooms. The condition of the facility cannot be expected to be ideal. It’s a kind of place to reminder you to bring your own shampoo.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mathew Marian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to sleep and drive to other attractions. The town itself didn’t have a lot to do, but it did have a decent sized shopping centre and restaurant hub. Staff cleaned room daily, and check in/out process was easy. Nice to have a kitchenette and private washroom in our room.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and facilities keeled very clean and restocked. Only thing was the adjoining door to the next room was paper thin making it difficult to get to sleep with noisy neighbours. However this is no fault of the motel and the nature of accommodation this style. But recommend some ear plugs encase you have night owls next door like me.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Steve

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don't stay here, room was substandard in cleanliness, had to ask for towels and soap, kitchen bench had to be cleaned before use. No handbasin in bathroom, kitchen sink is used as toilet handbasin and for cleaning teeth totally unhygienic. I cannot recommend this lodge at all and suggest you go elsewhere.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Sam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Rooms were descent for a motel. Clean sheets. Would have been nice to have toiletries - like shampoo, soap. Rooms have working heater and bed warmers. We landed on a cold night, so nice to have that. Next night was warm with no AC (little uncomfortable)
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025