Barnyard Backpackers
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Barnyard Backpackers

80 Mount York Rd Rainbow Downs, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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Main Room
Room & Suite (29)
entrée, et cuisine en fond
Dining (6)

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Avg. $169 /night, 2/7 - 2/8
$188
per night
$94
per night
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About

#3 of 6 hostels in Te Anau
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.1 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.2 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Suited to any visitor to Te Anau, Gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sound. Quality, affordable and comfortable, guests are accommodated in private-ensuite rooms or a choice of 3-6 bed ensuite-dorm or family rooms (no bunks) All rooms are in log cabin-type units, have TV, made up beds and heating, separate from the activity of the handcrafted rustic lodge which houses the dining/lounge area with wood fire, hot water laundry and brand new purpose built modern kitchen. Set to the uninterrupted spectacular rural, and Fiordland mountain views, on an elevated small deer farm between Te Anau and Manapouri. Quiet relaxed setting on spacious grounds. Offstreet Parking. Free daily WiFI allowance. Car/Gear storage, Kepler Track drop off. Some camping available, full use of hostel facilities
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Billiards
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Fireplace
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quaint

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Sandy B wrote a review Mar 2024
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Barnyard Backpackers is about 10km from Te Anau & in a quiet location with lovely views. The cabins are in need of updating, but adequate. The beds were comfortable. A walk or drive up the hill to use the kitchen facilities in the main building. The kitchen was well appointed with plenty of space for preparing food.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaroncheang wrote a review Feb 2005
Sydney, Australia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Barnyard backpackers is a great hostel. Very friendly staff and pets (my wife fell in love with the kitten) and good basic facilities. The rooms could do with a bit of a refurbishment but the ensuite toilets and showers were clean.

The view is fantastic (over a deer farm) and the main disadvantage is that it is located about 10 min drive out of town. I would stay there again and it is good value for money.
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Date of stay: January 2005
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angi D wrote a review Feb 2019
Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I really wanted to like this place after reading the reviews, but after a month of travelling in New Zealand, sadly this property just didn’t do it for me.

Granted, the position commands stunning views (and to see deer from the kitchen window is wonderful), but there’s a lot which could be improved.

Spacious cabin unit, but absolutely nowhere to hang/store clothes. Kettle provided, but no mugs.
Our room featured a fist-sized hole in the wall, covered by a map pinned across it. Adequate bathroom, but no soap whatsoever (the only place, in a month of staying in hostels) and no toilet-roll holder. Fantastically well-equipped kitchen, but no spices or cooking oil for guests to use. Kitchen surfaces and crockery were sparkling clean, but we had cobwebs in our cabin curtains.
Pool table was available - but with a massive rip in the baize.

The staff seemed uninterested in their guests- we were there two nights and the host didn’t speak to us once.

On the positive side, we appreciated the log-fire in the Barn area, especially on a damp, chilly evening.
WiFi in the Barn was adequate, and sunset views lovely.

The points raised are easy fixes, and, if the owner cares enough, she could transform a barely-OK stay into a truly memorable experience for her guests.
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad35364 wrote a review Jul 2006
Australia
1.0 of 5 bubbles
This place was AWFUL and the service was atrocious!

They did not have a fridge and did not inform us about this when we checked in (with our bags of groceries!). When we asked about the fridge the girl at the desk informed us that it broke (she failed to tell us this when we checked in). So was asked is there ANY fridge? No. What about an esky?? No, but you can have a chilly bag. So I said great - we'll use the chilly bag.

Then we sat around for 20min waiting for the chilly bag while she used the internet and ignored us. When we asked about the bag she RUDELY informed us that she was in the middle of something and she would get us the bag when she was finished!! So we waited around for another 10min, and interupted her internet use to kindly ask for our money back.

She informed us that as we did not give 24hours notice we could not have our money back (by this stage we had been there for around 45min). We informed her that we were not given 24hours notice that they had no fridge!! We asked to speak to the manager, and she said she runs the place. This was NOT the woman I made the booking with (she looked about 18), and I said "so there is no one here but you?" she replied that she was the only person I could speak to. I saw the older woman (think it was her mum) later in the night and when we said hello she snapped "what did you say to me!!" at us - really nasty.

The girl eventually got us a chilly bag - so then we had to drive to the shops again to buy ice for it. When other guests arrived later in the evening they asked us where the fridge was, and we told them there was no fridge (this girl was STILL not informing guests about the broken fridge!), so we shared the chilly bag with them.

The bedroom was filthy - with an uncomfortable bed, TV not working and broken lamp - this place sucked for $60!!

The shared facilities were also filthy, I saw mice in the kitchen, the rubbish bin was overflowing and STANK out the kitchen, and the floor had not been vacuumed in a LONGGG time...

DO NOT STAY HERE UNLESS YOU WANT TO SLEEP IN 20 YEARS OF FILTH AND GRIME.
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Date of stay: April 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from LilypupEastSussex, Friends of the management at Barnyard Backpackers
Responded 14 Sept 2007
As friends of the managers of this hostel we felt these comments are rather unfair and a personal attack. We stay in the hostel whenever we come over to NZ and the rooms are cleaned well, they have a massive new fridge and the family are the friendliest people we know. It is an absolutely beautiful place to stay and I think putting people off like this is making people miss out on a wonderful opportunity. This review has been on here for over a year now so I feel it has had its time to be aired. You can't please all the people all the time, maybe this was a result of a bad day and minunderstanding / poor communication. The opportunity to put comments in the public domain is great and I use this site a lot but, unfortunately, people are very quick to put pen to paper about the bad times but not always so quick to note the good times. I think this has done its turn, please remove it from the site. Kind regards, Fleur Newton-Edwards
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
klutz wrote a review Feb 2006
uk
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Just spent two nights here. It is 8km out of Te Anau (which is fine as Te Anau is rubbish) and is in a stunning location with mountain views from all the units. Communal facilites were great with free pool table and good kitchen. We had a double ES room which definitely needed a refurb and a spring clean. The bed was tiny and VERY uncomfortable and it just had a dirty feel to the room. Which was a shame because otherwise it would be a wonderful place to stay.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlfredoAMS wrote a review Mar 2013
Redmond, Washington
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked this place without knowing where it actually was located, we wanted somewhere close to go visit the Milford Sound the next day. It was very tricky to get there at night specially because the GPS won't recognize the address a place in Te Anau but in Manapouri. We got there very late just to find the key and a map in the reception. The next morning we got a big surprise by the amazing view. We just couldn't believe that we got that for the price we paid. Who cares if there is no wifi in the room, it was a place to sleep and relax.
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Date of stay: March 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KayakGuy88 wrote a review Jan 2021
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I had the misfortune to stay a night here & was woken by a stinging bite to my foot. I thought it was a mosquito but when I examined the bottom of the bed I found a bug crawling about the sheets which I squashed. I sent a picture to Public Health NZ & they confirmed it was a bedbug. These things happen when travel!ing but what I found particularly annoying was the response by the owner's daughter who didn't even bother to offer an apo!ogy, begrudgingly let me use the tumble drier to heat up my clothes which I had worn in the room (this is the most effective way to kill bedbugs/destroy their eggs) and insinuated I had brought it in with my belongings! In addition the guy working there said as he'd travelled in France & Portugal and encountered bedbugs so it's to be expected. Perhaps, but I would consider this a poor attitude for someone running holiday accommodation. The owner's daughter also stated that there couldn't be a problem as "the last time bedbugs were found it was in room 11 not room 8" . I think my experience was just another symptom of a backpacker's suffering from long-term neglect. Judging by their chronic sagging, the mattresses must be decades old and harbouring who-know's-what. Also the main house had a bad leak with water dripping from the roof when it rained. The carpets are threadbare and ripped in places. It's so sad as properly run this place could be wonderful.
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Date of stay: January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly J wrote a review Mar 2018
Melbourne, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Barnyard is about 10km out of town which is a fact I actually loved. The views over to the mountains are gorgeous and my favourite part was falling asleep to no sound other than the wind in the trees and the amazing stars at night. My partner and I shared one of the cabins down the hill, and while basic it was comfortable and did the job. The bed was big and warm and cozy and the shower had good pressure and plenty of hot water. We used the shared kitchen facilities in the main building to cook dinner and they appeared to be well cleaned and taken care of. The ample fridge space was also much appreciated. I would highly recommend this place as a comfortable basic option, away from the main township. My only criticism is that the toilet paper lives on the windowsill in the cabin and it got soaked in a downpour! Nothing more than a minor inconvenience but perhaps a toilet roll holder on the wall would help.
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Date of stay: February 2018
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo G wrote a review Apr 2015
Christchurch, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Such a great find - beautiful setting and peaceful place. The accommodation and facilities were better than we expected and the staff communication when booked, and help upon arrival was outstanding.
Cute little rooms located short walk down from the 'Barnyard' with awesome views over the farms and valleys. Excellent location between Manapouri and Te Anau, perfect before our Doubtful Sound trip.
Amazing kitchen facilities as well as dining area and games/pool room. Very little cell and internet cover, but that's the idea in such a remote area!
Great value for money!!
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Date of stay: April 2015
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
אריאל wrote a review Apr 2015
Israel
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This accomodation which is located about 10 km from Te Anau gave me a farm adventure. From one side there are pastoral fields and goats next to your room but from the other hand the funiture in room can be a bit problematic (one drower in the table was missing ) and the distance to the kitchen is about 70 meters. The lamp near the entrance door did not work and was covered with spider web. Suits only to those who like farm conditions.
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Date of stay: February 2015
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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FruitcakeF wrote a tip Feb 2015
Johannesburg, South Africa28 contributions13 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"which ever you choose - stay more than one night!"
Read full review
Mzteeree wrote a tip Feb 2013
London, United Kingdom140 contributions87 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Get a cabin"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Te Anau area.
PRICE RANGE
$137 - $174 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
barnyard backpackers hotel te anau
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandSouthland RegionFiordland National ParkTe Anau
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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BARNYARD BACKPACKERS | UPDATED 2024 Hostel Reviews & Price Comparison (Te Anau, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Barnyard Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Barnyard Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (7.1 km), Kepler Track (5.4 km), and Te Anau Glowworm Caves (7.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Barnyard Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, laundry service, and internet access.
What food & drink options are available at Barnyard Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Barnyard Backpackers?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Barnyard Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include MacKinnon Room, The Moose Bar & Restaurant, and Alpine Centre Cafe & Bar.
Are any cleaning services offered at Barnyard Backpackers?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
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