Top 3 Hostels and Budget Stays in Marlborough (Picton/Blenheim)
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Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Krzysztof Golik, Wikimedia Commons
Picton, as the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, is the main hub for social hostels and cheap accommodation, offering a friendly atmosphere for backpackers and travelers seeking connection.
1. Atlantis Backpackers
Type: Hostel
Upon arrival, one immediately feels at home, welcomed by kind and helpful staff. This affordable hostel is designed for meeting people, featuring a fun and cozy atmosphere with communal spaces. Guests often enjoy free homemade dessert in the evenings, fostering easy conversation. Each bed includes a curtain, offering a good balance of privacy and social opportunity.
2. The Villa Backpackers Lodge
Type: Hostel/Social Guesthouse
Staying at The Villa feels like a cozy cottage retreat, offering a friendly and welcoming ambiance. The hostel provides a spacious garden, a shared lounge, and a terrace, perfect for barbecues or playing billiards. A notable highlight is the complimentary hot apple crumble served nightly, encouraging guests to gather and socialize. It truly feels like a home away from home.
3. Sequoia Lodge Backpackers
Type: Hostel
Sequoia Lodge offers a relaxed and quiet setting, ideal for those who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere while still having opportunities to connect. It features a cozy community area where meeting new people is natural. The kitchen is well-equipped for self-catering, and a complimentary breakfast is a welcome addition, making it one of the more affordable options in Picton.
Check out our other pages on Marlborough (Picton/Blenheim)
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