Empire Hotel Backpackers, Oamaru ** Special offers 2024 **, Top hotel in Oamaru ┆ Tophotels.com

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Empire Hotel Backpackers - Oamaru

Recommended for:

Fans of nostalgiaStep back in time and relive the glory days of VHS tapes with our collection of vintage films, giving you a sense of nostalgia during your stay at Empire Hotel Backpackers.

Social butterfliesEmbrace the friendly atmosphere and make new friends as you gather in our shared lounge, where you can connect with fellow travelers from around the world.

Billiards enthusiastsChallenge your friends to a friendly game of billiards in our on-site game room, perfect for those looking for a bit of light-hearted competition and entertainment.

Nature loversIndulge in the area's natural beauty with a visit to Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Gardens, both easily accessible from our hotel, offering stunning landscapes and tranquil surroundings.

Cultural enthusiastsImmerse yourself in the region's rich history by exploring Moeraki Boulders, located just 23 miles away from Empire Hotel Backpackers, and marvel at these unique geological formations.

Film buffsFor a cozy night in, enjoy our selection of VHS tapes and relax in the comfortable surroundings of our heritage building, transporting you back to a bygone era.

Explorers of local cuisine
DIY chefs
Laundry aficionados
Digital nomads
Comfort seekers
Inquisitive travelers
Garden admirers
Luggage-friendly guests
History enthusiasts

Good to know

Timing

Check-in: 13:00-21:00FREE

Check-out: 09:00-10:00FREE

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cribs provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Rooms and availability

Dormitory Room Female only

Bed options:

1 Bed in shared room

Max:

6 persons

room details +

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Dormitory Room Male only

Bed options:

1 Bed in shared room

Max:

6 persons

room details +

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Dormitory Room Mixed

Bed options:

1 Bed in shared room

Max:

1 person

room details +

Check Prices

Show 2 more room types+ Less

Facilities

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site parking lot
No pets allowed
Baggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Pool tables

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen

Services

Laundry

Dining

Picnic area/ Tables

Children

Board games

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

• Situated in the Victorian Precinct, the hotel neighbors the Oamaru Gardens, the Forrester Gallery, and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. • The historic district features the Victorian-era Oamaru Stone buildings, galleries showcasing local art, and dining options ranging from cafés to restaurants. • Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, Oamaru Public Gardens, and Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve offer outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts.

Thames Street 13, Oamaru, New Zealand, 9495

City landmarks
Nearby
Restaurants

2 Waterfront Rd

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

1.0 mi

Garden

Oamaru Public Gardens

3700 ft

56 Eden Street

3700 ft

1 Wansbeck St

Friendly Bay

2200 ft

Church

St Patrick's Basilica

4500 ft

Beach

Bushy Beach

1.5 mi

1 Tamar St

Oamaru Lookout Point

1.0 mi

Bushy Beach Rd

Yellow eyed penguin colony

1.5 mi

S Hill Walk

Cape Wanbrow MTB and Walking tracks

1.1 mi

Parks

Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve

1.5 mi

Cape Wanbrow

1.5 mi

Bushy Beach Road Otago

Bushy Beach Track

1.5 mi

State Highway 1 8 kms south of Oamaru

Totara Estate

2.0 mi

1 Itchen Street

Steampunk HQ

900 ft

2 Harbour Street

Oamaru's Victorian Precinct

1100 ft

Gallery

Forrester Art Gallery

100 ft

Oamaru Harbour Board Office

700 ft

1 Harbour Street North Otago

Presence on Harbour

1100 ft

Museums

Whitestone City

1400 ft

Museums

North Otago Museum

600 ft

Gallery

Grainstore Gallery

1200 ft

8 Tyne Street

Art On Tyne

900 ft

Harbour Street

The Loft

1200 ft

Church

Church of St Lukes Anglican

600 ft

Market

Oamaru Farmers' Market

1700 ft

10 Itchen St

Tourism Waitaki

500 ft

1 Tyne Street Upstairs

Time Travellers Experience

800 ft

Harbour Board Building 2 Harbour St

The Victorian Heritage Centre

1100 ft

10 Harbour Street South Hill

Oasis Oamaru

1300 ft

11 Harbour St Through The Gallery Onto 15 Tyne St In The Historic Precinct

Ian Andersen Sculptor

1300 ft

KFC

800 ft

Corner Usk & Thames Streets

Harbour Street Bakery

1100 ft

4 Harbour Street

Deja Moo

1200 ft

Harbour Street

Lagonda

2900 ft

191 Thames Street

Empire Hotel Backpackers Reviews

7.2/10

United Kingdom, August 2023

Great central location, close to attractions and free public parking nearby.

The room and property were in need of renovation. the shower area and rooms could have used a makeover, and the carpets and paint were worn out.

8.8/10

United Kingdom, July 2023

We had a fantastic stay at a cute and historic hostel with friendly staff. the hostel had good facilities, a comfortable common area, and a cozy fire downstairs. We were impressed with the helpful advice on seeing penguins for free. the location was convenient, being in the city center and close to the beach. it was a nice and friendly place, and we would definitely stay here again.

Liked everything! 😊

8.0/10

United Kingdom, July 2023

great backpacker accommodation, friendly staff, fantastic location near attractions. exceeded expectations in warmth and cleanliness, felt like home.

unclear staff identification

8.6/10

United Kingdom, July 2023

Great value for money with comfortable rooms and a central location. The staff were friendly and accommodating, even allowing for flexible check-out times and providing a free left luggage room.

The breakfast menu could use some improvement, with a wider variety of options available.

9.8/10

United Kingdom, June 2023

had a charming stay at a historic building hostel in Oamaru, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who gave great advice on seeing penguins for free. Loved the comfortable common area and the personal touches. So glad places like this still exist in NZ!

Noisy door slamming on Friday night.

9.6/10

United Kingdom, June 2023

Great location, near downtown and waterfront. Clean rooms and kitchen. Friendly staff. Comfortable beds. Convenient parking.

9.0/10

United Kingdom, June 2023

Great location, accessible to attractions and penguin colony. Warm and comfortable rooms with electric blankets and heaters. Friendly and accessible staff.

Felt cosy, nothing too much trouble.

10.0/10

United Kingdom, June 2023

The quirky building had a billiard table, piano, and guitar in the basement, offering a unique touch. the staff, who were friendly and respectful, made us feel welcome and comfortable during our stay. the rooms were surprisingly nice for a backpacker's place, and the bed was the best I've slept on in a hostel. the location was perfect, close to the bus stop, cafes, and restaurants. And to top it all off, the living room fire provided a cozy and warm atmosphere on chilly evenings. Highly recommended!

9.4/10

United Kingdom, June 2023

The location of the hotel is perfect, situated in the historic center close to attractions like the Steampunk museum. The building itself is beautiful and the rooms are cozy and comfortable. The bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. there are two well-equipped kitchens available for guests to use.

The fridges in the kitchen had a strong unpleasant smell, which was quite off-putting.

9.4/10

United Kingdom, May 2023

Great value for money, rooms were basic but clean and tidy. Perfect location for exploring, everything within easy walking distance. The staff went above and beyond, making us feel welcome and engaging with all visitors.

Breakfast option could be improved with more variety.

8.8/10

United Kingdom, May 2023

The location, building, 2 kitchens, owner, free wifi.

Nothing to dislike.

7.4/10

United Kingdom, May 2023

The hostel had a perfect location, right near all the attractions, with free parking available nearby. The staff were friendly and the free wifi was a major plus.

The beds were flimsy and uncomfortable, and the bathroom area was co-ed. It seemed like there was no one in charge and no helpful information available.

8.2/10

United Kingdom, May 2023

I stayed at Empire Backpackers for a short trip and loved the central location, quirky atmosphere, and friendly staff. The Victorian-era building had a billiard table, piano, and guitar in the basement, and there were two kitchens and sitting areas available. The rooms were nice considering the price, and I appreciated the 10GB free Wi-Fi allowance. a highly recommended stay!

Would be happy to recommend this hotel.

8.0/10

United Kingdom, April 2023

Great value for money, cozy room with character and cute bedding. The hotel's location in the city centre was excellent, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, treating us like family.

The morning breakfast selection could have been better, with more variety and options.

9.0/10

United Kingdom, March 2023

The value for money at the Empire Hotel Backpackers was excellent. The room was comfortable and clean, with a warm and cozy atmosphere. The location was perfect, within walking distance of many attractions. The staff were extremely friendly and always available.

The breakfast experience could be improved with more variety.