10 Best Budget Accommodation Options in Picton, New Zealand

Last Updated: 21th July, 2023

If you’re seeking an unforgettable getaway in the Marlborough region of New Zealand without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll guide you through the best budget accommodation options in Picton, ensuring you can enjoy all the wonders this picturesque destination has to offer while keeping your wallet happy. From cozy hostels and affordable motels to budget-friendly guesthouses, Picton boasts a range of comfortable and pocket-friendly choices to suit every traveler’s needs.

Top 10 Budget Accommodation Options in Picton!

1. The Villa | Picton

If you’re looking for fantastic but cheap accommodation in the heart of Picton, then this is for you! The Villa offers comfortable and affordable options, depending on your preference. Choose from either a lively dorm room or a cosy private room, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings! There is good wifi, a welcoming guest lounge, modern kitchen facilities, and even an outdoor hot tub – Bliss!

The Villa is located right in the city center, with Picton Marina, Shelley Beach and cafes and restaurants within walking distance. If you can’t be bothered walking, The Villa even has a bicycle you can borrow!

2. Picton House B&B | Picton

Originally built in the 1920’s, Picton House B&B is full of character and charm! If you are travelling solo and are looking for privacy, or a couple who want a little extra space, there is a room to suit. Each room comes with an en -suite bathroom, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. If you’d prefer to be entirely self sufficient, they have a couple of options that include a fully-equipped kitchen!

My highlights from staying here were the friendly hosts, the outdoor pool, and the awesome breakfast spread on offer every morning! It was the best way to start a day of adventuring around the Sounds!

3. Sequoia Lodge Backpackers | Picton

The Sequoia Lodge is located around 15-minutes walk from the Picton waterfront, and offers peace from the hustle and bustle of tourists! There are a variety of rooms available, from private rooms with an en-suit bathroom, to dormitory rooms (including a female only dorm room). The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and provide an awesome place to stay in Picton on a budget!

As well as good rooms, Sequoia Lodge offers an outdoor hot tub (score!), a referbished kitchen, a cinema-style TV room, and free continental breakfast. They can also organise free transfers to and from the ferry terminal in Picton waterfront, so you don’t have to worry about the walk!

4. Outback on Broadway | Picton

This holiday home is a brilliant option for families and couples looking for peaceful and private accommodation in the heart of Picton! It contains 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people, making it perfect for a family getaway. It has a beautiful and spacious living room, and a fully-equipped kitchen, (and a fancy coffee maker) with a patio where you can enjoy a drink in the sun! This is a perfect place to base yourself for a few days adventuring around Marlborough Sounds.

5. Bay Vista Waterfront Motel | Waikawa

This is one of my favourite motels in Picton, and my family and I have been staying here ever since I was a kid! The apartments are clean and comfortable, with good beds and a fully-equipped kitchen, and it feels like a home away from home.

However, it’s distance from Picton is made up for by it’s stunning views over the bay! Each apartment has a small patio area with unobstructed views across the bay. There is a large grassy area for kids to play on, and if you have a kayak you can take it out right from the bottom of the garden! The bay is sheltered and shallow, which makes it perfect for kids fossicking about in the rocks.

6. Harbour View Motel | Picton

This motel is a fantastic option if you are looking for budget accommodation in Picton that is right on the waterfront! The spacious studios and apartments at Harbour View include a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, a comfortable living area, and some offer a patio or balcony where you can enjoy the stunning views over the harbor.

It less than a 10-minute walk from all the fabulous cafes and restaurants in Picton’s town center, as well as the Picton Ferry Terminal, where you can find water taxis and the Interislander Ferry!

7. The Gables B&B | Waikawa

This comfortable B&B is housed in a historic building, and is filled with character and charm! Guests can choose between staying in the cosy B&B, or in a charming one-bedroom cottage that gives you a little more privacy for your stay.

The Gables B&B rooms include a private bathroom and access to a shared lounge and dining area, while the cottage has it’s own private kitchenette and living room. In the morning, there is an awesome continental breakfast prepared, including toast, cereal, fresh fruit and croissants!

8. The Red Shed | Anakiwa

If you are looking at staying a little way out of the hustle and bustle of Picton, then The Red Shed in Anakiwa is an awesome option! Set in secluded and peaceful gardens, these studio apartments give you the opportunity to explore the start of the Queen Charlotte Track right from your doorstep!

To give you the true kiwi summer holiday experience, the Red Shed offers BBQ facilities and an outdoor seating area and patio! The rooms include a kitchenette and private bathroom. This accommodation is around 35-minutes drive from Picton Ferry Terminal, or you can hop on a water taxi over to Anakiwa wharf instead!

9. Tombstone Lodge | Picton

Tombstone Lodge is located a little way outside of the center of Picton, and it near the graveyard (hence it’s slightly creepy name!) Don’t let this put you off though, as this is an awesome accommodation that offers a lot for people travelling on a budget!

The accommodation offers a variety of budget rooms to suit every traveller, including private rooms with en-suites, a self-contained apartment, or dorm rooms with shared facilities. The property is gorgeous, surrounded by a garden full of fruit trees and native vegetation, and shared with pets that live at the property – including cats, a dog, birds and a goat!

All guests at the Lodge have access to their awesome well-eqipped facilities, including a kitching and dining area, laundry facilities, a games deck, gym equipment and a spa! They also provide a free breakfast including freshly-made hot scones (yum) and hot drinks.

10. Lochmara Lodge | Lochmara Bay

Conveniently accessible by water taxi from Picton, Lochmara Lodge offers exclusive accommodation surrounded by native bush and the beach. Guests at the Lodge have access to a private beach, and can use the supplied kayaks and paddle boards to go out and explore the bay! They Lodge also can organise a variety of tours and activities for guests, including a massage service and night-trips to see the incredible glow-worm cave!

Guests at the Lodge can choose between a room, studio or chalet option. Some have access to a shared courtyard, while others open onto a private balcony with sea views. There is also an on-site cafe and restaurant that is open every day and offers light snacks and meals based on seasonal local produce from land and sea!