Empire Backpackers

Hostel
1 star
13 Thames Street, 9495, Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand
Oamaru, New Zealand
+64 3434 3446
7.7
Good
based on 877 reviews
877 verified ratings
Thu 16/7
-
Fri 17/7
2 guests, 1 room
Deals from
$97
/Cheapest rate per night
Provider
Nightly total
$97
$98
Photos of Empire Backpackers
View a collection of 0 photos showcasing the rooms, amenities, and facilities of Empire Backpackers to help you visualise your stay. Photos for this property were last updated on 9 July 2026.
Rooms
About
Reviews
Similar hotels
Location
FAQ

Best deals for Empire Backpackers

Explore the most appealing deals available for Empire Backpackers, ensuring you get the best value for your stay. Properties were last updated on 9 July 2026.
Thu 16/7
-
Fri 17/7
Double room
bed type unknown
$97
nightly with fees
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, including fees but not including taxes.
Best priceguarantee

Empire Backpackers Information

Discover essential information, amenities, and features of Empire Backpackers, providing insights into what to expect during your stay. Information on this property was last updated on 9 July 2026.
Set in Oamaru and with Bushy Beach reachable within 2.8 km, Empire Hotel Backpackers offers a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The accommodation featur...

Good to know

Check-in time13:00
Check-out time10:00
Payment & CancellationPolicies vary by room type and provider.
Front desk number+64 3434 3446

Perks and amenities at Empire Backpackers

A comprehensive list of on-site, in-building, and in-room amenities you’ll find at Empire Backpackers
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Wi-Fi available in all areas
  • Internet
  • Laundry facilities
  • Hairdryer
  • No smoking
  • Smoke alarms
  • Street parking
  • Shared lounge/TV area

Basics

  • Internet
  • Smoke alarms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Towels
  • Body soap
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Heating
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Wi-Fi available in all areas

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Toilet paper

Accessibility and suitability

  • No smoking
  • Designated smoking area
  • Accessible parking

General

  • Storage available
  • Carpeted
  • Family rooms

Parking and transportation

  • Free parking
  • Street parking

Outdoor

  • Garden
  • Picnic area

Things to do

  • Pool table
  • Board games/puzzles

Media and entertainment

  • Shared lounge/TV area

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities

Dining

  • Shared kitchen

Reviews for Empire Backpackers

Read firsthand reviews and testimonials from guests who have stayed at Empire Backpackers, providing insights into their experiences. Travellers have left 877 reviews of Empire Backpackers to date. Review data was last updated on 9 July 2026.
7.7
Good
877 verified ratings
Wonderful
345
Very good
246
Good
164
Okay
51
Fair
31
Mediocre
18
Poor
22
Sort by:Most recent

Show reviews that mention

Filters

All filters

Filters

Review rating
Traveller type
Time of year

Score by provider

Hotels similar to Empire Backpackers

Discover other properties in Oamaru that offer a similar experience and ambience to Empire Backpackers. In total, there are 140 hotels serving travellers in Empire Backpackers. Price data was last updated on 9 July 2026.

Top Oamaru hotels

Poshtel
Poshtel

Poshtel

126 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$158
Avg. per night
View Deal
Asure Ambassador Motor Lodge
Asure Ambassador Motor Lodge

Asure Ambassador Motor Lodge

296 Thames Highway, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$130
Avg. per night
View Deal
Oamaru Motor Lodge
Oamaru Motor Lodge

Oamaru Motor Lodge

391 Thames Highway, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
Airport shuttle
$151
Avg. per night
View Deal
Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru
Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru

Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru

346 Thames Highway, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$100
Avg. per night
View Deal
See more top hotels in Oamaru

Hotels closest to Empire Backpackers

These are the closest hotels within a 1.2 km proximity to Empire Backpackers. These hotels have an average nightly rate of $147 vs. $95 for Empire Backpackers. Data was last updated on 9 July 2026.
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
Brydone Hotel Oamaru

Brydone Hotel Oamaru

115 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.3 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$133
Avg. per night
View Deal
Poshtel
Poshtel

Poshtel

126 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.5 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$158
Avg. per night
View Deal
Bella Vista Motel Oamaru
Bella Vista Motel Oamaru

Bella Vista Motel Oamaru

206 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.8 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$170
Avg. per night
View Deal
AAA Thames Court Motel Oamaru
AAA Thames Court Motel Oamaru

AAA Thames Court Motel Oamaru

252 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
1.2 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$126
Avg. per night
View Deal
See more nearby hotels

Cheap Oamaru hotels

These hotels are among the lowest-priced properties for travellers in Oamaru. Currently, the lowest price for a hotel in Oamaru is $89. The cheapest hotel is Coastal Accommodation priced at $89. Price data was last updated on 9 July 2026.
Coastal Accommodation
Coastal Accommodation

Coastal Accommodation

5 Ribble Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.4 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
$89
Avg. per night
View Deal
Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru
Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru

Heritage Court Lodge Oamaru

346 Thames Highway, Oamaru, New Zealand
2.0 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$100
Avg. per night
View Deal
289 Midway Motel
289 Midway Motel

289 Midway Motel

289 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.7 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
$123
Avg. per night
View Deal
Alpine Motel
Alpine Motel

Alpine Motel

285 Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand
0.7 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
$125
Avg. per night
View Deal
See cheapest hotels in Oamaru

Explore Oamaru

Empire Backpackers is located at 13 Thames Street in the neighbourhood of Oamaru. Popular landmark data was lasted updated on 9 July 2026.
Empire Backpackers location: 13 Thames Street

Most Popular Landmarks

  • Forrester Gallery32 m
  • Steampunk HQ130 m
  • North Otago Museum149 m
  • Woolstore Complex157 m
  • Grainstore Gallery217 m
  • Oamaru Opera House307 m
  • The New Zealand Whisky Company316 m
  • Oamaru Gardens0.7 km
  • Janet Frame House0.8 km
  • Oamaru Public Gardens1 km
  • Whitestone Cheese Factory1 km
  • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony1.2 km

FAQs when booking at Empire Backpackers

Find answers to commonly asked questions regarding bookings, amenities, policies, and more when booking a stay at Empire Backpackers. FAQs were last updated on 9 July 2026.

  • Is pricing at Empire Backpackers comparable to 1 star hotels in Oamaru?

    The average rate for a night at Empire Backpackers is 6% less than the Oamaru average for similarly rated 1 star hotels. The nightly rate at Empire Backpackers is typically $82, which is considered to be a good deal for a quality hotel room in Oamaru.

  • What is the Empire Backpackers phone number?

    For assistance regarding your reservation at Empire Backpackers please call +64 3434 3446.

  • Does Empire Backpackers have Wi-Fi available?

    Yes, Empire Backpackers has Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

  • What is the check-out time at Empire Backpackers?

    Check-out should be before 10:00. For checking in at Empire Backpackers, guests should plan for any time after 13:00 on the day of their scheduled arrival.

  • How much does it cost to stay at Empire Backpackers, Oamaru?

    $82 per night is the best price found recently for a room at Empire Backpackers, with average deals around $82 per night. Enter your dates in the form above to see current prices.

  • Does Empire Backpackers have a laundry service?

    Yes, there is a hotel laundry service for guests at Empire Backpackers.

  • What is the cheapest month to stay at Empire Backpackers?

    For the best chance to save money on your Empire Backpackers reservation, consider staying in November, when prices are typically at their lowest ($77).

  • What is the cheapest day to check into Empire Backpackers?

    Consider checking into Empire Backpackers on Thursday, when the nightly price is typically at its lowest (average nightly rate of $37).

See more FAQs

Millions of Reviews

Real ratings and reviews from millions of guests just like yourself. Book your perfect stay with confidence!

Best Hotel Deals

HotelsCombined sources over 3 million hotels and properties and compiles them in one place so you can compare the ideal accommodation.

Free cancellation

Plans change – we get it. And that’s why you can search and book hotels and accommodation on HotelsCombined from agencies that offer free cancellation

Find better results for your stay in Empire Backpackers