Empire Hotel Backpackers

The Empire is an old favourite amongst backpackers. We are located in the CENTRE of town, next to the information centre (I Site), in the Historic Precinct, near by all amenities . We are well known for being clean, warm and friendly . There are 2 lounges, one with large screen TV and one without, a log fire, heated bedrooms and endless hot water. Other facilities include:- 3 computers and wi fi (access via a hotspot), off street parking, video library.
We are part of the Historic Precinct and 10-minute walk to Little Blue Penguins. Sometimes they walk to us.
Oamaru is situated between Christchurch and Dunedin. People often come across us by accident and find Oamaru to be a real treasure.
We are famous for our Little Blue Penguins, Yellow Eyed Penguins, collection of Victorian Oamaru Stone Buildings (the Empire Backpackers being one of them) walkways, beautiful magnificent Public Gardens, Cheese Factory (with delish Cheese cake), beaches, plus much more.
We are surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and close to a supermarket.
Make the Empire your base to explore the surrounding district: Moeraki boulders, Waitaki Valley, Elephant Rocks (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was filmed here), Vanished World Trail with its dinosaur fossils, Graves Track to Pillow Lava, plus much more.
Book extra nights as there is so much to see and do.

View Rates / Make Booking

To view rates, availability and / or to make an online reservation for Empire Hotel Backpackers, please select your requested travel dates and then click on the book online button:

Location / Directions

From the Intercity bus stop walk 5 minutes south through the main street (Thames Street) towards the I-Site. Look for our notice board outside out door on the pavement. Other buses and shuttles, Magic Bus, Cook Connection, Penguin Express will stop at our door on request.
If you are travelling by car, drive South from Christchurch, or North from Dunedin to the outskirts of Oamaru. From there follow the signs to the I-Site. A few metres North of the I-Site, you will see out big orange sign on our verandah roof above our door

Empire Hotel Backpackers
13 Thames Street Oamaru
(Oamaru, Oamaru)
South Island 9400
New Zealand
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