WELCOME TO ON TOP BACKPACKERS
With the best location in town, locally owned On Top Backpackers & Apartments has something for every traveller! Reception is located at the bar of The Poolhouse Café, featuring 18 pool tables for all guests to enjoy throughout their stay. The hostel is a restricted R18 property up two flights of stairs across one level, using a 24 hour key card accessibility security system. We have a variety of rooms ranging from 6-8 bed dorms, private ensuites to newly built furnished apartments. Every room selection offers fresh linen, heating, complimentary continental breakfast, and unlimited high-speed WiFi. Complete with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, a beautiful sundeck overlooking the city, luggage storage and parking options, On Top is a Top Spot!
Dunedin Accommodation

We offer a range of accommodation options, including 6- to 8-bed dormitories, private ensuite rooms, and newly built, fully furnished apartments.

Shared Facilities
Our shared facilities are designed to provide comfort, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped open-plan kitchen and dining area, complete with a large fridge, freezer, stovetop, microwave, mini oven, and food storage. Natural light floods the space, creating a warm, communal environment with views over Dunedin City. Complimentary coffee, black tea, sugar, and a daily continental breakfast are provided. The adjacent On Top Lounge offers a cosy retreat with a TV, book swap, beanbags, blankets, and charging points. These areas are open 24/7, though for safety, gas cooking is unavailable late at night.
Additional shared spaces include a spacious sundeck with city views, outdoor seating, a picnic table, and a designated smoking/vaping area. Separate male and female bathrooms are available, each with multiple showers and toilets, cleaned daily for your comfort. Guests also enjoy exclusive discounts at our onsite Poolhouse Café & Bar, featuring 18 pool tables, a licensed bar, snacks, and a relaxed café atmosphere – perfect for unwinding or socialising with fellow travellers.
Visiting Dunedin
Staying in Dunedin offers travellers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Nestled on the southeast coast of the South Island, Dunedin is known for its striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture, lively arts scene, and welcoming atmosphere. The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore charming streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and cosy cafés. It's also home to the University of Otago, which brings a youthful energy and diverse community to the city.
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with easy access to stunning beaches, scenic coastal walks, and the nearby Otago Peninsula—renowned for its rare wildlife including albatross, penguins, and sea lions. Whether you're interested in discovering local history at the museums, sampling craft beer and gourmet food, or simply relaxing in a friendly backpackers' lodge with views over the city, Dunedin is a fantastic base for both urban exploration and outdoor adventure.
