Must-see hotels in New Zealand

  • Millar Road

    Hastings & Around

    Set in the Tuki Tuki Hills with vineyard and bay views, Millar Road is architecturally heaven-sent. Two plush villas (each sleeps four) and a stylish…

  • Seaview Lodge B&B

    Napier

    This grand Victorian villa (1890) is queen of all she surveys...which is most of the town and a fair bit of the ocean. Heritage-meets-contemporary rooms…

  • Aura

    Rotorua

    This eco-minded motel, in a fully renovated older complex near the lake, has two natural mineral-water spas and a heated outdoor swimming pool, composts…

  • Braxmere

    Lake Taupo Region

    Just 8km from Tūrangi on the southern fringes of Lake Taupō, Braxmere is a line of 10 spacious one-bedroom, self-contained units with only a grassy lawn…

  • Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

    Te Anau

    Tidy dorm and private rooms with a lakefront location hoist this backpackers to the top spot among Te Anau's budget beds. There's a range of options,…

  • 151 on London

    Whanganui

    This snappy-looking spaceship of a motel wins plenty of fans with its architectural angles, quality carpets and linen, and natty lime/silver/black colour…

  • Jailhouse

    Christchurch

    From 1874 to 1999 this was Addington Prison; it's now one of Christchurch's most appealing and friendly hostels. Private rooms are a bit on the small side…

  • YHA Rotorua

    Rotorua

    Bright and sparkling, this classy hostel, purpose-built from corrugated iron and wood, is great for those wanting to get outdoors, with bike storage and…

  • Manapouri Motels & Holiday Park

    Fiordland & Southland

    Ramshackle and eccentric, Manapouri Motels is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you like the sound of staying in a little wooden cabin that's part Swiss…

  • Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House

    Taranaki & Whanganui

    This efficiently run lodge on the Stratford side of the big hill (15km from SH3, 3km to the Manganui Ski Area) has eight motel-style chalets, a twin room…

  • Anndion Lodge

    Whanganui

    Formerly run by Ann and Dion (Anndion, get it?), this innovative, black-painted hostel continues to attract travellers with its stereo systems, huge…

  • Hogwartz

    Dunedin

    The Catholic bishop’s residence from 1872 to 1999, this beautiful building is now a fascinating warren of comfortable and sunny rooms, many with harbour…

  • Peel Forest DOC Campsite

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Near the Rangitata River, around 3km north of Green Man at Peel Forest store, this lovely camping ground is equipped with basic two- to four-berth cabins …

  • Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Lodge

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This lovely family-run lodge has en suite rooms, including some suitable for families and two with kitchenettes; most have views. The huge lounge and…

  • Ahi Kaa Motel

    Gisborne

    An uptown motel on a quiet backstreet, Ahi Kaa is just a short, sandy-footed stroll across the road from Waikanae Beach. Fancy linen, tasteful bathrooms,…

  • George

    Christchurch

    The George has 53 luxe rooms in a defiantly 1970s-looking building on the fringe of Hagley Park. Discreet staff attend to every whim, and ritzy extras…

  • Destiny on Fitzherbert

    Palmerston North

    Destiny's 13 studios and suites pop and fizz with colours and patterns, making it stand out amongst Palmy's many safe-but-boring motels. Stylish,…

  • Wairua Lodge

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Wairua Lodge is a peaceful B&B with charming hosts, nestled in the bush towards the Whitianga end of the 309 Rd. There’s a riverside swimming hole on the…

  • Kiwi's Nest

    Dunedin

    This wonderfully homey two-storey house has a range of tidy centrally heated rooms, some with en suite, fridge and kettle. Plus it's a flat walk to The…

  • Kennedy Park Resort

    Napier

    Less a campground and more an entire suburb of holidaymakers, this complex is top dog on the Napier camping scene. It’s the closest campsite to town (2…

  • Solscape

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    With a hilltop location fringed by native bush, Solscape’s ecofriendly accommodation includes tepees, bell tents, rammed-earth domes, railway carriages…

  • Kings on Peace

    Rotorua

    Rise far above the surrounding motel pack with these five-star apartments, built in 2018. Large studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments feature modern…

  • Tongariro Lodge

    Lake Taupo Region

    Famed angler Tony Hayes established Tongariro Lodge in 1982 on the Tongariro River three kilometres north of Tūrangi. Across the 9-hectare property are 10…

  • Blue Duck Station

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Overlooking the Retaruke River 36km southwest of Owhango (take the Kaitieke turn-off 1km south of town), this ecosavvy place is actually various lodges,…

  • Te Moenga Lodge

    Taupo

    As you drive to the very end of the street and park on top of the hill, two friendly border collie–golden retriever crosses will welcome you to Te Moenga…

  • Teichelmann’s B&B

    The West Coast

    Once home to surgeon, mountaineer and professional beard-cultivator Ebenezer Teichelmann, this B&B holds on to its venerable history but adds first-rate…

  • Radfords on the Lake

    Te Anau

    Radfords isn't your bog-standard motel, as you've probably guessed by the grand-sounding name and commensurate prices. Set on manicured lawns across from…

  • Archer House

    Buller Region

    This beautiful house, built in 1890 and formerly the home of a goldfields trader, has original features galore. There are three individually decorated…

  • Trillium Lodge

    Hauraki Gulf Islands

    Uniquely constructed of giant logs milled on the island, Trillium Lodge is one of Great Barrier's more distinctive accommodation options. All of the six…

  • Getaway Te Anau

    Te Anau

    Accommodation at this holiday park covers all budgets: motel units have slate-grey decor and compact kitchens, while private tent sites and cabins share…

  • Eden Villa

    Kingsland & Mt Eden

    Accommodation in pretty wooden villas is what Auckland's leafy inner suburbs are all about. This one has three comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a pleasantly…

  • Lemon Tree Lodge

    Kaikoura

    Enjoying superb ocean and mountain views, Lemon Tree Lodge combines four charming and stylish rooms in the main house with two quiet and secluded garden…

  • Mahana Lodge

    Marlborough Region

    This beautiful property features a pretty waterside lawn and purpose-built lodge with four en-suite doubles and a separate studio. Ecofriendly initiatives…

  • Reef Cottage B&B

    Buller Region

    Enjoy total immersion into old-world Reefton at this converted 1887 solicitor's office. Compact rooms are furnished in period style, with modern touches…

  • Arrow Private Hotel

    Queenstown & Wanaka

    Five understated but luxurious suites feature at this modern property on Arrowtown's outskirts. Accommodation is chic and contemporary with huge picture…

  • Platinum Villas

    Queenstown

    Nab one of these 36 identical, luxurious, three-bedroom townhouses and make yourself at home. Each has a large open-plan living area with a big stone…

  • Bay of Many Coves

    Marlborough Region

    Not accessible by road, these stylish, secluded apartments feature all mod cons and private balconies overlooking Queen Charlotte Sound. As well as…

  • Zatori Retreat

    Nelson Region

    This former maternity hospital has been transformed into a stylish and relaxing retreat. Chic suites are arrayed around a spacious lounge area enlivened…

  • Queenstown Park

    Queenstown

    White curtains billow over beds decked out in luxurious linen at this very chic 19-room hotel. The 'Remarkables' rooms overlook a park, to the namesake…

  • Hush Boutique Accommodation

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Four rustic but stylish private cabins with en-suite bathrooms are scattered throughout native bush at this easygoing spot. Natural wood creates a warm…