Pohara
Lining grassy parkland between the dunes and the main road, this place is in prime position for some beach time. Some sites are right by the beach and…
Must-see hotels in Marlborough & Nelson
Marlborough Region
This lovely low-key resort is close to the Queen Charlotte Track in a picturesque bay on Kenepuru Sound. It has a range of delightful self-catering rooms…
Nelson
Aptly named (The Mountain), this grand old family home has exceptional views and a well-travelled host. Two doubles and a twin have a homey feel with…
Abel Tasman National Park
Not to be confused with the adjacent Tōtaranui Great Walk Campsite, this extremely popular facility has a whopping capacity (850 campers) and a splendid…
Marlborough Region
This well-managed backpackers in a colourful Victorian house offers bikes, barbecues, a hot tub, free wi-fi and nightly chocolate pudding. A complimentary…
Pelorus Bridge (Kahikatea Flat) Campground
Marlborough Region
Beside the limpid Pelorus River (alluring enough to star in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit) is DOC's small but perfectly formed campground, with its snazzy…
Takaka
Beyond the welcoming garden and rainbow picket fence is a cute cottage where rooms are named after classic Kiwiana (the jandal, Buzzy Bee…). The garage…
Kaikoura
Here's a great-value option in South Bay, a few kilometres south of town, close to Kaikōura's new harbour. Five cottages sleeping up to four all feature a…
Nelson
A five-minute walk from the city centre, this lively, well-run backpackers has roomy en-suite dorms surrounding a sunny courtyard. Private rooms are…
Kaikoura
This compact and proudly trimmed park copes well with its many visitors and offers excellent facilities, including a pool, hot tubs and a barbecue…
Marlborough Region
This Waikawa Bay lodge offers four redecorated en-suite rooms, some with expansive views of the Sounds from the 1st-floor balcony. Town transfers, bike…
Nelson Region
This leafy charmer is 10km from Collingwood on the way to Farewell Spit. The main house has attractive backpacker rooms, and there are self-contained…
Kaikoura
This arty backpackers resides in three sweet buildings, one a former post office. It's colourful and close to the beach but sheltered from the breeze. As…
Blenheim
This traveller-focused lodge has spick-and-span rooms in a sweetly converted bungalow with a full kitchen and a comfy lounge with a pool table. There are…
Takaka
With a quiet beach right out front, this gem of a park has acres of grass, graceful shade trees and hedgerows, atoning for older communal facilities…
Nelson
About 15 minutes’ walk from town, the VW-themed Bug occupies a boldly painted converted villa, a modern building next door to it, and a self-contained…
Nelson Region
A small, low-key hostel in a bright, historic building on a hill with views from the deck. Get tramping advice from the charming owners, who offer track…
Pohara
There's more than a hint of hippy to this complex of six colourful, self-contained cottages set in a peaceful garden with views to the ocean. Don't expect…
Blenheim
The 16 architecturally designed suites here make the most of valley views and are decked out with modern bathrooms and abstract art. The stylish reception…
Marlborough Region
Its elevated position means this motel commands good views of Picton’s mast-filled marina from the timber decks of its smart, self-contained studios and…
Takaka
At the time of research, new owners were in the process of renovating this old motel, which has units in various configurations. Some of the decor's still…
Abel Tasman National Park
This specially converted, permanently moored 13m catamaran provides unusual but buoyant backpacker accommodation for 22. Facilities are basic but decent;…
Kaikoura
These sharp and spacious units are a pleasant 15-minute walk from town and about 10 seconds from the ocean. Choose between studios with either sea or…
Nelson Region
This upmarket B&B, 1.5km up the hill from Kaiteriteri Beach, offers two en-suite rooms, bush and sea views, extensive gardens, spectacular breakfasts …
Marlborough Region
This historic B&B (once home to Picton’s mayor) has three individually styled rooms in the main house and two homely self-contained units out the back…
Nelson Region
Compact, low-key YHA hostel with rooms spread between an old villa and a purpose-built backpacker lodge with a smart kitchen/lounge. The self-contained…
Nelson
Set behind a large tree just across the bridge from the town centre, this modern motel offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, each with cooking…
Nelson
These 16 well-equipped units are closer to the highway than the beach but still handy for all of Tahunanui's watery attractions. All have patios or…
Havelock
Set in a large garden with old trees and blooms galore, these 1960s units have been tastefully revamped to offer home comforts. Local activities are…
Blenheim
One of the cheaper motels in a pricey town, this angular, 1970s-looking complex offers clean and comfortable units with kitchenettes, and a cute kidney…
Kaikoura
In a modern house a short walk from good cafes and restaurants, Sunrise has spotless four- and six-bed dorms, doubles and sunny outdoor chairs and tables.
Nelson Region
Beautiful DOC campsite at the southern end of the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park. Beware the sandflies!
Abel Tasman National Park
One of the most popular campsites in Abel Tasman National Park, beside Anchorage's lovely sandy beach.
Marlborough Region
A rustic, charming resort offering self-contained studios, A-frame chalets and a lodge (sleeping up to seven), most with sweeping sea views. The…
Marlborough Region
The renovated 1990s-era Portage Resort Hotel is a second-night option for accommodation along the Queen Charlotte Track or a base to explore the Sounds…
Nelson Region
In pole position across from the beach, this gargantuan holiday park has arguably jumped the shark with its monolithic new admin building now dominating…
Nelson
Spread across a house and garden close to the city centre, four-bed dorms and double and triple rooms at this hostel are decked out with colourful local…
Nelson Region
Five-minutes' drive from Marahau, this purpose-built cabin-type arrangement is ringed by forest, offering birdy, bushy surroundings for a bit of peace and…
Marlborough Region
Framed by native bush, this homely guesthouse is a good second-night stop on the Queen Charlotte Track. There is a fully equipped kitchen and meals are…
Nelson Region
Modern, purpose-built lodge with small, simple dorms and en-suite doubles. The nautical decor adds some cheer to the somewhat lazily maintained communal…
