Oturehua
Enjoy amazing views of the snow-covered peaks from your bed through the big windows of this isolated B&B right on the rail trail. A crackling fire, big…
Must-see hotels in South Island
DOC White Horse Hill Campground
Christchurch & Canterbury
Located 2km up the Hooker Valley from Mt Cook Village, this self-registration camping ground has a basic shelter with (cold water) sinks, tables and…
Blenheim
A welcoming option close to town, these tasteful, splash-o-colour studios and apartments are bright and breezy in the daytime, warm and shimmery in the…
Christchurch & Canterbury
On the northern shore of Lake Pukaki, 22km south of Mt Cook village, this is the nearest fully equipped camping ground to the national park. Features…
Glenorchy
Given the full nip and tuck by new owners in 2017, the seven units here have some design savvy: an outdoor hot tub has been added, and there's a wood…
Te Anau
This centrally located, modern hostel has comfortable, colourful rooms and noteworthy perks including generous wi-fi allowance, TV room, a pleasant…
The West Coast
Covering all accommodation bases, Haast Lodge offers clean, well-maintained facilities that include a pleasant communal area for lodge users and…
Marlborough Region
Large, leafy campground with grassy sites, tidy cabins, a jumping pillow for the kids, and ready access to boat-ilicious Waikawa Bay and Victoria Domain…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Dotted around rocky ponds and tussocky gardens, this large resort offers a wide variety of smart, contemporary accommodation, from somewhat poky hotel…
Dunedin
At the top of the High St hill, this rambling old building offers sweeping views of the city from its sunny lounge and dining room; there’s also a pool…
Central Otago
Most of the tidy rooms in this cool old hotel, 27km along the trail from Middlemarch, have private bathrooms, but not en suite.
Fiordland & Southland
With spacious units, modern bathrooms and friendly staff, 388 Tay is a reliable and well-run place. It's 2km east of the centre of town, towards Bill…
Dunedin
About 2.5km from the city centre, this spic-and-span park has great facilities and some fun extras like a trampoline, a petanque court, a spa and a heated…
Banks Peninsula
There are 12 tidy, modern units at this friendly motel set one block back from the esplanade. All have kitchenettes, but given the proximity to Akaroa's…
Christchurch
The friendly Kiwi-Japanese management has imbued this centrally located motel with style and comfort. Little extras such as stereos, blackout curtains and…
Nelson Region
A purpose-built lodge right in the middle of town. What it lacks in personality it makes up for in cleanliness and convenience, boasting ample off-street…
Wanaka
Set beneath Monument Lookout, the Mountain View is effectively a hostel within a house, complete with a back lawn and clothesline. Rooms are simple but…
Nelson
Holiday park in a rural setting around 4km from central Nelson, sitting near trails up to Dun Mountain and across to the Pelorus River. The park's future…
Dunedin
This holiday park is surrounded by native bush studded with walks, glowworm caves and a creek. Self-contained motel units are spacious, while tourist…
Buller Region
This basic 50-site DOC campsite, at the northern end of the West Coast Hwy at the entrance to Kahurangi National Park, is sublimely situated next to the…
Kaikoura
Hiding from the highway behind a massive hedge, this busy, shipshape holiday park offers family friendly facilities (heated pool, hot tub, jumping pillow)…
Christchurch & Canterbury
While they wouldn't command these prices elsewhere, this clump of modern motel units offers classy decor, all the requisite mod cons and good views. Some…
Queenstown
Has a huge variety of holiday homes and apartments, all listed on its website, with prices ranging from around $210 to $1350 per night. Minimum stays…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The town’s original backpackers is a cosy, wood-lined haven with friendly, well-travelled hosts. Well-maintained communal areas and free coffee, internet…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This small, friendly-vibe park offers pleasant sites in leafy grounds along with standard (bring your own linen) and en suite cabins. All guests have…
Banks Peninsula
Grandstand views of the harbour and peninsula hills are the main drawcard at this basic holiday park. Cabins and motel units are dated but tidy, while the…
Christchurch
Friendly, well-run hostel with good facilities, Kiwiana decor and sunny back garden (complete with hammock and barbecue). Rooms are small but clean;…
Dunedin
Located a mercifully short stroll up from the city centre, the Palms has smartly renovated studios and one- and two-bedroom units arrayed around a central…
Christchurch & Canterbury
On the southern approach to the village, this cabin-style motel complex combines the homey charms of yesteryear with the beauty of double-glazing and the…
Central Otago
Art fills the walls of this charmingly restored 1930s mudbrick farmhouse, with five bedrooms that share two bathrooms. Dinners with a local, organic spin…
Christchurch
Lovely gardens and close proximity to the city centre make this urban holiday park a great option for campervaners and campers. Tidy cabins and more…
Wanaka
A short uphill walk from the town centre, this older-style motel has spacious units and pine-clad 'chalets' with kitchenettes. The cedar hot tubs with…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Rosie has left the building but the hospitality continues at this homey, good-value B&B. Guests have use of a cosy shared lounge and kitchen; rates…
Fiordland & Southland
The island's biggest backpackers has many rooms facing onto a courtyard and there's a barbecue area that traps some decent sun. There are terraced, grassy…
Christchurch
An infestation of teddy bears does little to dint the heritage appeal of this large 1861 mansion. Wisteria curls around weatherboards, while inside the…
Dunedin & Otago
A good option for families, this older motel has been fully renovated and the units are smart, comfortable and excellent value. Nice touches like fresh…
Buller Region
One of many main-road options in Westport, this well-maintained complex is tastefully decorated and impresses with an away-from-the-road aspect and small…
Nelson Region
Three kilometres from St Arnaud, the unpowered West Bay campsite has the bare necessities and is open in summer only. Bookings are essential over the…
Queenstown
This little hostel sits on a quiet hillside west of the town centre. There are no bunks but no en suites either. The views from the deck are like a…
Queenstown & Wanaka
These old-fashioned A-frame units have a family-friendly stamp. If the kids still have energy after a day’s travelling, wear them out in the swimming pool…
