Marlborough Region
This bright, YHA-affiliated backpackers has a blooming garden and sociable outdoor areas, plus in-demand en-suite rooms. Queen Charlotte Track bookings…
Must-see hotels in South Island
Christchurch & Canterbury
Modern, spotless and central, Tussock Peak has colourful decor and friendly service. Units come in studio or one- and two-bedroom incarnations; some have…
Marlborough Region
About 500m from town, this compact, well-kept park has plenty of lawn and picnic benches, plus crowd-pleasing facilities including a playground, barbecue…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Once a vicarage, this relaxed hostel has bunk-free dorms and wood-trimmed bathrooms. Tucked just behind is Little Tree Studio, a self-contained unit…
Kaikōura Waterfront Apartments
Kaikoura
Pricey, smart apartments and studios across the road from the beach with full kitchens and plenty of room. Plump for the units at the front with…
The West Coast
This basic DOC campsite with 40 unpowered sites occupies a prime spot on grassy terraces with grandstand views of Lake Kaniere and bushy surrounding hills…
Nelson Region
These log cabins and newer board-and-batten units offer all the creature comforts, including kitchenettes and Sky TV. Bigger units have full kitchens and…
Christchurch
One of the many motels along the Riccarton Rd strip, this modern two-storey block offers clean, well-proportioned units ranging from studios to two…
Takaka
Slightly worn but homely YHA hostel, with dorms in the main house and four rooms at the bottom of the secluded courtyard garden, which is filled with…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Only five minutes' walk from the town centre, these modern motel rooms have double-glazing, flat-screen TVs and even stylish wallpaper. Larger studios…
Central Otago
Tidy rooms with bright paint and a cheery lounge-room fire make this backpackers a welcome sight for Rail Trailers. Discounts on laundry and loads of DVDs…
Central Otago
One of two historic pubs in town, the 1863 Royal Hotel sports the royal coat of arms and what just might be NZ's most rustic garden bar. Rooms are simple…
Dunedin & Otago
The four split-level units at this wood-lined motel are spacious and comfortable. Each has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a balcony with views over the…
Wanaka
The patios at this old-fashioned concrete-block motel open onto a grassy lawn edged by a gently flowing creek. It also has a barbecue, hot tub and plunge…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Wood-panelled ceilings add a rustic quality to these cosy, well-equipped, self-contained A-frame chalets, available as studios or one- and two-bedroom…
Christchurch
Colombo's attractive units are equipped with Sky TV, CD players, double-glazed windows and spa baths. Options range from studios to two-bedroom apartments.
Marlborough Region
Beautifully situated, this is the first DOC campsite off the rank when tramping from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. Facilities include toilets and a water supply.
Christchurch & Canterbury
You can camp at Klondyke Corner, 8km south of Arthur’s Pass. There are toilets, but otherwise facilities are basic, with only stream water for boiling.
Dunedin & Otago
Occupying a small field above the road into town, this complex offers powered sites, basic cabins (bring your own linen) and fully equipped motel units.
Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite
Christchurch & Canterbury
You can camp within Arthur’s Pass township at this basic public shelter, opposite the DOC, where there’s stream water, a sink, tables and toilets.
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
Rustic log cabins on the outside with neutral decor on the inside, Rainforest is a tidy, good-value option with epic mountain views from its lawns.
Marlborough Region
DOC camping ground, a short walk from Portage Resort Hotel. Facilities include toilets and a water supply.
Marlborough Region
Situated south past Bay of Many Coves, above Kumutoto Bay. Facilities include toilets and a water supply.
Central Otago
The size of a small European nation and packed with cabins and self-contained units of various descriptions, all set in tree-lined grounds.
Christchurch & Canterbury
You can camp for free at Hawdon Shelter, 24km south of Arthur’s Pass. Facilities are limited to toilets and stream water for boiling.
Takaka
This low-key and convenient campground, within walking distance of the Takaka high street, sports a splendid rural outlook.
Abel Tasman National Park
Walk- or boat-in beachside campsite at Torrent Bay Village, where there is a collection of holiday homes – lucky people!
Havelock
Near the marina, this well-maintained park offers totally acceptable sites, basic cabins and spick-and-span facilities.
Abel Tasman National Park
Don't be put off by the name: this pretty campsite is a great place to stay, and is only accessible by boat or kayak.
Nelson Region
About 2km west of St Arnaud, this campground has toilets and stream water and is popular with mountain bikers.
Marlborough Region
A popular picnic spot, with barbecue facilities nearby. The site includes toilets and a water supply.
Abel Tasman National Park
Walk- or boat-in beachside campsite between Tinline Bay and Anchorage on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Marlborough Region
Located on the western side of Endeavour Inlet. Facilities include toilets and a water supply.
Abel Tasman National Park
Walk- or boat-in campsite between Mosquito Bay and Awaroa on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
Marlborough Region
On a saddle above the Queen Charlotte Track; includes basic toilets and a water supply.
Abel Tasman National Park
Compact and pretty beachside campsite at the southern end of Abel Tasman National Park.
Abel Tasman National Park
Walk-in or boat-in beachside campsite at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park.
Abel Tasman National Park
Beautiful campsite in Abel Tasman National Park, only accessible by boat or kayak.
Nelson Region
At the northern end of Lake Rotoroa, with toilets, water and ferocious sandflies.
