Must-see hotels in South Island

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Nikau Lodge

    Kaikoura

    Expect high standards and grand-scale vistas at this beautiful B&B high on the hill. The five ensuite rooms are plush and comfy, with additional…

  • On the Track Lodge

    Marlborough Region

    Providing an alternative to the DOC accommodation on the Nydia Track, this tranquil, ecofocused lodge offers breakfasts ($15), packed lunches ($20),…

  • Rough & Tumble Lodge

    Buller Region

    With invigorating views of river and bush, this luxe lodge sits in splendid isolation at the northern end of the Old Ghost Road. Its five split-level quad…

  • Hopewell Lodge

    Marlborough Region

    Beloved of travellers, remote Hopewell sits waterside surrounded by native bush. Savour the long, winding drive to get there, or take a water taxi from Te…

  • Holly Homestead

    Franz Josef Glacier

    This two-storey wisteria-draped B&B stays true to its 1926 beginnings with an old-fashioned welcome and freshly baked bread for breakfast. Choose between…

  • Kinross

    Queenstown & Wanaka

    Set among the vines, the heritage-looking facades for Kinross' cottages are a front for modern interiors. An inviting outdoor hot tub is cut into the…

  • Lime Tree Lodge

    Wanaka

    Quietly removed from town, this intimate lodge has four luxury rooms and two suites. Outside there's a pool, spa, pétanque court and croquet lawn, while…

  • Abel Tasman Lodge

    Nelson Region

    Evoke halcyon days in this renovated arc of studios and self-contained apartments with hip styling and cathedral ceilings, opening onto landscaped gardens…

  • Whatamonga Homestay

    Marlborough Region

    Follow Waikawa Rd, which becomes Port Underwood Rd, for 8km and you’ll bump into this classy waterside option – two units with king-sized beds,…

  • Ratanui

    Pohara

    A romantic wisteria- and grapevine-draped haven close to the beach, this boutique lodge is styled with Victorian panache. It features myriad sensual…

  • Arrowtown Lodge

    Queenstown & Wanaka

    From the outside, the guest rooms look like heritage cottages, but inside they’re cosy and modern, with en-suite bathrooms. There are three rooms,…

  • Behind the Bike Sheds

    Central Otago

    Two sweet hand-made cabins (a double and a four-bed bunkhouse) in the garden comprise this lovely B&B on the Rail Trail. There's a composting loo and an…

  • Wilderness Lodge

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    For tranquillity and natural grandeur, this midsize alpine lodge tucked into beech forest just off the highway takes some beating. It's a class act, with…

  • Anakiwa 401

    Marlborough Region

    At the southern end of the track, this former schoolhouse is a soothing spot to rest and reflect. There are two rooms (one en suite) and a beachy self…

  • Beaconstone Eco Lodge

    The Great Coast Road

    Set in 42 serene hectares, 10km north of Charleston, this solar-powered, energy-efficient lodge is both eco- and guest-friendly. Fashioned from…

  • Villa del Lago

    Queenstown

    Clinging to the slopes between the highway and the lake, these spacious one- to three-bedroom apartments have lake-facing terraces, incredible views and…

  • Lakeside

    Wanaka

    Luxuriate in a modern apartment in a prime position overlooking the lake, right by the town centre. All 23 apartments have three bedrooms, but can be…

  • Old Bones Lodge

    Dunedin & Otago

    Five kilometres south of Ōamaru on the coast road, this top-notch lodge has tidy rooms off a huge, sunny, central space. Great for groups. Listen to the…

  • Smiths Farm Holiday Park

    Marlborough Region

    Located on the aptly named Linkwater flat between Queen Charlotte and Pelorus, friendly Smiths makes a handy base camp for the track and beyond. Well-kept…

  • Alpine View Lodge

    Wanaka

    In a peaceful rural setting on the edge of town, this excellent lodge has three B&B rooms, one of which has its own private deck with mountain views…