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…
Must-see hotels in South Island
Blenheim
Tucked into the grounds of an 1886 homestead, these five stylish and rustic cottages offer privacy and a reason to stay put. Each is unique in its layout…
Marlborough Region
A jocular host keeps all her balls in the air at this well-run, ecofriendly, bunk-free backpackers. It's peacefully located a 10-minute walk from town, or…
Central Otago
Old doctors take note: this is how to reside! Sitting behind a pretty garden, this gorgeous 1870s house offers two luxurious guest rooms and a lounge…
Kaikoura
Occupying a gorgeous heritage building halfway along the Esplanade, this chic hotel has plush rooms in the main building and a brace of smaller rooms…
Buller Region
It’s easy to be a lazy cow here, with all the comforts of home in a stress-free, small-scale package. Dorms and private rooms all have electric blankets,…
The West Coast
Positioned in a verdant setting on the edge of the Moeraki River near Lake Moeraki, 30km north of Haast Junction, this is one of NZ's best nature lodges…
Buller Region
Perched on a hillside 32km northeast of Westport, this lodge offers epic views over the Tasman Sea. Powered largely by a waterwheel, the central lodge has…
Blenheim
On an elevated section in otherwise flat Renwick, this charming old house is a treat. Home-grown fruit and homemade jams and pickles are offered as part…
Wanaka
Part of a new development overlooking the Clutha River behind Mt Iron, this swish, modern house has three well-appointed guest rooms. Rates include a…
Banks Peninsula
Tidy, modern and reasonably priced, La Rochelle has a range of excellent motel units within walking distance of the main village. Each room has a…
The Great Coast Road
Crafted to tug at the heart strings of surfers, every room at Breakers has a view and easy access to the shore. Tucked into a hillside nook 3km north of…
Kaikoura
This enclave of eight modern freestanding units looks mighty fine, surrounded by attractive native plantings. Oriented for mountain views, the spick-and…
Dunedin
Roses and rhododendrons encircle this gracious two-storey wooden villa, built in the 1880s. Each of the three charmingly old-fashioned bedrooms has its…
Fiordland & Southland
This perfect hybrid of seaside holiday home and hostel has light-filled bedrooms sporting cheerful linen. There are two kitchens and lounges, but you'll…
Nelson Region
With a 20-seat cinema, two pool tables, takeaways served from an old bus, and air-conditioned dorms with personal lights and charging ports, this isn't…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Lining a quiet crescent in a new development at Arrowtown's edge, these 10 spacious townhouses, identical in all but colour, have internal garages, full…
Queenstown
This lodge on the fringe of the town centre has smartly designed rooms with indulgent bathrooms and USB sockets, and a landscaped, sunny terrace and…
Glenorchy
This isolated and peaceful lodge, almost midway between Queenstown and Glenorchy, is a whimsical gem. From the toilet-cistern aquariums to the huge garden…
Nelson Region
On a leafy hillside affording plenty of privacy, these cheerful, cypress-lined chalets are 300m from the Coast Track with views out to Motuareroiti…
Greymouth
This colourful hostel has African, Asian and Pacific art on its walls, and a passionate traveller vibe at its core. Borrow a kayak to explore the adjacent…
Queenstown
Dating from 1867, this restored hotel enjoys an absolute lakefront location. Each of the five giant suites – lake view or mountain view – has a fireplace,…
Queenstown
Its dining room was once a corner store, but the Dairy is now a luxury B&B with 13 rooms packed with classy touches such as designer bed linen, silk…
Nelson Region
No horses, no lodge, but no matter. This excellent motel complex is close to town and features expansive lawns, rose gardens, and a heated pool and spa…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This large 1930s house has room for both a billiard table and a grand piano. There are four art-filled suites in the main house and two in cosy garden…
Nelson
This modern, Italian-tinged motor lodge offers stylish and comfortable studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments within a block from the city centre…
Central Otago
A roomy retreat just outside the town centre. You can take in the mountains from the outdoor pool or spa in summer. Spotless rooms, fantastic cooked…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This small, inviting home has a leafy conservatory housing an indoor spa pool, a log fire and complimentary espresso coffee. Bedrooms are spacious and…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Tucked away in a private bucolic nook near the distillery, this lovely stone house, fringed by an old stand of conifers, has deep verandas and three…
Fiordland & Southland
These studio units are among the island's best, with plush interiors, flash bathrooms and private verandas, although kitchen facilities are scant. Two…
Central Otago
Set among walnut trees and gardens 3km northwest of Cromwell, this peaceful retreat has three luxurious, self-contained cottages with classy decor,…
Nelson Region
Choose a luxurious en-suite room or a self-contained 'bush suite' chalet at this magical green retreat. At peak times, rates include breakfast as well as…
Queenstown
Opened in 2016, this sister hostel to Adventure Queenstown is pretty much its twin (complete with the nightly activities etc), but with sturdier bunks,…
The West Coast
Several steps up from your average motel, friendly well-run Stopforths offers spacious, modern units with kitchenettes and king-sized beds, ranging from…
Marlborough Region
This smart motel enjoys an enviable position on the Waikawa foreshore, with views down Queen Charlotte Sound. All units have their own patio and share a…
Queenstown
The well-named Hidden is literally the last place west in Queenstown. Tucked away in Sunshine Bay, it has enormous rooms, unfettered lake and mountain…
Glenorchy
Just 3km from Glenorchy, but 26km by road, Kinloch Lodge is the perfect escape if getting away from it all to Glenorchy isn't getting away from it all…
Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation
Buller Region
Family-run since the 1970s, Gentle Annie's campsite and self-contained cottages cluster at the Mokihinui River mouth. The beach isn't so gentle, but the…
Buller Region
Rongo's rainbow-coloured exterior draws you in, while its free-spirited vibe lengthens your stay. Formerly a backpacker hostel, Rongo retains a slouchy,…
Buller Region
This place knows what bikers passing through Granity need: serviceable and clean 'pod' rooms (with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities), and adjoining…
