Te Anau
Guests become part of the family in this smart, intimate home-stay, a short walk north of the town centre in a wood-beamed house the hosts built…
Must-see hotels in South Island
The Great Coast Road
Checking in to Te Nikau feels instantly restorative. Kindly staff establish a relaxing tone, and there are charming wooden cottages tucked into the…
Nelson
In a relatively quiet riverside spot, only a five-minute walk to town, this creaky old lady dates back to around 1880. The five tastefully decorated rooms…
Fiordland & Southland
In the Eglinton Valley, 63km north of Te Anau, Knob’s Flat's six self-contained units suit those who appreciate life's simple pleasures: a cosy room with…
The West Coast
Birdsong, flower beds and 2.4 hectares of greenery…feeling relaxed yet? At this motel and campground, 2km from Lake Brunner, choose from powered and…
Fiordland & Southland
Friendly hosts, reasonable prices and tidy, well-equipped units put this modern, two-level place near the top of Invercargill's competitive motel pack…
Queenstown
Right beside Queenstown Gardens, this tidy block with 11 rooms has basement parking, double-glazed windows, wooden floors and Turkish rugs. Larger rooms…
Nelson Region
Near the Lake Rotoiti shore, the hugely popular Kerr Bay campsite has powered sites, toilets, hot showers, a laundry and a kitchen shelter. It’s an…
Fiordland & Southland
Nestled into forest near the lake, Possum Lodge is old-fashioned in the best kind of way. There's basic cabins, time-worn motel units, enviably green…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Stylishly decorated options at this diverse complex include modern bedrooms sharing a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area – a good way to meet…
Wanaka
At the quiet end of town, Altamont is like a hostel for grown-ups. There are no dorms but the 12 tidy little rooms share spotless bathrooms and a spacious…
Christchurch & Canterbury
On the western edge of Fairlie, these stylish self-contained cottages afford all mod cons with the bonus of a shared barbecue area and woolshed 'lounge' –…
Timaru
Set on 5 acres 4km south of Timaru, this purpose-built lodge is a peaceful option away from busy SH1. Walk to the lighthouse, relax in the garden watching…
Christchurch
Smart, well-run 100-plus-bed hostel conveniently located near Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens. Dorms and doubles include many with en suite…
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…
Christchurch & Canterbury
On the leafy outskirts of town, this elegant modern house offers spacious, en suite rooms and a comfortable, convivial communal space. Friendly hosts…
Queenstown
High above the Shotover River, this relatively small and extremely neat park with better-than-the-norm motel units is 10 minutes’ drive from the hustle…
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…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This delightful log cabin hidden in the forest has four rooms and sleeps eight people. It only takes one booking at a time, so you and your posse will…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This lovingly restored former railway cottage is now a cosy B&B, with two well-appointed guest rooms. Breakfast on free-range bacon and eggs, pancakes and…
Greymouth
The decor is simple-bordering-on-spartan but the units at this friendly motel are comfortable and well-kept. Opt for a studio with a kitchenette or a one-…
Central Otago
On a sheep farm 13km south of Ranfurly, this rustic 1882 farmhouse offers comfy beds, hearty barbecue dinners ($25) and free pick-ups from the Rail Trail…
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…
Wanaka
The only lakeside hostel in town delivers million-dollar views at backpacker prices. Amenities are top-shelf and it's worth paying a bit extra for the en…
Haast River Motels & Holiday Park
The West Coast
A large red hangar serves as the communal facilities for campervan and tenting guests, while a horseshoe of two-storey buildings contains a variety of…
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…
Central Otago
On the road to Roxburgh 13km south of Alexandra, the historic Speargrass Inn has three handsome rooms in a block out the back, set in attractive gardens…
Banks Peninsula
Ecologically sound creds are just part of this delightfully eccentric package that includes a house truck and a series of romantic yurts dotted throughout…
Dunedin
If you're expecting an imposing old bluestone building, think again: this four-storey block couldn't be more contemporary. The elegant studio units are…
Dunedin
Rooms in this 1920s Christian Brothers residence have been refurbished beyond any monk’s dreams, while still retaining many unique features. The chapel…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This family-friendly park is just a few minutes’ walk from the town's eponymous pools. Kids will love the playground and jumping pillow. Take your pick…
Christchurch & Canterbury
On a hillside on the edge of town, this former maternity hospital is now a sunny and spacious hostel with well-maintained communal areas, bright rooms…
Dunedin & Otago
For a completely different and uniquely Kiwi experience, grab a room in the home-style farmhouse attached to a huge sheep and cattle station, or a bed in…
Greymouth
A family affair since 1954, the venerable Paroa has benefitted from a slick makeover. The sizeable motel-style units have kitchenettes and great beds, and…
Dunedin
Originally home to one of NZ’s wealthiest industrialists, this gorgeous red-brick mansion is just minutes from the city, but the secluded gardens feel…
Wanaka
Fresh from a facelift and backing onto Wanaka Station Park, the schist Homestead has the feel of a high-end ski lodge. There are angular B&B rooms in the…
Fiordland & Southland
Continually upgrading and adding facilities, this well-kept park has backpacker dorms, modern motels and plenty of lush grass to camp upon, along with…
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…
Queenstown
Close to the town centre but still quietly removed, this friendly hostel offers tidy dorms with a locker for every bed, three kitchens, unlimited wi-fi…
Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers
Christchurch & Canterbury
Spread over three well-tended houses on a peaceful street five minutes' walk from town, this sociable hostel offers bright dorms (with no bunks) and cosy…
