Central Otago
This smart boutique motel is the best option in Ranfurly's town centre by far, with a spa pool and free laundry facilities. Even studio units are spacious…
Must-see hotels in South Island
Pelorus Bridge (Kahikatea Flat) Campground
Marlborough Region
Beside the limpid Pelorus River (alluring enough to star in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit) is DOC's small but perfectly formed campground, with its snazzy…
Wanaka
This Wānaka stalwart is older than many of its guests, and it has mellowed comfortably with age. It has a mix of dorms and private rooms, but best of all…
Fiordland & Southland
This hillside motel offers spacious, comfortable units with lots of light, views over the harbour and a shared balcony. Some rooms have spa baths, all…
Fiordland & Southland
High on a hill 1.5km out of town, with native forest at the back door and surrounded by a sheep farm, these two shipshape cottages command spectacular…
Christchurch
Sprawled across three floors of a charming suburban house, Haka Lodge offers colourful bunk-free dorms and cheery doubles. Bonuses include a comfy lounge…
Fiordland & Southland
This modern holiday park offers personality-packed accommodation ranging from cute cabins to smart family motels. Tenters share good communal amenities…
Takaka
Beyond the welcoming garden and rainbow picket fence is a cute cottage where rooms are named after classic Kiwiana (the jandal, Buzzy Bee…). The garage…
Christchurch
Family owned and operated for nearly 50 years, this large holiday park has a wide range of accommodation along with various campervan nooks and grassy…
Riverside Haven Lodge & Holiday Park
Dunedin & Otago
Nestled in a loop of the Waianakarua River, 12km north of the Moeraki turn-off, this certified-organic riverside property offers both bucolic camping…
Fiordland & Southland
A converted wooden villa houses Stewart Island/Rakiura’s smaller, but better, hostel option. It's somewhat squeezed but offers the benefits of a cosy…
Wanaka
The refurbished Wanaka View has five apartments with spa baths and full kitchens squeezed tightly into a standard section. The largest has three bedrooms…
Fiordland & Southland
Across a busy road from Invercargill's ornate Victorian water tower, units at this crowd-pleasing motel have nicely modernised kitchens and bathrooms, and…
Christchurch & Canterbury
There are no powered sites here, only toilets, showers and a small kitchen shelter, but don't let that put you off. This is the best camping ground for…
Te Anau
On a deer farm 8km south of town, bunk-free, en suite log cabins surround a rustic communal lodge with wooden rafters and a glossy modern kitchen. Play…
Kaikoura
Here's a great-value option in South Bay, a few kilometres south of town, close to Kaikōura's new harbour. Five cottages sleeping up to four all feature a…
Christchurch & Canterbury
There are two divine options in this beautifully restored vicarage: cosy up with bed and breakfast in the main house, or lounge around in the character…
Queenstown
Formerly the mayor's digs, this lovely stone building (1874) has been converted into a six-bedroom holiday home. The modern kitchen and bathrooms meld…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The 'boutique motel' tag doesn't do justice to this collection of attractive accommodation options in three adjacent properties beside the lake. The…
Queenstown
This modern motel is an easy 10-minute walk from town along the lakefront. Newly refurbished, self-contained units have beaut lake views. It's on the main…
Queenstown
Queenstown's newest luxury hotel opened in December 2017 and sits just a touch above the lakefront hotels along Lake Esplanade, creating even more…
Christchurch
Built in 1871, this tranquil wooden villa has a sunny deck, a large regal lounge with a pool table, and great kitchen facilities. Dorms feature beds…
Nelson
A five-minute walk from the city centre, this lively, well-run backpackers has roomy en-suite dorms surrounding a sunny courtyard. Private rooms are…
Queenstown
This well-run, sunlit spot is like two distinct properties in one – smallish but comfortable newer units at the front and cheaper 1970s-style units (with…
Christchurch & Canterbury
New Zealand's newest YHA is also one of the country's best with colourful dorms and private rooms, excellent shared spaces including an upstairs lounge…
The West Coast
Natural tones and textures, upcycled furniture and hip vibes make this boutique beachside guesthouse a winner on style and location. Heightening the feel…
Dunedin
Recently refreshed with new furniture and a paint job, this top-quality motel complex has modern units ranging in size from studios to two bedrooms…
Dunedin & Otago
On a farm 5km along the road from Port Chalmers, this backpacker fave no longer offers dorm accommodation, but the whole rustic lodge is available to rent…
Fiordland & Southland
Very much like staying at a mate's house, this tidy two-level home has a comfortable lounge with a large TV and leather couches, and a well-equipped…
Kaikoura
This compact and proudly trimmed park copes well with its many visitors and offers excellent facilities, including a pool, hot tubs and a barbecue…
Buller Region
Right on Carters Beach, 5km from Westport, this tidy complex has pleasant sites as well as comfortable cabins and motel units. It's a good option for…
Dunedin
Spacious home high up on the hill with comfortable rooms sharing a bathroom. There are sheep and horses in the paddocks all around, but it's still just a…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This well-kept hostel has cosy dorms and private rooms and the efficient and enthusiastic manager can provide extensive local hiking information. Note all…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This charming converted old home is a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Large rooms (no bunks), relaxing gardens and a cosy lounge area are the main…
Marlborough Region
This Waikawa Bay lodge offers four redecorated en-suite rooms, some with expansive views of the Sounds from the 1st-floor balcony. Town transfers, bike…
Timaru
Spot Hector's dolphins over breakfast from this modern clifftop house overlooking Caroline Bay. The two guest rooms are very comfortable, but only one…
Fiordland & Southland
This beautifully restored 1896 building is awash with nostalgia and is a little worn, but comfy, like a favourite armchair. With old portraits and an old…
The West Coast
Sigh at sea views from the shared lounge and kitchen of this adorable YHA-affiliated hostel, 2.5km northeast of the town centre. Rooms are themed around…
Nelson Region
This leafy charmer is 10km from Collingwood on the way to Farewell Spit. The main house has attractive backpacker rooms, and there are self-contained…
Banks Peninsula
Choose between the private and romantic Shepherd's Hut – complete with outdoor bath – or the historic farmhouse lovingly restored in shades of Laura…
