Central Otago
Just off SH87 between Waipiata and Hyde, this upmarket rural property offers six contemporary en suite rooms, newly refurbished in neutral tones. One was…
Must-see hotels in South Island
Fiordland & Southland
More sophisticated than the average motel, Pounawea Grove has a boutique feel thanks to its roomy units with sharp, modern bathrooms, kitchenettes and…
Kaikoura
This arty backpackers resides in three sweet buildings, one a former post office. It's colourful and close to the beach but sheltered from the breeze. As…
Blenheim
This traveller-focused lodge has spick-and-span rooms in a sweetly converted bungalow with a full kitchen and a comfy lounge with a pool table. There are…
Buller Region
This quality B&B surrounded by extensive gardens and paddocks is a short walk from the Buller River. Attractive timber features and charming hosts add to…
Buller Region
Grand banisters, high ceilings and the occasional throne establish a stately atmosphere at this hostel within a 150-year-old villa. There's a variety of…
Christchurch
Large, well-designed rooms are the hallmark of this purpose-built complex on the city fringe. Dorms have fridges, USB points and individual lights; some…
Franz Josef Glacier
Forming something of a tiny, elite village 3km north of town, Glernfern's one- and two-bedroom houses are equipped with every comfort from quality beds to…
Central Otago
These free-standing modern apartments are smart and spacious, with fully equipped kitchens and underfloor heating in the bathrooms. There's also a good…
Banks Peninsula
Right on the harbour front, this sprawling complex offers one- and two-bedroom units of varying levels of luxury. The water-view apartments are obviously…
Takaka
With a quiet beach right out front, this gem of a park has acres of grass, graceful shade trees and hedgerows, atoning for older communal facilities…
Nelson Region
A small, low-key hostel in a bright, historic building on a hill with views from the deck. Get tramping advice from the charming owners, who offer track…
Nelson
About 15 minutes’ walk from town, the VW-themed Bug occupies a boldly painted converted villa, a modern building next door to it, and a self-contained…
The West Coast
This attractive and versatile beachfront spot has everything from camping to log-lined cabins facing the sea. Kids will love the menagerie, including pigs…
Timaru
Set back behind a pretty garden, this imposing heritage house has two guest rooms: one with an en suite, and a larger bedroom with an adjoining sun lounge…
Pohara
There's more than a hint of hippy to this complex of six colourful, self-contained cottages set in a peaceful garden with views to the ocean. Don't expect…
Blenheim
The 16 architecturally designed suites here make the most of valley views and are decked out with modern bathrooms and abstract art. The stylish reception…
Takaka
At the time of research, new owners were in the process of renovating this old motel, which has units in various configurations. Some of the decor's still…
Marlborough Region
Its elevated position means this motel commands good views of Picton’s mast-filled marina from the timber decks of its smart, self-contained studios and…
Fiordland & Southland
Recently upgraded, these modern units all have beautiful views over the ocean. Some have kitchenettes, double-glazed windows and heat pumps to keep out…
Christchurch
Sleek and centrally located, this friendly-vibe motel offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units with big-screen TVs, iPod docks, kitchenettes and super…
Buller Region
Occupying a heritage building (formerly a draper's shop), this friendly establishment has self-catering options for everyone from singles to family groups…
Buller Region
Kindly, house-proud hosts, an elegant floral-decorated lounge, a small dog yapping at your feet…Quartz Lodge is a small-town B&B at its best. Impeccable…
Dunedin
This sleek complex is accessed by an unlikely looking alley off Dunedin's main retail strip. Choose from modern studios or larger one-bedroom apartments…
Timaru
In a heritage building right in the centre of town, this good-value budget hotel offers clean, no-frills rooms with comfy beds, fridge and TV. The quirky…
Queenstown & Wanaka
This child of the 1980s is better on the inside than the outside, with spacious units with colourful feature walls, soft furnishings and interesting art…
Franz Josef Glacier
It couldn't be accused of being reasonably priced, but this motel near the visitor centre offers a brace of smart brick units grouped around a central car…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Handsomely decked out in pine, this excellent hostel has a free sauna, a drying room, log fires, a large kitchen and friendly, helpful staff. Rooms are…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Expect a warm welcome and no dorms at this charming and peaceful family-friendly lodge. Most rooms are en suite, and bigger rooms can be reconfigured to…
Banks Peninsula
This tidy camp sits on a pine-tree-peppered swathe of land right by a lovely beach and estuary. Facilities include kitchens, toilets and coin-operated hot…
Timaru
Tucked away in the suburbs, this excellent holiday park has clean, colourful amenities and a host of accommodation options throughout mature, leafy…
Christchurch
A gracious 19th-century Victorian mansion is the hub of this elegant motel, with units both in the main house and in the more typical motel-style blocks…
Abel Tasman National Park
This specially converted, permanently moored 13m catamaran provides unusual but buoyant backpacker accommodation for 22. Facilities are basic but decent;…
Kaikoura
These sharp and spacious units are a pleasant 15-minute walk from town and about 10 seconds from the ocean. Choose between studios with either sea or…
Queenstown
In a quiet street around a five-minute walk up from the town centre, this angular white block has renovated one- and two-bedroom apartments and friendly…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Tall shady trees and a garden setting give these bungalow-type cottages a relaxed air. Some have full kitchens and spa baths. The two-bedroom, self…
Nelson Region
This upmarket B&B, 1.5km up the hill from Kaiteriteri Beach, offers two en-suite rooms, bush and sea views, extensive gardens, spectacular breakfasts …
Dunedin & Otago
Commanding jaw-dropping views over the shoreline, these spic-and-span, self-contained units perched high above the ocean are a great choice for families…
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
The gregarious hosts of this ski-lodge-style B&B go the extra mile to make your stay a memorable one. A continental breakfast and blooming gardens,…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Soak up the mountain views from these tidy, reasonably priced, free-standing wooden chalets, set on the slopes behind the town centre. All chalets have…
