Must-see hotels in New Zealand

  • Fletcher Bay Backpackers

    Coromandel Peninsula

    The Fletcher Bay Backpackers is a simple affair that has four rooms with four bunks in each. Bring sheets and food. It’s 37km from Colville.

  • Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort

    Coromandel Peninsula

    This massive, resort-style holiday park is pretty darn flash, with a pool, gym, spa, beautiful kitchen and a smorgasbord of sleeping options.

  • Hamilton City Holiday Park

    Hamilton

    Simple cabins and leafy sites are the rule at this shady park. It’s reasonably close to town (2km east of the centre) and very affordable.

  • BK's Pohutukawa Lodge

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Just west of town, this older but renovated motel has 14 well-kept units with fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and ample parking.

  • Port Jackson Campsite

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Around 30km north of Colville is the Port Jackson campsite, a large DOC site right on the beach with running water and barbecue facilities.

  • Cromwell Top 10 Holiday Park

    Central Otago

    The size of a small European nation and packed with cabins and self-contained units of various descriptions, all set in tree-lined grounds.

  • Hawdon Shelter

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    You can camp for free at Hawdon Shelter, 24km south of Arthur’s Pass. Facilities are limited to toilets and stream water for boiling.

  • Seabreeze Holiday Park

    Coromandel Peninsula

    A friendly and grassy park with the bonus of an on-site craft brewery. What’s not to like?

  • Te Aroha Holiday Park

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Wake up to a bird orchestra among the oaks at this site equipped with a grass tennis court, gym and hot pool, 2km southeast of town.

  • Kaimai View Motel

    Bay of Plenty

    This simple motel offers neat rooms with CD players, kitchenettes and a heated pool. The namesake views extend over the back fence.

  • Pickled Parrot

    Bay of Islands

    Surrounded by tropical plants, this convivial backpackers’ stalwart has cute cabins, free bikes, free breakfast and a good vibe.

  • Orewa Beach Top 10

    North Auckland

    Taking up a large chunk of the beach’s south end, this well-kept park has excellent facilities but road noise can be a problem.

  • Black Fern Lodge

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Rustic but comfortable accommodation around the halfway point of the Timber Trail. It gets rave reviews for its home cooking.

  • Leitch’s Hut

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Located in the Whareorino Forest, the 16-bunk DOC-run Leitch’s Hut is hiker-friendly, with a toilet, water and wood stove.

  • Loredo Motel

    The Far North

    Opting for a breezy Spanish style, this tidy motel has well-kept units set among palm trees and lawns, with a swimming pool.

  • Takaka Campground

    Takaka

    This low-key and convenient campground, within walking distance of the Takaka high street, sports a splendid rural outlook.

  • Quality Hotel Parnell

    Parnell & Newmarket

    More than 100 motel rooms and units are available in this renovated complex. The newer north wing has great harbour views.

  • Torrent Bay Village Campsite

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Walk- or boat-in beachside campsite at Torrent Bay Village, where there is a collection of holiday homes – lucky people!

  • Havelock Holiday Park

    Havelock

    Near the marina, this well-maintained park offers totally acceptable sites, basic cabins and spick-and-span facilities.

  • YHA Auckland International

    City Centre & Britomart

    Clean and brightly painted, this 170-bed YHA has a friendly vibe, good security, a games room and lots of lockers.

  • Mosquito Bay Campsite

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Don't be put off by the name: this pretty campsite is a great place to stay, and is only accessible by boat or kayak.

  • DOC Tapotupotu Bay Campsite

    The Far North

    Situated by the estuary at the east end of pretty Tapotupotu Bay. Expect flush toilets, cold showers and little else.

  • Otorohanga Holiday Park

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    It’s not the most attractive locale, but this friendly park’s tidy facilities include a fitness centre and sauna.

  • Dickey’s Flat Campsite

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Dickey’s Flat has a free DOC campsite and a decent swimming hole. River water will need to be boiled for drinking.

  • DOC Tarawera Outlet Campsite

    Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty

    Simple camping on the eastern shore of Lake Tarawera, at the point where the Tarawera River pours from the lake.

  • Teetotal DOC Campsite

    Nelson Region

    About 2km west of St Arnaud, this campground has toilets and stream water and is popular with mountain bikers.

  • Mokau Motel

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Above the village, the Mokau Motel offers fishing advice, self-contained units and three luxury suites.

  • Davies Bay Campsite

    Marlborough Region

    A popular picnic spot, with barbecue facilities nearby. The site includes toilets and a water supply.

  • Devonport Sea Cottage

    Auckland

    Head up the garden path to your own cute and cosy self-contained cottage. Weekly rates are available.

  • Apple Tree Bay Campsite

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Walk- or boat-in beachside campsite between Tinline Bay and Anchorage on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

  • Te Aroha Motel

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Old-fashioned but reasonably priced and tidy units with kitchenettes, right in the centre of town.

  • DOC Puriri Bay Campsite

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    This attractively located but basic campsite sits by a sheltered bay, with walking tracks nearby.

  • Horeke Hotel

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Simple but clean accommodation in the local pub. All three room have en suites and harbour views.

  • Camp Bay Campsite

    Marlborough Region

    Located on the western side of Endeavour Inlet. Facilities include toilets and a water supply.

  • Te Haruhi Bay Campground

    North Auckland

    A basic council-run camping ground with a flush toilet and running water, right by the beach.

  • Island Accommodation

    Hauraki Gulf Islands

    Offers a booking service, which is handy for finding self-contained houses for longer stays.

  • Seaview Holiday Park

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Just north of Mokau, Seaview Holiday Park is rustic, but it’s right on an expansive beach.

  • DOC Bunkhouse

    Hauraki Gulf Islands

    A house operated by DOC, with a full kitchen and proper bathrooms. Bring your own bedding.