Hello,

I am having problems finding places to stay in Christchurch and Wellington in the $100-$140NZD range. Most of the hotels I have heard reference to here are above that range. Any suggestions for these two cities? We won't have a car, so want to be central and within walking distace to the sites. B&B's or motels or small private hotels are all fine, but I am hoping for a private bathroom.

Is there a good NewZealand hotel booking site that I could try (a local version of expedia or something?) I have found many of the last minute type sites, but I'll looking further ahead than they provide prices for.

Thanks!

I stayed at The Chateau in the Park in Christchurch and paid about UK£50 a night inc breakfast.

Really nice 3-4* hotel across the park from the city - lovely views, quiet location etc. Big plus is the free shuttle bus that the hotel operates for its guests. Will take you anywhere you need to go within the city.

Wellington I stayed at the Quality Inn at Oriental Bay - again for about £50 a night. It was okay, good views of the harbour, reasonably good location (10 min walk from city centre) room upkeep a little bit suspect though. Fine for a night or 2 though.

Hi

We stayed at Rydges in Christchurch and found it to be reasonable and very central to where we were going. They also have some special on their hotel site Rydges.com.

Thanks!

The former Quality Hotel Oriental Bay (now called the Kingsgate Hotel Oriental Bay)in Wellington can be had for $130NZD/night for a room with a bay view.

Both the Chateau on the Park and the Rydges in Christchurch seem to be out of my range, best I have been able to find is $180's for Chateau and $158 for Rydges. Any other suggestions for Christchurch?

If your travelling by car you shouldn't have to much trouble finding a motel on the outskirts of Christchurch. Traffic is light so you can always commute in.

I think the Chateau on the Park at 180NZD is a very good buy at the price. Its a nice well kept hotel.

I found this $129 rate on Rydges internet site and that's why I passed it on to you.

Here's a copy of it.

Rate Plan Rate Amount Rate Information
Retail Rate Bed & Breakfast 190.13* New Zealand $ Incl tax (GST) Daily Rates
Includes a full buffet breakfast for the occupants of the room
Special Rate 129.38 New Zealand $ Incl tax (GST) Daily Rates
(* indicates a rate change during your stay) (please note rate rules indicated in red)

Argh! How did you find that LN? I have searched the site. My dates are for November, I do get some better rates showing up for sooner. Maybe I'm just looking too soon?

In Wellington we stayed at the Capital View for NZ$110 per night. It is well located and you can walk to most places from there.

In Christchurch we stayed at the Southern Comfort for $85 a night. Not so easy to get around without a car, but it is close to the buses.

You could try this really good New Zealand website www.aatravel.co.nz.This has all the information you will ever need about travel in New Zealand.Motels are usually around $100 and have cooking facilities fridges etc.
Have a lovely holiday.

Discounted last minute hotel rooms at www.wotif.com
I use this site all the time and highly reccommend it. Wellington and Christchurch have some good deals and you should be able to find something in your price range.

www.needitnow and www.ratestogo also have good deals and one of them has the option of booking further ahead, just can't remember which one at the moment.

sockboy - a full listing of NZ Bed and Breakfast Book is online at www.bnb.co.nz - one in Wellington where you'd need a car is at Island Bay - fantastic view over Cook Strait. Friendly, warm, without being overbearing, hosts.

We stayed at the Bay Plaza on Oriental Parade in Wellington. It's within easy walking distance of Te Papa and downtown. We had a lovely harbor view room and enjoyed our two nights there.

Another option, across the street from the Bay Plaza, is the Wellington YHA hostel. They have double rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and there's a New World supermarket across the street.

Lee Ann

I'm sorry Sockboy - I guess I entered a current date and when I checked November I saw what you reported. You might try to wait a bit longer - closer to the date you're leaving - and then check Wotif or Needitnow and see what is available then. We're heading to Sydney next week and just made our arrangements.

Thank you all for the suggestions! I am checking them out. Anyone have any comments on the Windsor Hotel in Christchurch? Sounds like an ideal location for not having a car . . .

I was going to suggest the Windsor, but you said you wanted a private bathroom. I stayed there last year, found it very pleasant and a good value, and would stay there again. You're right, location is convenient for the carless.

However...I'm a budget traveller and don't expect or care about luxuries. The Windsor has character and is clean, attractive, and in good shape, but it's not fancy.

I liked the way the shared facilites are arranged. They're in little rooms in a row in a central core. Some rooms just have a shower, others just a toilet and sink. (Don't worry, this is all clearly marked on each door!) So if one shower is occupied, you can just use the one next door, without wandering around looking. I never had to wait for what I wanted.

Hi,
I live in the Sth Island of New Zealand, and was brought up in Christchurch.
Just thought I could point you in the right direction.
The AA Travel site that has been recommended is excellent, or you could try Jasons. Might I suggest that you go for a Motel. They are very good in New Zealand, mostly being new or recently updated. All have private bathrooms.
I suggest for Christchurch, that you try Bealey Avenue, or Papanui Road, where you can walk to the centre of Christchurch, very easily, 5 - 10 mins., depending on where you are going. Also a very good bus service in these parts.
Riccarton Road, is full of Motels, but you would need to take a bus into the city. However, there is excellent shopping right at hand. My choice would be Bealey Avenue.

The same applies to Wellington, having just had a holiday there, Motels are cheaper than Hotels.
You can email the information centre, in both cities, and they will find you accommodation to suit your needs. Free of charge. If you need any further assistance, please feel free to email me, and I can send you on some useful links. IM