12 Best Hotels in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

Surrounded by spectacular peaks, beech forests, and serene lakes, this sophisticated back-to-nature lodge shares 4,000 acres with its own high-country merino sheep station and nature reserve in a valley called Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa (Valley of the Mother of Rainbows). Rooms have balcony views of this incredible area. Full-day guided trips can take you to limestone caves, a tranquil lake, a glacier basin, or to spots where you might glimpse rare alpine plants and kea (native mountain parrot); you'll soon share the owners' passion for preserving this environment. There is a sister lodge at Lake Moeraki on the West Coast. 

Hidden behind an ivy-clad wall and pretty gardens, this lovely heritage villa boasts modern, spacious rooms. The interior is particularly welcoming with a large lounge and dining area, bathrooms are generous, and there is good off-street parking. The Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery, Tram, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars are within easy walking distance. Arrive in time for a complimentary glass of wine at 5:30 pm. There are also three-bedroom apartments with leafy views that are fully self-contained, each spanning three floors.

Within walking distance to Akaroa township sits an historic Victorian house, which now stands as a bed-and-breakfast. Nestled among well-kept gardens, a petite vineyard and an avocado orchard, the birdsong here is a delight, especially from the native bellbird. Well-known for its outstanding hospitality, hosts Noel and Sharon will put on drinks and homemade hors d'oeuvres for all guests at 6 pm. Breakfast is a delight with both hot-cooked and continental fare. All six rooms are elegantly decorated; the architecture and the setting are superb, and the owner's passion for collecting has transformed the home into a living heritage museum.

The highly rated accommodations located right at Black Estate's award-winning winery–restaurant is a perfect escape for couples. The stunning, architecturally gorgeous building is stylishly decorated, with access to delicious food and wine. You'll also be able to rent bikes to explore the Waipara Wine Trail, which starts at Black Estate.

This is the biggest spot in town with a main lodge that has private and shared rooms; there are also two separate cottages, two motel units, and backpacker dorms in the old YHA lodge. You can sign up for one of the bedrooms in the cottages, reserve an entire cottage, or choose a bed in the private or dorm rooms in the main lodge. There's one women-only bunk room. The interior design may be homely, but you can't argue with the impressive peaks right outside your window.

If you’ve come south for the views and outdoor activities then the Mt. Hutt Lodge delivers with its laid-back atmosphere. By day you’ll look out across the magnificent, sometimes turquoise Rakaia River toward Mt. Hutt, the area’s main ski field. By night you’ll be amazed at the clarity of the sky and the sheer depth of stars. Rooms are clean and pleasant with an eclectic mix on offer from motel units to time-share apartments of up to three bedrooms.

Surrounded by a tranquil garden, just a two-minute walk from town and a few steps from Akaroa Harbour, this character Victorian manor house has its original, ornate plaster ceilings and marble fireplaces. The house has been completely refurbished after the earthquakes with modern bathrooms and amenities. You'll also find fresh flowers in the spacious and pleasantly decorated rooms. Drive to the far end of Beach Road where the road runs onto what looks like a private driveway shared by a number of properties. Just follow that road a little farther to Oinako, which is marked.

Once a real vicarage, Old Glenmark is now a funky barn lodging—with lots of rough-sawn timber and colonial trimmings—that's suitable for families and makes a very comfortable base while touring the area. The Wicked Vicar, the Vicar's Mistress, Divine Daughter and the Sweeter Daughter are not members of the staff at this pleasant Victorian homestay, but are wines produced from the owners' small vineyard.

Tucked in among giant kahikatea trees and native forest, and overlooking Little Mt. Peel (which isn't so little), this comfortable log lodge provides a haven of peace and quiet. Opened as a hunting and fishing lodge it's a nice getaway if you want to experience the great outdoors without hiking miles up into the hills. There are four bedrooms—two share a bathroom—all looking out to the mountains. You can self-cater, have breakfast provided, or request a fully catered service. Nearby there's rafting, fishing, hunting, horse trekking, hiking, helicopter tours, and visits to Mesopotamia Station up in the high country. It's available for exclusive bookings only.

This lodge has comfortable and heated self-contained apartments and private rooms. It features a popular restaurant and bar, with cozy indoor dining by a roaring fire, or alfresco with mountain views. A light continental breakfast is included, and there's also the option to use the free ski storage and laundry facilities. Relax in the shared lounge area; watch TV and play a game of pool. 

Adjacent to the thermal pools, this stylish, eco-friendly, 14-unit complex offers a choice of spacious one- and two-bedroom units. Most have sunny balconies with alpine views. There's a large parking lot in front and plenty of activities right on the doorstep.

Wake up to fresh-baked bread and newly laid eggs (when chickens are laying) at this basic-but-rather-quirky backpacker lodge housed in old railway carriages and huts. It's first-come, first-served for breakfast in the station waiting room (now a communal kitchen). Some of the carriages retain old leather seating and travel posters. There are also powered campervan sites and a number of tent sites, and they are close to the Weka Pass vintage railway.