11 Best Hotels in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

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.

This lodge is conveniently located right in the heart of Methven, and is one of the larger accommodation providers in the village. You can choose between en suite lodge rooms, or family apartments. There's also a small camping ground out the back. The rooms are simple but adequate and come with flat-screen TVs, and there's also a cozy shared lounge and small bar. 

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.

Part lodge, part boutique hotel, these slick accommodations were built around all that remained of the original Braemar Lodge—an impressive two-story-high river stone fireplace. Rooms are big and have expansive views across the river plain to Hanmer and its snowy backdrop (in winter). The warm sunny aspect is sheltered from the cold southerly winds that sweep through this area so you'll get real value from your own deck. The interior is neutrally contemporary; the rooms all have gas fires, swiveling TVs, and marble bathrooms. The on-premises Altitude Restaurant is worth a visit.  

These affordable one- and two-bedroom apartment-style units are just a two-minute walk from the center of town, surrounded by landscaped gardens. Shackleton's Bar and Grill features the best Canterbury produce, perfect after drinks in front of the open fire in the bar. They also do different packages including ballooning, golf, fishing tours, mountain shuttles, and ski and helicopter trips.

As Christchurch's tallest central city building (once an office tower), this is a prime location with spectacular views overlooking historic Victoria Square and the Avon River. Comfortable beds and quiet zones guarantee a good night's sleep. There's a chic restaurant, café, and bar, plus a well equipped gym. The Crowne Plaza is in walking distance to nearly everything in the city, and just around the corner from historic New Regent Street and Isaac Theatre Royal.

Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel is across the road from the thermal pools, and staying here will remind you of the grand, genteel era in which it was built. There are garden suites and three-bedroom self-contained villas that are great for families, too. Breakfast is served on the front courtyard or in Isobel's Restaurant, which also offers excellent evening dining and a top local wine list.

One of the city's newer boutique hotels, the Mayfair is within walking distance to the CBD and just a short stroll away from Hagley Park—the rooms are clean, bright, and modern with all the latest technologies. The Top of The House rooms and suites are a bit more expensive but have great views from a private balcony over the city. There's a bustling café on ground level. A breakfast package can also be purchased as an extra with the room. 

From the moment you walk into the futuristic lobby you will receive a warm welcome from staff who know the city well and can help with directions and recommendations. The comfortable, smart rooms have views overlooking the Southern Alps, New Regent Street, or directly on to the still-damaged cathedral. The restaurant has clever nooks designed for sole diners, a nod to the many business travelers the hotel attracts.

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.