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Bed-and-breakfasts, farm stays, and homestays, all a variation on the same theme, abound in the South Island in some spectacular coastal and mountain environments. Your hosts will generally feed you great breakfasts and advise on where to eat and what to do locally. Other choices include boutique luxury lodges and hotels, or less expensive but well-equipped motel rooms and backpacker lodges.
Locals generally take vacations from Christmas through January, so book early at these times. From March through November everything settles down, and in most towns you can book at short notice. Heating is standard in virtually every room, especially in cooler southern regions, and most places around Nelson and Marlborough, which can be hot in summer, provide air-conditioning.
At this welcoming B&B between Greymouth and Punakaiki, two rooms in the main house and two suites in the garden overlook spectacular coastline and native bush surroundings, and hosts Jan and Stephen will tell you about the local mountain biking and mining. You should take a look at Stephen's great landscape photography, too. Guests can relax in the family lounge, though guest rooms also have private little indoor and outdoor spots.
Spacious chalets and studios, with native gardens between them, are nestled between Abel Tasman National Park and Marahau Beach. Units are finished in natural wood and have high cathedral ceilings, New Zealand wool carpets, queen- or king-size beds, and balconies. Room-service breakfasts, prepared packed lunches, and a communal kitchen are available. Staff can help make reservations for sea kayaking, water taxis, and hiking. There's a barbecue to share and an outdoor hot tub. Book well ahead for summer.
Luxurious tree houses are the star accommodations here, but there’s also a main lodge with a restaurant and hotel-style rooms, plus the salubrious Olive House, a freestanding and self-contained three-bedroom suite featuring spacious dining, lounge, and bedroom areas and 360-degree views. The tree houses, made of rough-sawn timber, copper, glass, and steel, stand on stilts above native trees. Inside are freestanding baths and elegant handmade furniture. Each unit has a wide-reaching view over olive groves (the lodge makes its own olive oil) to the sea and Kaikōura mountains. A spa offers massage and beauty treatments. Rates include full breakfast and gourmet dinner.
Tucked on a quiet side street, these comfortably countrified guest rooms, with strong colors and lots of wood in a beautiful old villa, are within easy walking distance of the mighty Buller River. The rooms are spacious with luxurious touches, including free Wi-Fi. Hosts Daphne and Philip hail from Europe and understand hospitality. They love engaging with their guests (without intruding) and will recommend local attractions and good places to eat.
Located alongside Lake Moeraki and surrounded by World Heritage Park, this lodge is a stunning place to relax and learn about New Zealand nature. A network of forest tracks radiate out from the lodge, which also has 20 single and double kayaks to explore the lake. The lodge features stylish accommodations and superb food, Skilled eco-guides can take you on half-day excursions where you will spot Fiordland crested penguins (September to early December), seals, and Hectors Dolphins. Also available are guided kayak safaris down the Moeraki River to the Tasman seacoast.
One of the classiest of several fully inclusive luxury fly-fishing lodges in this region has six beautifully appointed cottages overlooking the Owen River Valley. Adjacent to Kahurangi National Park, lodge gives you access to 25 fishing rivers within a 90-minute drive, plus many more by helicopter. Back at the lodge you can relax in the cozy lounge, or wander the landscaped grounds, including the massive vegetable garden that supplies much of what arrives on your table for dinner.
Cook for yourself if you wish at this modern motel-style accommodation that offers great value, with well-appointed studios and apartments, excellent facilities, and a sunny environment. All units have kitchens, plus there are two appealing barbecue areas. It's close to the Glacier Hot Pools, a two-minute walk to the Wildlife Centre, and an easy walk to restaurants. Best of all, there's lots of forest to look at and native birds to listen to. Some units have a whirlpool bath; light breakfasts are available.
Here, a short walk across soft grass from your luxurious, fully self-contained villa or studio unit gets you to your own quiet beach. Sunsets are sometimes enhanced by blue penguins arriving home from a day out fishing. During the day you can swim, kayak, or paddleboard (complimentary boards and kayaks are available). At night the doors and windows can be left open so the sound of the sea lulls you to sleep. Rates include a breakfast hamper crammed with fresh, local produce, and full housekeeping service, or you can opt for the "independent rate."
This might be a European alpine-inspired lodge, but the view out the window is all Kiwi—wetlands, forest, and mountains. Accommodations run from hotel rooms and two-bedroom, self-contained apartments to backpacker dorms that include some private rooms. A few two-bedroom apartments are good for families. It's set in the center of the little village a short bushwalk away from Lake Rotoiti. The lodge bar and bistro restaurant offer a good range of Kiwi fare. There is no breakfast included in the rate, but there is a nice menu to purchase meals from.
Just outside town, this nicely laid-out site has cabins, studios, and full motel units, plus powered campervan sites and campsites to suit a range of budgets. A wide variety of guest facilities in the crammed but nicely landscaped shared areas include hot tubs, a heated pool (summer only), a trampoline, indoor/outdoor dining, a barbecue, and a clean, modern kitchen. The view of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountains is breathtaking. There are two holiday parks on Beach Road—this one is on the inland side of the road. Because it slopes away from the main road, traffic noise is minimized. Bookings are essential in summer.
This small homestay right on the water's edge was one of the first houses built in the spectacular Anakiwa Bay, and even served as a school. There are two self-catered guesthouses on this property, a 30-minute drive from Picton at the southern end of the Queen Charlotte Track. The friendly hosts will go out of their way to assist you in exploring the surroundings, or booking local activities. Explore the thoughtful book, board game, and DVD collection, and don't miss the glowworm walk at night. The Queen Charlotte Tavern is about 7 km (4.5 miles) up the road.
Three self-contained cottages on the shoreline of the Waimea Estuary began life as apple pickers' cottages and have been refurbished in a pleasing rustic style. Separated by high plantings for privacy, each has a full kitchen, ample decks, and a wood fire. Karaka has an outdoor bath on a private deck overlooking the estuary. You can wander the foreshore and do some bird-watching, or explore the 5-acre organic farm and vineyard. Only children over 12 years are permitted to stay.
Rooms are spacious, linens are fine, and the art collection is impressive at this villa that was built in the late 1800s. The owner has traveled extensively, and international influences sit nicely amid the decor. Look for the original leather wall linings and ornate leadlight windows. This grand old house has previously served time as a convent and a private home. The Red Room has an impressively large bathroom. Full cooking facilities are also available, there are three guest lounges, and the garden is delightful.
A contemporary luxury waterfront lodge built to complement the surrounding native bush and seascape, the property's spacious suites and apartments are built into the hillside. Cuisine, featuring the best local produce, is served in the stylish Foredeck Restaurant and Kumatage Lounge or the casual Bight Café on the jetty. Getting there is part of the treat: you can catch a water taxi from Picton, helicopter in, or walk in on the Queen Charlotte Track (the Lodge is a two-hour detour). Dolphin and bird-watching cruises, bushwalks, kayaking, and fishing charters are all at your door. Booking options include a bed-and-breakfast option, or a dinner, bed, and breakfast.
Built for a sea captain, this restored 1880s Victorian villa pairs antiques with modern fabrics and conveniences, so each bedroom has an en suite bathroom with shower; the three luxury rooms also have a separate bathtub. You can settle in with coffee or a drink in by the wood-burning fireplace in the guest lounge, or on the sunny garden deck, or lose yourself in the woodland garden. The house is near the town center. Hosts Karel and David will attend to your every need, and give you some great ideas for exploring the region they love.
The region’s only Qualmark-rated five-star hotel offers a mix of suites, apartments, and studios, all luxuriously appointed, some with full kitchens, dining areas, and laundry, and some overlooking the gardens of Seymour Square. Ask for one of the rooms facing the square for a leafy outlook. The hotel, which is locally owned and independent from major chains, also has an excellent restaurant, cozy bar, sheltered pool and courtyard, small but modern gym, and a lovely day spa.
These spacious and stylish studio apartments have plenty of conveniences, including washer-dryers and very comfy leather lounger chairs. Outside is a heated pool and there's also handy off-street parking. Guests can charge meals at the lovely Tides Restaurant, at nearby Trailways Hotel, to their room.
A short drive north of Franz Josef village, these stylish, well-equipped one- and two-bedroom villas are in a quiet rural location away from the tourist bustle and helicopters. Each has a spacious lounge, dining area, and kitchen, and opens to private decks with mountain views. Kids can run off energy on the trampoline, or the little farm with its sheep. Gas barbecues are available for guests.
You'll be lulled by the constant roar of the ocean in these secluded, stylish, and spacious apartments with recycled native timbers and contemporary furniture; there's also a few rustic studio cottages (Rimu or Miro), a larger cottage with sea views and a bath on the deck, a seaside house (Takutai) for larger groups, and a quaint cottage for couples (The Stables Hut) near the lagoon and among the bush. All are completely private, with delightful gardens and some sea views. Look for the entrance about ½-kilometer south of Pancake Rocks. There is a two-night minimum stay.
Stylish, well-sized guest rooms, with kitchenettes and en suite bathrooms, overlook the town to the main harbor. Thoughtful touches include fans, and DVD players with a library of movies. Some bathrooms have either a whirlpool tub or a multihead shower. A supermarket just opposite is handy for stocking up before hitting the remote areas of the Marlborough Sounds. The friendly hosts are happy to share their wealth of Kiwi traveling advice.
This heavenly spot encapsulates what Nelson is all about, with a focus on eco-values in its B&B room, a studio unit in the main house, and a delightful studio cottage in the garden with its own water garden and turf roof. Throw in some lovely hospitality and intelligent conversation with host Paulina, a Tomatis sound therapist, and this is the perfect place to stop a few days and recharge. With three thoughtful villas, there is also a cheaper "the den" option, which sleeps one traveler.
A charming seaside hotel conveniently located on Kaikōura's Esplanade, at the south end of town, this quaint venue has sea and mountain views galore. Quirky décor decorates the waterfront rooms on the first floor of the historic building. Everything else is on ground level, including the courtyard rooms, which open into a gardened area. A basic continental breakfast is served daily from 8 am, and the bar offers a platter menu every afternoon until close, where an extensive champagne, wine, craft beer and martini list is also on offer.
Halfway up the Tākaka Hill from Motueka, these homey cottages with timber interiors and verandas have all you need for a comfortable stay in the country. The decor has a rustic appeal while the modern kitchens with dishwashers take the hard work out of your day. Your stay can be fully self-catered, or with breakfast or dinner provided. It's within easy reach of Golden Bay, Motueka, and the Abel Tasman area, and the owner might take you out on the 4,000 acre historic farm, depending on what's happening—ask when you arrive. One of their farm-sights is Parliamentary Pond, once a quarry where all the marble rock for New Zealand's parliament was sourced from.
The cozy wood walls and simple furnishings of the guest quarters are part of the philosophy here: Kimi Ora means "seek health" in Māori, and this aims to be an environmentally friendly, health-oriented resort. There's a vegetarian restaurant (not always open, so call first), and activities and therapies are geared to holistic health. For all the pampering, the overall vibe is low-key. Day visitors are welcome for therapies, including spa, steam room, and pool facilities.
Follow a lavender-lined driveway to this 1901-built Victorian convent, now a luxury boutique hotel. Its 10 rooms are decorated in an eclectic contemporary style that mixes old and new. Surrounding the building, 16 acres of established gardens and lawns appear to ramble into the surrounding vineyards (tours with head gardener on request). The heated outdoor pool is open from October to May, and six lawn tennis courts are available for guests to use. The hotel's on-site restaurant, Harvest, has just been awarded a Hat in NZ Cuisine Food Awards, and provides a unique dining experience with a deck opening onto the Orangery.
Tranquillity, marvelous mountain views, and a superb standard of comfort are the hallmarks of this rustic lodge on 35 acres overlooking the Motueka River. Fish is a key focus here, especially dry fly-fishing for brown trout in the wild rivers. Booking ahead is essential during the October-to-April fishing season, and some dates require minimum a two-nights booking.
This premium Kiwi holiday park just steps from the center of town has top facilities and hosts. There's the typical range of accommodations, from tent sites and powered campervan sites to cabins with shared bathrooms and fully equipped apartments with en suite bathrooms, kitchens, and dining areas. Booking ahead is recommended in the busy summer season.
Well-appointed cabins and motel units, with various bedding configurations and some with full kitchens, are set on 5 beachfront acres with plenty of trees for shelter. You can get closer to nature on a tent site, or park your campervan on a powered site. The park's shared facilities (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry) are modern, spacious, well laid-out, and lacking for nothing in appliances. Feel free to enjoy the balmy evenings and cook on the barbecue outside. The well-stocked Pohara Store nearby means you will make fewer trips to town for supplies.
This model for this grand old lodge has been given a thorough overhaul since pandemic times, and nowadays it only offers all-inclusive dine-and stay-deals November through April, on select dates only. Each year in September, a list of these dates is released. There is a choice between a two-, three-, or four-night stay, and includes chef-cooked breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinner. The rest of the year, the lodge is booked out for exclusive use only. The recently renovated facilities overlook the forest-covered hills and waterfront. If relaxing on the veranda gets too tiresome, try an adventure on a paddleboard, kayak, or mountain bike, or try your luck with a fishing rod—all are complimentary for guests. Getting here is half the fun, with the only access being by water transfer or helicopter.
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