3 Best Hotels in Hokitika, Upper South Island and the West Coast

This two-story luxury lodge sits in the country, high above the Hokitika River valley. The views stretch across the river, farms, and native forest to the Southern Alps. The lodge, with four spacious guest rooms, is framed by 3 acres of native bush and garden. Two ground-floor guest rooms open out to a large breakfast deck. Upstairs the rooms are larger, as are the views. The social hub of the lodge is the Great Room, with its spectacular cathedral ceiling and big fireplace.

These stylish oceanfront wooden cabins, chalets, and motels are as close to the beach as you'll get. Chalets have full kitchens, and some are equipped with whirlpool baths. Cabins at the back of the camp have relaxing views to a grassy enclosure where alpaca, goats, sheep, and pigs graze. There are also campsites and powered campervan sites here, a well-equipped shared kitchen, and a barbecue area. There's even a glowworm dell just out the back; take a look when it gets dark. A continental breakfast is available on request.

At this friendly, traditional B&B in the center of town, accommodation is in five rooms in the house (upstairs and downstairs) and in a cute, stand-alone cottage set in a delightful "miner's garden" behind the house. Fully cooked breakfasts are included and guests can share the lounge in the main house. The inn is named for famous Hokitika surgeon-mountaineer-conservationist, Dr. Ebenezer Teichelmann, who built the original part of the house. Hosts Frances and Brian will encourage a visit to the museum across the road, which Brian helps run.