Finding the right accommodation in New Zealand can make a huge difference to your trip. After living in New Zealand for more than 20 years and exploring much of the country ourselves, we know that where we stay often shapes our experience. A cozy budget lodge can make a road trip easier, while a well-located upscale hotel can turn a city break into something special.
For this guide, we pulled together our top recommendations across both islands and for every budget. As we like to mix it up and stay in different spots on each road trip (except for a few absolute favourites), we have personally stayed at many of the places listed. There’s more information on our experience at each of these in the blog.
Others come from people we know and trust, as well as recommendations from some of our over half a million members in our Explore New Zealand Facebook group. That group provides us with a steady stream of firsthand travel insights from locals and visitors alike.
Rather than relying purely on star ratings, we categorised these stays by what matters most in real life: comfort, value, service, location, and overall experience. That means our categories reflect more than a booking site label. But remember, they are our personal opinions.
Use these charts to find your favourite accommodation in New Zealand, whether you are planning a luxury escape, a comfortable mid-range holiday, or a backpacking adventure. We have split the recommendations into the North Island and the South Island, so it is easy to browse by region and budget.
Shortcut:
If you are only interested in Luxury accommodations, start here.
Or, if it’s the unusual or unique stay you are after, start here.
North Island accommodation in New Zealand
Note: Properties marked with an asterisk (*) are places we have personally stayed. The others come from trusted recommendations from people we know and members of our Explore New Zealand Facebook group.
South Island accommodation in New Zealand
Note: Properties marked with an asterisk (*) are places we have personally stayed. The others come from trusted recommendations from people we know and members of our Explore New Zealand Facebook group.
| Location | Luxury / upscale | Mid-range | Budget / Backpackers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardrona | –Cardrona Hotel | ||
| Christchurch | –Heritage Hotel* | –West Fitzroy Apartments* –Crowne Plaza * | –Drifter Christchurch |
| Dunedin | –Distinction* | –Larnach Lodge and Stable | –Manor on the Park Backpackers |
| Hanmer Springs | –Oakview Boutique * | ||
| Hokitika | -Shining Star Beachfront* | ||
| Kaikoura | –The White Morph* | ||
| Lumsden | –Lumsden Motel | ||
| Marlborough (Blenheim, Picton) | –French Fields (Blenheim) | –Harbour View Motel* (Picton) | |
| Oamaru | –Tirohanga Nui Lodge | –Poshtel | |
| Queenstown | –Rees –QT-Queenstown | –Adventure Queenstown Hostel | |
| Tekapo | –Mackenzie Suites | –Peppers Bluewater Resort | |
| Wanaka | –Lakeside Apartments | –Edgewater Resort* |
We hope these lists help narrow down the many accommodation options in New Zealand. There is no single best place to stay, as the right option depends on your travel style, budget, and the kind of experience you want. For us, the best stays aren’t always the most expensive ones, but the ones that make us feel special.
Because this guide combines our own stays with trusted recommendations, it is useful whether you’re on an NZ road trip, a first-time visitor to New Zealand, or returning to explore more deeply. We will keep updating our picks as we discover new favourites and hear about standout stays from reliable sources around the country.
If you are building an itinerary, these charts work especially well alongside our destination guides.
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Did we miss your favourite NZ hotel? Add it in the comments.
Or, perhaps one of our New Zealand road trips will give you some ideas.
