Skip to main content

The best places to stay in South Island

Check out our pick of great places to stay in South Island

Filter by:


Review score

Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest price first Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

Set in a quiet tree lined location, Golden Leaf Apartments is a 5-minute walk from the city centre and a range of cafes and bars. The Classic Motorcycle Mecca is 1 km away while Bill Richardson Transport World is 3 km from the property. Free WiFi is available. The entire property was excellent. The room was fantastic and extremely comfortable. Our host is a charming lady.

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,298 reviews
Price from
US$111
per night

Picton Waterfront Apartments offer spacious, modern, self-contained accommodation in the heart of Picton. Each apartment boasts a private balcony with stunning views of Picton Harbour, Marina and the famous Marlborough Sounds. Everything about this stay was wonderful! We loved the balcony which had views of the bay and the mountains. The apartment was very spacious, all of the facilities fit a wheelchair. The apartment was spotless. Would highly recommend!

Show more Show less
9.3
Superb
1,406 reviews
Price from
US$175
per night

Cardrona Hotel features an iconic on-site restaurant and bar. You can enjoy the picturesque gardens while sipping a drink on the patio. This hotel features a hot tub, a ski drying room and shared lounge and laundry facilities. Large, comfortable rooms in a beautiful, historic hotel. There is a spa in the garden that is open for hotel guest use. The attached restaurant is amazing, with lovely log fires to sit around and a delicious menu. This was our second time staying at the Cardrona, and we would definitely return again in the future.

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,411 reviews
Price from
US$102
per night

Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef offers a modern accommodation across three wings in the Franz Josef Glacier Village, just a10-minute drive from Franz Josef Glacier and 30-40 minutes for Fox Glacier.

- Weka Wing (Rooms 1-24) Comfortable with essential amenities. We loved the complementary muffin and different kind of teas that were in the room. The rooms were very cozy and comfy.

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,722 reviews
Price from
US$131
per night

Centrally located in Akaroa, this motel offers rooms with either a balcony or a patio. It also includes 500MB of free WiFi per day, per room.

Akaroa Criterion Motel is situated opposite Children’s Bay. It is a 16-minute walk from Mt Vernon Akaroa. Super location very close to the beach and two excellent restaurants Very well appointed big room Everywhere was is walking distance The staff couldn’t have been lovelier and more helpful

Show more Show less
9.3
Superb
1,036 reviews
Price from
US$166
per night

Wake up to stunning views of the Kaikoura Mountains and the sea at Panorama Motel. Our units are all ensuite and smoke-free. Every unit opens out onto either a patio area with outdoor seating or onto its own private balcony, to allow our guests to enjoy the panoramic views. Great room. Great property. Great location.

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,493 reviews
Price from
US$111
per night

Offering full access to park facilities, Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park provides bright accommodation with balcony, toaster and electric kettle. Highfield Golf Course is a 3-minute drive away.

Timaru TOP 10 Park is a 6-minute drive from Caroline Bay Park and Aorangi Park. Centennial Park is an 11-minute drive away. Well appointed kitchen, nice size, great porch, very quiet. Location pretty close to town, could walk. Grocery store close by. Most restaurants downtown. Washer and dryer worked well. We used the BBQ 3 nights, great!

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,041 reviews
Price from
US$64
per night

Located opposite Pacific Ocean Beach, The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura offers free WiFi. Some apartments offer mountain views and/or views of the golf course.. All accommodation features satellite TV and electric blankets. Although small, the room was well-equipped, spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Everybody was friendly and helpful.

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,131 reviews
Price from
US$124
per night

Arthur's Pass Alpine Motel is located high in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, within Arthur’s Pass Village. Just 300 metres from Arthur’s Pass train Station, it offers free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi access. Very special place. Green all around Beutiful room, very very clean, great shower. We loved taking a walk around the place. Very good bed. So lovely I wish we didn't have to leave.

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,137 reviews
Price from
US$90
per night

Aoraki Court Motel is a modern accommodation located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. All units feature great views of surrounding mountains and Mount Sefton. There is free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi. Aoraki Court Motel is a small and well situated Motel in the Aoraki Village area. The room was very comfortable and had extraordinary views towards the mountains. The bed vas large and very comfortable and the bathroom was large and nice. The staff was friendly and service minded making our stay safe and comfortable.

Show more Show less
9.2
Superb
1,071 reviews
Price from
US$355
per night

Most booked places to stay in South Island this month

FAQs about places to stay in South Island

Places to Stay that guests love in South Island