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.

Offering studio rooms for 1 or 2 people and family rooms for up to 6 people, this property includes rooms with cooking facilities and ensuite bathrooms. Free parking is available on-site.

Located in a quiet, rural setting your motel room is a couple of minutes walk through the sand dunes to the majestic Haast Beach, a wonderful place to watch the sun setting over the Tasman Ocean. Great welcome from staff. Beautifully appointed and clean. Kitchen well equipped and fast internet available. Short private path to beach. Should have stayed for 2 nights at least!!

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,173 reviews
Price from
US$125
per night

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. You could tell the owners love what they do. Thoughtfully presented, immaculately clean and the warmest welcome ever! Loved everything.

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,333 reviews
Price from
US$108
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. Fantastic view of the harbour, Great food downstairs and a great location. Thank you

Show more Show less
9.3
Superb
1,399 reviews
Price from
US$170
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. The food was lovely but quite expensive but then I never go out. Lovely old world charm comfy couches roaring fires lovely atmospheres. The shower was amazing and a huge luxury to have a bath.

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,403 reviews
Price from
US$99
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. Our comfortable room had a couch and chair as well as a balcony.

Show more Show less
9.3
Superb
1,038 reviews
Price from
US$136
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. Fantastic views from an upstairs balcony room

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,473 reviews
Price from
US$113
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
1,054 reviews
Price from
US$62
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. Loved the beautiful quiet location!

Show more Show less
9.1
Superb
1,114 reviews
Price from
US$121
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. Amazing location, great clean place

Show more Show less
9
Superb
1,149 reviews
Price from
US$88
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. Room was pretty new and very clean. The view was excellent. We could see the snowy mountains from the bedroom and the mountain range from just outside of our room. There is kitchen with necessary utensils.

Show more Show less
9.2
Superb
1,073 reviews
Price from
US$346
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