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The best places to stay in South Island

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

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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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. Love this place. Well maintained, friendly staff. Very good value for money.

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9.1
Superb
1,335 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. 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!

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9.3
Superb
1,392 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. There’s more than what meets the eye. Vintage style, beautifully decorated, amazing food!

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9.1
Superb
1,396 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. Excellent location. Good parking. We were able to walk everywhere.

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9.3
Superb
1,041 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. Great wee uniy, everything we needed, well considered and great waterfront location in Kaikōura near the seal colony. Owners were fab, left us to own devices only checking in to see if we needed anything/ more supplies. Dog friendly and welcoming. We'd definitely recommend and stay again on next trip to Kaikōura. Thank you!

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9
Superb
1,467 reviews
Price from
US$119
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. This accommodation was amazing I can not fault it,we will definitely be staying there again next time we are down.

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9
Superb
1,053 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. I liked how easy it was to access our room. The room was very clean and setup perfectly for a one night stay. The views from outside the room were stunning. I wish I could have stayed longer.

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9.1
Superb
1,115 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

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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. The location is spectacular and the room was lovely, clean and modern. Highlight of our tour of NewZealand so far.

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9.2
Superb
1,075 reviews
Price from
US$346
per night

Middle Park Motel is within a 4-minute drive of Blenheim’s town centre and Blenheim Train Station. It features an outdoor pool, barbecue facilities and free parking. All units feature either a kitchen or kitchenette and a private patio. Guests enjoy free WiFi. Room was comfortable and roomy. Staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful. Would be definitely stay here again.

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9
Superb
1,007 reviews
Price from
US$96
per night

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