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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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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. Haast Beach Motel is the only place I've ever stayed that had a mirror setup in the bathroom that enabled seeing the back of my head while styling my hair. This attention to everything you could want is emblematic of the total attention to detail. I recommend.

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9
Superb
1,175 reviews
Price from
US$124
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. The location and standard of the room.

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9.1
Superb
1,333 reviews
Price from
US$107
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

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9.3
Superb
1,399 reviews
Price from
US$168
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. Everything! The fantastic historical property, the beautiful rooms, the romantic atmosphere, the amazing food at the restaurant and great drinks at the bar, but mostly, the amazing team of people that run it and make you feel at home. So so friendly, competent, kind, wonderful people! Thank you so much to all and each one of you for making our stay with you so wonderful and unforgettable! Merci Beaucoup! Muchísimas gracias from Spain!!

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9.1
Superb
1,403 reviews
Price from
US$98
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. Location was perfect, and the view from the room was beautiful! Very comfortable room, got a great rest!

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9.3
Superb
1,040 reviews
Price from
US$135
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. Just good old down to earth folk

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9
Superb
1,477 reviews
Price from
US$112
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!

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9
Superb
1,056 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. Super amazing apartments and incredible host. Contemporary, modern & spacious.

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9.1
Superb
1,114 reviews
Price from
US$120
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. Great location for hikes in the area and see Keas. We enjoyed the hospitality and warm rooms after a day out. Kitchen had all we needed. We would happily stay there again!

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9
Superb
1,152 reviews
Price from
US$87
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. Great location and room facilities. The owners are very attentive.

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9.2
Superb
1,073 reviews
Price from
US$342
per night

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