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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. Lovely room with a beautiful beach across the road.

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9
Superb
1,175 reviews
Price from
US$126
per night

Situated in Christchurch, 9.1 km from Christchurch Railway Station, Novotel Christchurch Airport features accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a garden and a restaurant. The property is around 10 km from Canterbury Museum, 10 km from Christchurch Art Gallery and 10 km from Hagley Park. The accommodation offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. We stayed here because we had a very early flight the following day. Everything worked flawlessly, staff was nice and room is of good size and everything in perfect condition.

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9
Superb
7,788 reviews
Price from
US$173
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 unit was super comfortable and had everything we needed. Really well equipped kitchen and nice bathroom. We could even use the laundry for free. We would certainly come again.

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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. Fantastic view of the harbour, Great food downstairs and a great location. Thank you

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9.3
Superb
1,394 reviews
Price from
US$171
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. It was a welcome rest as we arrived by bike. The front entrance is vintage and unassuming…but behind the long hedge is a huge beer garden which serves very tasty and reasonably priced food. We didn’t go in to the restaurant as the beer and garden food sufficed. The room was comfortable and looked in to the courtyard. The staff were all very friendly and were able to accommodate our bicycles. We really enjoyed our stay and recommend people go in the front door and check it out.

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9.1
Superb
1,401 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. The room was perfect with a nice sea view balcony. The location was very good, half a minute to the sea and the restaurants and supermarket. The staff were very nice and kind.

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9.3
Superb
1,036 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. Just good old down to earth folk

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9
Superb
1,471 reviews
Price from
US$122
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. Laundry area and kitchen Also the ensuite bathroom

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9
Superb
1,054 reviews
Price from
US$63
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. Incredible apartments, absolutely loved it here and highly recommend it.

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9.1
Superb
1,114 reviews
Price from
US$122
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. Lovely little motel at the foot of the mountain, clean, spacious and well equipped. Staff very welcoming and lots of useful tips. Only 10 minutes walk to the village.

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9
Superb
1,149 reviews
Price from
US$88
per night

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