The best places to stay in New Zealand are as varied as the landscape. If you’re going skiing or heli-skiing on epic angular mountains amongst crystalline glaciers, you need a chalet-style hotel, or something atmospheric, with glass walls onto a lake overlooking the mountains… If you have a trek planned, you’ll want something serene and comfortable for afterwards? And if you’re here for a New Zealand adventure packed with white water, white knuckle fun then you might want to stay in a lively resort with great onsite facilities. New Zealand is also a great place to come to eat and drink extremely well, and there are no shortage of vineyard hotels and country houses being run as boutique B&Bs and restaurants with rooms. For some people New Zealand is the ultimate escape — a remote film-set of a destination with lots of scenery in one place, from pristine beaches and fjords to glacial mountains. And of course New Zealand’s vibrant, albeit earthquake-prone, cities have numerous fantastic hotels too. So the list of the best places to stay in New Zealand is a long one!

Where to Stay - which city/region?

• ‘The Coolest Little Capital in the World’, Wellington, is dramatically arranged on a wind-whipped peninsula between a craggy shore and rolling hills. If you want to delve deep into New Zealand’s culture then this is the place to do it, historic Wellington has the museums, galleries and theatres. Wellington is also where Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and King Kong were filmed, and there’s plenty of behind the scenes access on offer.
• Auckland is New Zealand’s big, multicultural city, with a colourful Polynesian population, a spectacular harbour and sprawling suburbs. The ferry offers great access to historic Devonport, as well as some great beaches; the wineries and olive groves of Waiheke Island about 45 minutes away; Rangitoto, a large volcanic island which you can see to the east of the city; and some of the 48 extinct volcanoes under Auckland.
• English-esque Christchurch is the sort of place to go punting or take tea in the Botanical Gardens, but post-earthquake, this city is getting some edge: there are empty lots, but interesting art installations fill many voids. The many wildlife reserves and parks around the city survived.
• Queenstown is well known for the adventures offered right on its doorstep, on the stunning surrounds of Lake Wakatipu and in amongst the peaks of The Remarkables. These are the perfect backdrops for horse trekking, bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, jet-boating, skiing or playing golf. Then party; Queenstown is open all hours.
• If you’re here for the wine Marlborough (in particular Blenheim) is an obvious choice, the name is slapped across the labels of many a delicious Sauvignon Blanc. But it’s not only world class vineyards you’ll find here, this is also home to the spectacular fjord-like region of the Marlborough Sounds, and Kaikoura, known for whale and dolphin watching cruises.
• Napier is great for wine too, and beautiful: it was completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1931 and was entirely rebuilt in the Art Deco style.
• The Bay of Islands is perfect for a New Zealand escape, historically rich, beautiful, and with limited modern habitation. Some of the beaches are incredible. And if you’re a sailor this will be a haven. Russell is the main settlement.
• If you’re here to trek, or tramp, as the locals call it, you might find yourself in Dunedin, or in Taupo, which is also a good place to find a fishing lodge, or Wanaka, which is the gateway to the Mt. Aspiring National Park and its two spectacular lakes. You might even head for Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal country, a wonderland of hot springs, geysers, exploding mud pools, natural vents and sulphur pools.

When perusing our list of the best places to stay in New Zealand it’s worth remembering that the distances between places are probably greater than you think. There are a lot of incredibly winding, yet very scenic, roads, but you'll need to plan carefully to ensure that what you are booking is do-able within your time constraints.

The Best Places to Stay in New Zealand

In Wellington

• Museum Art Hotel is a chic hotel with contemporary local art in private rooms and public spaces and a boutique selling artwork. Rooms are minimal and funky, with comfy beds and armchairs. Access to swimming pool, spa and gym.
• Ohtel is a design hotel on Wellington's seafront promenade. Exhibiting a strong Fifties and Sixties influence - rooms are scattered with chic furniture and have a sophisticated feel. But with only ten bedrooms, the place feels intimate and welcoming.

Some of the Best Places to Stay in Auckland

• The Stamford Plaza Auckland is a smart hotel right in the centre of Auckland with more than 280 neat, comfortable rooms and suites. Plus, there are two bars, a fitness centre with a pool and jacuzzi, and four restaurants.
• If you prefer your hotels small and boutique, then we'd recommend the Great Ponsonby Art Hotel which has just 11 rooms with unique, quirky decor and plenty of local art on the walls. They do a generous fresh breakfast, and you’re surrounded by trendy bars and cafes. It’s around 15 mins from the CBD.
• The Hotel DeBrett has 25 colourful, retro-edged rooms, decorated with an eclectic eye for modern pieces. You’re close to Auckland’s galleries and restaurants and there’s also a gym.

For a room with a view

• Eichardts Private Hotel is a small, but very luxurious hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. There are just ten chic, designer rooms and a gym, bar and restaurant serving seasonal local cuisine. The views are wonderful and you’re still close to the highlights of Queenstown.
• The Bay of Many Coves Resort is a private, tranquil ecolodge with eleven rooms and apartments. Some rooms have huge decks or floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of the fantastic views over the bay. There’s also a private jetty, fine dining restaurant and an outdoor pool and hot tub.
• The Acacia Cliffs Lodge is a four room lodge set right on the Acacia cliffs, offering spectacular views of Lake Taupo. The rooms are neutral and modern, with floor to ceiling windows, and private terraces, to make the most of the view. All of which is surrounded by two hectares of private garden.

Some of New Zealand’s Best Hotel Escapes

• Azur Lodge is a collection of nine villas just five minutes drive from Queenstown, but right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with views across the lake to The Remarkables beyond. Each villa has floor to ceiling windows and living and dining areas, and the whole place feels tranquil and secluded.
• The Paihia Beach Resort and Spa Hotel in the remote Bay of Islands is a luxurious 21 room hotel with light and airy suites that have large balconies. You’re metres from one of Paihia’s most beautiful beaches and the hotel has a spa and pool. There’s a restaurant specialising in seasonal delicacies.

The Best Hotels in New Zealand for Skiing

• The Spire Hotel has just ten suites, with wooden shutters, stone-clad fireplaces and lots of other luxurious details. There’s also a cocktail bar, a restaurant and access to a gym and a garden. And you’re in the centre of Queenstown, within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, bars and the main sights.

New Zealand’s Best Hotels for Food and Wine

• Chateau Marlborough boasts chic contemporary accommodation in the heart of Blenheim. Self-catering suites are also available, plus there's an outdoor pool and a lovely restaurant.
• Marlborough’s Lake Timara Lodge is a luxurious lodge with an English country house feel. There are just four rooms, decorated with antiques and bright wallpaper, plus a pool, tennis court, excellent wine cellar and five acres of beautiful, fragrant gardens.

Some of the Best Family hotels

• If you and your family hope to explore Auckland at your own pace, try one of Latitude 37’s luxurious one, two, three or four bedroom self-catering apartments. They’re in the heart of the city, near Wynyard Quarter, and offer great water views. What's more, it boasts full kitchens and there’s a full laundry service.
• The Grange Boutique B&B and Motel in Christchurch has just six rooms and studios, converted from a Grade II listed Victorian mansion. Rooms are large and you’re close to the centre of town.
• The Russell Cottages, in the historic village of Russell in the Bay of Islands, is a collection of 1,2, 3 and 4 bedroom cottages with full kitchens, laundry facilities and outdoor decking areas. There’s also a heated pool and a kid’s playground.

Some of the Most Romantic Places to Stay

• Eagles Nest in the Bay of Islands offers total luxury throughout. Five opulent villas have infinity-edged pools, private cinema rooms, jacuzzis and private chefs. There is nothing that they haven't thought of!
• Huka Lodge is a charming 1920s built fishing lodge, just downstream of Lake Taupo, but right on the river. The lodge itself has been converted into a luxurious hotel, but there are also a range of romantic suites and self-catering cottages in the 17 acres of garden. The decor and details are all indulgent, but you’re also in the perfect spot for some adventuring.
• The Crown Hotel Napier: a fantastic art deco boutique hotel on the outskirts of Napier, offering bright and light rooms with amazing waterfront views. It’s peaceful and intimate too.

For great value

• The Esplanade Hotel is a boutique property converted from an Edwardian building right on Auckland’s Devonport waterfront. Loads of original features have been retained, like large open fireplaces, but there are also all the mod. cons. you need. Plus, there are great views of the city, yet you’re not in amongst it.
• Christchurch’s Finlay Banks Boutique Bed and Breakfast is a great value, two room B&B with a lovely outdoor patio and rose garden. You’re only ten minutes drive from the centre of town and can expect a generous breakfast laid on every morning.
• Queenstown House overlooks Lake Wakatipu with the Southern Alps in the background and offers a choice of ten luxurious apartments and B&B rooms. There’s local art on the walls above stone fireplaces, and there are peaceful outdoor decks for enjoying the views.

For an Apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s largest international airport, at the top of the North Island. but Wellington Airport at the bottom of the North Island might be more convenient. If you’ve plans to visit the South Island then Christchurch Airport might be easiest, and if you’re skiing you might want Queenstown Airport. Whichever airport you arrive at it’s likely you’ll have had a long flight with at least one stopover.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car, which is a good idea in New Zealand if you want to see a lot of the country, we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• As far as ticket prices go the best time to fly to New Zealand is in New Zealand’s autumn or early winter, but it’s not necessarily the best time to see New Zealand. Summer, between December and February, is going to offer the warmth and sunshine, but Spring, between September and November, is nice too.

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in New Zealand?

• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Wellington?
• or the best places to stay in Auckland?
• or the best places to stay in Christchurch?
• or, if you’re looking for an New Zealand adventure try the best places to stay in Queenstown?
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.