The best hotels in the South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is a jaw-dropping mix of glaciers, fjords, lakes, and lush forest – perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you're chasing alpine views in Queenstown, beachy vibes in Abel Tasman, or a touch of city charm in Christchurch, there’s a hotel to match. Think sleek luxury stays, cosy B&Bs, family-friendly spots and eco-lodges tucked into the wild. We've handpicked the best hotels, wherever your South Island adventure takes you.

Some of our South Island Collections:

• Wine hotels in Marlborough
• Wine hotels in Canterbury and the Waipara Valley
• Wine hotels in Nelson
• The Best Hotels in Otago
• Best Wine Hotels in Otago
• The Best Luxury Hotels in South Island
• The Best Hotels in Canterbury
• The Best Hotels in Southland
• Top Resorts in South Island

For a vibrant city break, head to Christchurch — known as ‘The Garden City’ — or explore Dunedin’s gold rush heritage. Up north, Nelson is a great base for discovering the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and nearby natural wonders like the Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks. Outdoor lovers will find endless hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching opportunities in this area.

If food and wine are calling, the Marlborough region around Blenheim and Central Otago won’t disappoint, with world-class vineyards and scenic landscapes. Picton, often seen as the gateway to the South Island, gives easy access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds — a dream for sailing and watersports. Further south, Queenstown is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers, surrounded by hotspots like Wanaka, Cardrona, and Te Anau. Whether you're chasing adventure or a relaxed escape, the South Island truly has something for everyone.

The Best Places to Stay in the South Island

For City Style

• Eichardt's Private Hotel is a chic boutique hotel housed in a heritage Queenstown property. Highlights include the beautiful lake-facing deck with hot tub, the Vault Spa — housed in a historic gold vault — and sumptuous rooms and suites with roaring fireplaces and big cosy beds. Very romantic and central.
• The George is a 53-room boutique hotel in the heart of Christchurch, close to Hagley Park. Feast on award-winning cuisine at 50 Bistro, borrow bikes to cycle around the city, and enjoy cooking classes or wine tastings at the hotel. A chic and luxurious city base.
• Fable Dunedin is a lovely city hotel with 50 boutique rooms and suites housed in an elegant 150-year-old building. As well as the indulgent rooms, the big draw is The Press Club, originally popular with Dunedin's writers in the 1870s, and now a hip restaurant-bar. Smart and sophisticated.
• The Central Private Hotel has just 14 lavish suites, decorated in jewel-like pink, blue and green tones. The trendy Central Bar is a buzzy hub, with craft cocktails, evening canapés, an espresso station and an old-school selection of sweets. For cool couples or friends holidaying in Queenstown.

For a Charming B&B

• Dyers House is a gorgeous Edwardian villa in Christchurch's pretty Cashmere Hills. With three cosy, traditional bedrooms, flower-filled gardens and welcoming hosts, this is a top B&B for a relaxing break. Small weddings for up to 30 guests can be hosted in the garden. Adults only.
• Sennen House was built in 1886, and sits within verdant gardens. Book one of three appealing studios and apartments with lovely balconies, kitchenettes and sitting rooms. Breakfast hampers are delivered each morning, and you can easily stroll into central Picton for cafés and restaurants. For couples, friends or families with teenagers.
• Nikau Lodge is a charming five-bedroom B&B with stunning sea and mountain views. Just five minutes from the beach in Kaikōura, the house has leafy gardens, a hot tub and a relaxed feel. For tranquil couples who will appreciate the owners' local knowledge and homecooked breakfasts. Adults only.

For Food & Wine Lovers

• Stoneridge Estate is a nine-room boutique hotel set amongst vineyards close to Queenstown. Choose a traditional or more contemporary suite, and don't miss the chef's 5-course degustation menus paired with local wines. The Queenstown Wine Trail is fabulous, as is the 7km loop around Lake Hayes for morning jogs or cycles. Very romantic.
• Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is one for wine lovers. Stylish villas sit within a Pinot Noir vineyard, and offer spectacular views, indulgent bathrooms and open-plan living spaces. With a superb spa, delectable private dining experiences and a fantastic cellar door onsite, this is a real romantic highlight.
• The Marlborough Lodge is a wonderfully luxurious hotel on a verdant country estate near Blenheim. Guest suites are elegant and contemporary, with striking views, and the hotel's Harvest Restaurant is a gourmet delight. For romantics or well-heeled wine country explorers.
• Hotel D'Urville is a hip, Art Deco gem in central Blenheim with ten attractive rooms, complete with four poster beds and original artwork. The delectable Mollies restaurant and Bamboo Tiger cocktail bar are the hub of the hotel. For discovering Blenheim & the wine country on foot or by bicycle.
• Escape to Picton has just one room and two suites on the marina in Picton. Known for its excellent seafood restaurant, this little property is a foodie favourite. It's also great for couples or friends eager to stay in the heart of Picton, within easy reach of all the attractions.

For Active Families or Groups

• Villa Del Lago promises 16 fully serviced suites and apartments with kitchens, dining and living rooms, as well as outdoor patios or balconies with private gas fires. Family-friendly, ideal for fishing and close to the Frankton trail in Queenstown. Fun for longer winter or summer holidays as a group or family.
• Abel Tasman Lodge is a popular collection of 15 chalets — some with two bedrooms — in Mārahau, moments from the Abel Tasman National Park. Interiors are bright and modern, with kitchens and garden-facing terraces. Shared Weber BBQs and a hot tub are lovely for relaxed evenings. Ideal for couples, friends or active families looking to kayak, swim, sail & hike.
• Awaroa Lodge is a remote eco-lodge on the coast in the Abel Tasman National Park. The 26 contemporary rooms & suites have outdoor decks, space for families and great views. Feast on produce from the organic kitchen garden after days of kayaking, sailing, dolphin and bird-spotting or feeding the tame eels with the little ones. Come by air or water — there are no roads to this family-friendly escape!
• Fiordland Lodge has 10 rooms and two standalone cabins, perfect for families or groups looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Fiordland National Park. Views towards Te Anau Lake are spectacular, there's delicious food onsite and myriad outdoorsy activities for guests of all ages.
• The Bay of Many Coves Resort has one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with spectacular views over Arthur's Bay near Picton. Set on 52 hectares of private grounds, this secluded escape can be accessed only by air or water. Families and groups will delight in fantastic food, hikes, sailing and fishing trips.

For Anglers & Birdwatchers

• Antares Homestay, near Blenheim, offers an apartment, rooms and a romantic pod in four acres of gardens close to the Wairau River. Brilliant for keen anglers or birdwatchers — who will see rare black-fronted terns and black-billed gulls — eager to stay in a quiet-nature-focused spot. Simple and well-priced.
• Stonefly Lodge is a fly fishing haven, hidden within 150 acres of unspoilt forest in the Tasman area. Book one of four rooms in the main lodge or reserve the entire Falcon Brae Villa for a group or family trip. Spend your days fly fishing, kayaking and hiking, before returning to the lodge for delicious cuisine crafted from homegrown produce. For nature lovers and fisherfolk.

For Romantic Luxury

• Split Apple Retreat is an exclusive luxury lodge close to Split Apple Rock, on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park. Renown for its gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine, this sophisticated escape offers three contemporary suites, a saltwater infinity pool, Japanese spa, cooking classes and access to two tranquil beaches. A rejuvenating romantic idyll.
• Manakau PurePod is a romantic gem, 20 minutes from Kaikōura. Boasting 360-degree views of rolling farmland and the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges, this contemporary glass-and-steel cabin hides a cosy bed, kitchen, fabulous shower and telescope for keen star-spotters. Enjoy big breakfasts and gourmet dinners of cheese & smoked meat platters delivered to your door. A dream escape for two.
• Mahu Whenua Lodge has just four fabulous suites, tucked within a 200 square mile estate. Admire the Motatapu Valley, Lake Wanaka and the mountains from your suite or the outdoor pool, before exploring the area with private four-wheel-drive eco safaris, horse riding treks and visits to Manuka honey farms. The gourmet fare is exceptional and the property's eco-focus is very strong. A honeymoon favourite.
• Te Koi Lodge offers expansive views over the Waimea Estuary from five chic, contemporary suites and villas. Unwind in the swimming pool and lovely gardens before tucking in to gourmet fare crafted by Chef Ali, paired with South Island wines chosen by sommelier Ian Metcalfe. An indulgent romantic escape.
• Annandale promises a spectacular series of secret private residences peppered around a 6,000 acre working estate. Hide away in a classic cottage for a romantic weekend or party the night away in a contemporary seascape retreat with friends. The ultimate luxury escape, between Akaroa and Christchurch. Exceptional.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Christchurch Airport, Queenstown Airport, Nelson Airport or one of many regional hubs across the South Island, and continue to your hotel by bus or taxi.
• New Zealand is famously wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking around 18-22°C between December and April. For great skiing around the Queenstown area come mid June to mid October, or a quieter trip and great deals elsewhere, look at May or October-November.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Christchurch.
• Alternatively, expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in New Zealand.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.