New Zealand is glaciers and rainforest, hot springs, fjords and some of the most beautiful drives in the world, all spread across two large islands. Distances are bigger than the map makes them look, and the roads twist and turn, so 300 kilometres can easily take five hours. That’s why working out where to stay in New Zealand matters so much.
Choosing your bases is everything. Here are my suggestions for eight places to stay on a road trip through the North Island and the South Island, with maps, driving times and good hotels in three price ranges at each stop.
Contents
Where to Stay in New Zealand: The Best Areas
- Auckland - best city for arriving and your first few days
- Bay of Islands - best area for beaches, boat trips and history
- Rotorua & Taupo - best area for hot springs and Māori culture
- Wellington - best city for museums, food and the ferry to the South Island
- Nelson & Abel Tasman - best area for golden beaches and sea kayaking
- Franz Josef - best base for the glaciers on the West Coast
- Queenstown - best base for adventure, Wanaka and Milford Sound
- Lake Tekapo & Christchurch - best area for starry skies and the end of your trip
I go through the bases in the order they come on a classic round trip from Auckland in the north to Christchurch in the south. It’s the route most people take in a hire car or campervan, and it suits three to four weeks. For each place you get a map, driving times and three places to stay: the most expensive first, then a mid-range option and finally one for a smaller budget. The driving times are my estimates without stops, so always allow extra time for photo stops, roadworks and narrow mountain roads.
New Zealand is a country you need to drive. Towns are far apart, and buses don’t reach most of the walking trails, beaches and viewpoints. Book your hire car well in advance, especially for the summer from December to February, and ideally pick it up in Auckland and drop it off in Christchurch or Queenstown, so you don’t have to drive all the way back. They drive on the left. If your driving licence isn’t in English, you need to bring an English translation or an International Driving Permit, according to the New Zealand tourism organisation.
If you only have two weeks, pick one island. The South Island has most of the big nature experiences, while the North Island has the hot springs, Māori culture and shorter distances. Domestic flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown can save you long days in the car if you want to see a bit of both islands.
Some places don’t get their own section here. The Coromandel Peninsula with Cathedral Cove lies a couple of hours east of Auckland and fits in nicely on the way to Rotorua. You can read about it in my post on Coromandel, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. The North Island’s west coast, with the surf town of Raglan, Mount Taranaki and Whanganui, is an alternative route south towards Wellington, and you’ll find it in my post on the North Island of New Zealand.
1. Auckland - best city for arrival and your first few days ⛵
- 📍 Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in the centre (CBD), no more than about a kilometre from the ferries at Britomart and Viaduct Harbour.
- 🚌 Transport: In the centre you can walk to most places, and the ferries to Devonport and Waiheke leave from Downtown Ferry Terminal. You won’t need a car until you leave the city.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The airport is about 20 km south of the centre. The AirportLink bus takes 10-12 minutes to Puhinui Station, where you change to the train into the centre. By taxi, allow 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The latter is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. The hotels by the harbour are the most expensive, and parking costs extra almost everywhere in the centre.
- 👮 Safety: A safe big city. As in any other big city, keep an eye on your bag, especially late in the evening around Queen Street.
The vast majority of trips to New Zealand begin in Auckland, as this is where most long-haul flights land. After the journey from Europe you’ll be tired, so I’d give the city two to three nights before you get behind the wheel. Stay in the centre close to the harbour, so you can walk to restaurants, ferries and the Sky Tower without taking the car.
The city sits between two harbours and around a series of old volcanoes. From the top of Mount Eden you can look out over the whole city, and the ferry to Devonport takes you across the harbour to a small suburb with a beach and views of the skyline. You can read about what else to see in my post on things to do in Auckland, which also includes ideas for day trips.
From Downtown Ferry Terminal, the ferry also sails to the wine island of Waiheke, a popular day trip. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, the Hobbiton film set near Matamata is about two hours south of the city, and you can visit it on the way to Rotorua. From the airport, Auckland Transport’s AirportLink bus runs every 10 minutes to Puhinui Station, where you continue by train into the centre.
Only pick up the hire car on the day you move on. That way you avoid paying for parking in the centre, and you won’t have to drive in city traffic while you’re still tired from the flight.
Hotels in Auckland
Hilton Auckland - five-star hotel at the very end of Princes Wharf
Hilton Auckland sits at the very end of Princes Wharf with water on three sides and about 500 metres to Viaduct Harbour. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, gym and an outdoor pool.
The rooms are large by city standards, ranging from 29 to 59 square metres. Breakfast may be included in the rate or bought at check-in. Parking is valet only and costs extra, and parking is exactly what guests complain about.
One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “The view was amazing.”
See photos and book Hilton Auckland here.
TRIBE Auckland - four-star design hotel in the Britomart district
TRIBE Auckland is on Fort Street in Britomart, just under 200 metres from the train station and close to the ferries. It’s a four-star hotel with a bar and 24-hour reception, but no restaurant and no parking.
The rooms are 15 to 25 square metres, so choose one of the larger categories if you have big suitcases. Breakfast is included in some rates and not in others. One guest had paid for a city view and got a room on the first floor, so read the room description carefully.
One guest highlights three things on Booking.com: “Very clean, friendly staff and the location.”
See photos and book TRIBE Auckland here.
LyLo Auckland - budget hotel with sleeping pods and private rooms
LyLo Auckland is on Cook Street, just under 400 metres from the Sky Tower. Here you can choose between 3-square-metre sleeping pods and private rooms with en suite bathrooms, and there’s a restaurant, bar and shared kitchen.
This is my suggestion if you want to stay centrally on a budget for your first few nights. Go for a private room if there are two of you, as the pods are only really for sleeping in. There’s no parking at the hotel, but according to guests you can park in a car park next door.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “We had a really good stay at LyLo Auckland. The staff were so helpful and lovely.”
See photos and book LyLo Auckland here.
2. Bay of Islands - best area for beaches, boat trips and history 🐬
- 📍 Distance to the centre: Paihia is the largest town on the bay. Two of the hotels are 300-600 metres from Paihia Wharf, and the third is at Waitangi, just over 1.5 km to the north.
- ⛴️ Transport: Car. The passenger ferry to Russell leaves from Paihia Wharf, and this is also where the boat trips out into the bay depart.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Bay of Islands Airport near Kerikeri has flights from Auckland, and from there it’s about 25 minutes by car to Paihia. If you’re driving from Auckland, allow three to three and a half hours. Both options are lovely.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. There are lots of motels with kitchens here, and prices go up during the summer holidays.
- 👮 Safety: A quiet area. Don’t leave valuables on show in the car at beaches and viewpoints.
The Bay of Islands lies in Northland, north of Auckland, and is a large bay dotted with small islands, sandy beaches and calm water. This is where to head if you want beaches and sailing on the North Island, and many of the boat trips look out for dolphins along the way.
Stay in Paihia. The town has the most hotels and restaurants, and it’s where the boats leave from. The best-known trip goes out to the rock with the hole in it, Hole in the Rock, at Cape Brett. Across the water is Russell, which was the country’s first European settlement and is today a small town with wooden houses along the waterfront. The passenger ferry over takes about 15 minutes.
Just north of Paihia are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi between the Māori and the British Crown was signed in 1840. The site describes itself as the country’s most important historic site, and your ticket includes a guided tour, a cultural experience, two museums, the Treaty House and the carved meeting house. Set aside half a day for it.
The Bay of Islands means a detour, as you have to drive back south the same way. So give the area at least two nights, otherwise too much of your time is spent in the car. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and drive straight from Auckland to Rotorua.
Hotels in the Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay Of Islands - four-star waterfront resort in Waitangi
Copthorne sits on the waterfront in Waitangi, right next to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and just over 1.5 km from Paihia Wharf. It’s a four-star resort with an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, spa and free parking.
Rooms range from 16 to 36 square metres, and there are no kitchens, so you’ll eat in the restaurant or drive into Paihia. It’s the obvious choice if you want a pool and service after a day on the water. One guest mentions that there weren’t enough sun loungers around the pool.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The hotel was well located. The staff were very friendly.”
See photos and book Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay Of Islands here.
Bounty Motel - motel with large apartments close to the harbour
Bounty Motel is on the corner of Bayview Road and Selwyn Road, about 300 metres from Paihia Wharf. It’s a classic New Zealand motel where you park for free by your door, and every apartment has a kitchenette or full kitchen.
The apartments are spacious, from 30 to 52 square metres, making it a good choice for families and for anyone who wants to cook for themselves. One guest missed having air conditioning and felt the room could do with a lick of paint.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the room was a decent size and well equipped.”
See photos and book Bounty Motel here.
Palm Tree Apartments & backpackers - budget apartments and rooms with a pool
Palm Tree Apartments & backpackers is on Kings Road, about 600 metres from Paihia Wharf. There are both apartments and budget rooms, plus a pool, garden and free parking.
The rooms and apartments are 20 to 46 square metres, and some have a kitchen. Breakfast isn’t included, so you’ll either cook for yourself or eat out. One guest mentions that there wasn’t enough crockery and cutlery for three people in the kitchen.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Lovely people and a very welcoming place.”
See photos and book Palm Tree Apartments & backpackers here.
3. Rotorua & Taupo - best area for hot springs and Māori culture ♨️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: Rotorua is small. Two of the hotels are 600-900 metres from the lakefront, while the motel is on Fenton Street, a good 2.5 km south of the lake.
- 🚗 Getting around: Car. You can manage the centre on foot, but the geothermal parks, Taupo and Tongariro all require a car.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Rotorua has a small airport with domestic flights about 10 minutes from town. From Auckland, the drive here takes about three hours, and it’s roughly another hour on to Taupo. All three times are estimates.
- 💰 Price level: € to €€€. Fenton Street is packed with motels, which keeps prices down.
- 👮 Safety: A safe town. Stick to the paths in the geothermal areas, as the water and mud can be boiling hot.
Rotorua sits in the middle of a volcanic area where steam rises from parks and ditches, mud pools bubble away and the air smells of sulphur. You get used to the smell after a day. The town is also the easiest place to experience Māori culture.
At Te Puia in Whakarewarewa you can see Pohutu Geyser, and in the evening you can go to a hangi, where the food is cooked in the ground, and watch kapa haka, the traditional Māori song and dance. South of town are the colourful springs of Wai-O-Tapu, and in Whakarewarewa Forest you walk among tall redwood trees.
Taupo is an hour’s drive south on Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. From here you can drive to Huka Falls and to Tongariro National Park, where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the country’s best-known day hikes. If you want to do it, spend a night in Taupo rather than Rotorua, as the hike starts early in the morning. See hotels in Taupo here.
I would give Rotorua two nights and Taupo one. Both towns are on the route between Auckland and Wellington, so you don’t need to make any detours to reach them.
Hotels in Rotorua
Prince’s Gate Hotel - historic five-star hotel with hot spring pools
Prince’s Gate Hotel is in an old building on Arawa Street, close to Government Gardens and about 600 metres from the lake. It’s a five-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, sauna and three pools fed by hot spring water. Parking is free.
Rooms range from 25 to 80 square metres, and some have a bath. Breakfast is included in several of the rates. This is the hotel for you if you want to stay somewhere with a bit of history and have the spring water right outside your door. Guests mention that the bathrooms are small.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful old building in a great location.”
See photos and book Prince’s Gate Hotel here.
Apex On Fenton Motel - four-star motel with spa on Fenton Street
Apex On Fenton Motel is on Fenton Street, the town’s long motel strip, a good 2.5 km south of the lake. It’s a four-star motel with a spa, hot tub and free parking by the door.
The rooms are large, from 28 to 65 square metres, and all have a private bathroom. This is my pick if you’re travelling by car and want space without paying for a hotel in the centre. The lakeside restaurants are too far to walk to, so expect to take the car. Some guests feel the place is a little worn.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The room was a good size and was clean and comfortable.”
See photos and book Apex On Fenton Motel here.
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua - hostel with private rooms in the heart of town
Rock Solid Backpackers is on Hinemoa Street in the heart of the centre, less than a kilometre from the lake. It’s a hostel with dorms and private rooms, a shared kitchen and a games room.
The smallest rooms are under 9 square metres, and you can choose between a private and a shared bathroom. Breakfast isn’t included. Guests mention that there are too few toilets for the number of guests, so book a room with a private bathroom if you can.
One guest writes about their stay on Booking.com: “Everything. The rooms were clean, the beds comfortable, and the showers were clean and tidy.”
See photos and book Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua here.
4. Wellington - best city for museums, food and the ferry to the South Island ⛴️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in the centre, from around 150 to 700 metres from the Te Papa museum on the waterfront.
- 🚡 Getting around: The centre is small, and you can walk to most places. The red cable car runs from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Garden.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The airport is about 8 km south-east of the centre, and a taxi takes 15-20 minutes outside rush hour. From Rotorua, it’s roughly a six-hour drive. Both times are estimates.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. Hotels fill up quickly when there are big events in town.
- 👮 Safety: A safe city. It’s often very windy, so bring a windproof jacket.
Wellington is the capital and sits at the southern tip of the North Island. The city is compact, with the waterfront on one side and steep hills dotted with wooden houses on the other. There are plenty of cafés, beer bars and restaurants, especially around Cuba Street, and two nights is enough to see most of it.
The big museum is Te Papa on the waterfront. It covers the country’s nature, Māori culture and history, and it’s open every day from 10am to 6pm. New Zealanders get in free, while overseas visitors aged over 16 pay an entry fee. Also take the cable car up to the Botanic Garden and walk back down, or drive up Mount Victoria to see the city and harbour from above.
See hotels in Wellington here.
Wellington is also where you catch the ferry to the South Island. The crossing to Picton takes 3.5 hours with Interislander, and on the last stretch you sail through the fjords of the Marlborough Sounds. Book well ahead in summer if you’re taking a car. Some rental companies prefer you to drop your car off in Wellington and pick up a new one in Picton, so check the rules before you book.
Stay in the centre so you can walk to restaurants in the evening. The ferry terminal is north of the centre, so allow for a short drive on the morning you move on.
Hotels in Wellington
Museum Apartment Hotel - apartment hotel with a pool right by Te Papa
Museum Apartment Hotel is on Wakefield Street, about 150 metres from Te Papa and right by the waterfront. It’s an upmarket apartment hotel with an indoor pool, sauna, gym, restaurant and valet parking.
The apartments range from 35 to 70 square metres, and some have a kitchenette. It’s my pick if you want space and would like the museum and harbour as your neighbours. Breakfast can be included in the rate. One guest mentions that the taxi driver struggled to find the address.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Great location, friendly staff, and the rooms are really beautifully decorated.”
See photos and book Museum Apartment Hotel here.
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street - four-star hotel close to the restaurants in Te Aro
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington is on Tory Street in the Te Aro district, just under 300 metres from Te Papa and close to the restaurants around Courtenay Place. It’s a four-star hotel with a bar and gym, but no parking.
Rooms start at 22 square metres, and some have a kitchenette. A light breakfast is included, and guests praise it. Some guests do find the rooms small, though.
One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “Absolutely fantastic. Everything was so easy, from check-in, reception, the room and the location, and you get great value for money.”
See photos and book TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street here.
Trinity Hotel - budget hotel with parking on Willis Street
Trinity Hotel is on Willis Street, about 350 metres from Cuba Street and 700 metres from Te Papa. It’s a budget hotel with a restaurant, gym access and covered parking, subject to availability.
The rooms are small, from 14 to 18 square metres, and breakfast costs extra. On the other hand, you can park your car at the hotel, which is rare in the centre. Guests mention that the car park is tight and spaces are limited.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good location, and being able to park is very handy.”
See photos and book Trinity Hotel here.
5. Nelson & Abel Tasman - best area for golden beaches and sea kayaking 🛶
- 📍 Distance to the centre: Nelson is the main town in the area. Kaiteriteri, at the gateway to the national park, is about an hour’s drive away, and Marahau, where the coast track starts, is 67 km from Nelson according to DOC.
- 🚤 Transport: Car. There’s no road along the coast in the national park, so you get around on foot, by kayak or by water taxi.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Nelson Airport has domestic flights and is about 10 minutes from the centre. From the ferry in Picton, it’s roughly a two-hour drive to Nelson. Both are scenic.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. Kaiteriteri has few hotels and lots of holiday homes, so book early in summer.
- 👮 Safety: A safe area. Don’t leave valuables in the car at the walking tracks.
Abel Tasman National Park is all golden sandy beaches, turquoise water and forest running right down to the coast. It’s the best place on the South Island for a beach holiday, and it’s where you paddle a sea kayak or walk a stretch of the coast track and take a water taxi back. Split Apple Rock sits just off the coast at Kaiteriteri.
You can stay in two places. Nelson is a pleasant town with restaurants, breweries and plenty of sunshine, and it’s handy if you’re coming off the ferry late in the day. Kaiteriteri and Marahau are at the gateway to the national park, and this is where the water taxis leave from in the morning. I’d stay in Kaiteriteri if the park is your main reason for coming, and otherwise split your stay with one night in Nelson. See hotels in Kaiteriteri here.
The full Abel Tasman Coast Track takes three to five days according to the Department of Conservation (DOC), and huts and campsites must be booked in advance all year round. Most people settle for a day trip, taking a water taxi out from Kaiteriteri or Marahau and walking back along the coast. The water taxis also need to be booked ahead.
Give the area two to three nights. Next stop is the West Coast, and it’s about six to seven hours’ drive from Nelson to Franz Josef. It’s a good idea to break up the journey with a night in Punakaiki or Hokitika along the way.
Hotels in Nelson and Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri Abel Tasman Inlet Views - adults-only bed and breakfast close to the beach in Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri Abel Tasman Inlet Views is on the road into Kaiteriteri, about 700 metres from the beach and the boats to the national park. It’s an adults-only bed and breakfast where breakfast is served in your room. Parking is free.
The rooms are 18 square metres with a private bathroom, but there’s no kitchen or restaurant, so you’ll need to go out to eat in the evening. It’s the most expensive of my three suggestions, and you’re paying to stay close to the beach. One guest mentions that you can hear the neighbours through the walls.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “It was clean and comfortable, and it was lovely that breakfast was provided.”
See photos and book Kaiteriteri Abel Tasman Inlet Views here.
Palazzo Motor Lodge - motel with large apartments in central Nelson
Palazzo Motor Lodge is on Rutherford Street in central Nelson, a few minutes’ walk from shops and restaurants. It’s a high-standard motel where every apartment has a kitchenette, and parking is free.
The apartments range from 25 to 80 square metres, so there’s room for both couples and families. Continental breakfast is available to buy. The motel is on a busy road, and a few guests mention some traffic noise.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location. Welcoming and helpful hosts. Very clean and well-kept rooms.”
See photos and book Palazzo Motor Lodge here.
Kaiteri Lodge - lodge with cheap rooms right by the beach
Kaiteri Lodge is directly opposite the beach in Kaiteriteri, about 100 metres from the water and the boats to the national park. It’s a lodge with both dorms and private rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a shared kitchen.
The rooms range from 9 to 24 square metres, and some have a private bathroom while others share. Breakfast isn’t included. It’s the cheapest place to stay this close to the park. Guests mention that the shared kitchen isn’t always clean.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was brilliant, and our room was spacious and had everything we needed.”
See photos and book Kaiteri Lodge here.
6. Franz Josef - the best base for the West Coast glaciers 🧊
- 📍 Distance to the centre: Franz Josef is a small village strung along the main road. Two of the hotels are in the village, while the third is just over 3 km north of it.
- 🚁 Transport: Car. If you want to get up onto the ice, you’ll need to go on a guided helicopter tour.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: The nearest airport with domestic flights is Hokitika, and from there it’s around an hour and a half’s drive, according to DOC. From Nelson it’s roughly six to seven hours, and from Queenstown around five and a half hours. The last two times are estimates.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€. There are few hotels here and demand is high in summer.
- 👮 Safety: Safe. The weather changes quickly, and you should never go past the barriers at the glacier.
On the West Coast, the glaciers flow down from the Southern Alps towards the rainforest, and Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are the two best known. The glaciers have retreated, and the valley paths lead you to viewpoints some distance from the ice. If you want to stand on the ice itself, you’ll need to go on a guided helicopter tour.
Franz Josef is the larger of the two villages, with the most hotels, restaurants and helicopter companies. Fox Glacier is about half an hour’s drive south, and close by is Lake Matheson, where the mountains are reflected in the water on a still morning. See hotels in Fox Glacier here.
See hotels in Franz Josef here.
It rains a lot here, and helicopter flights are cancelled when the cloud is low. So stay two nights to give yourself an extra chance. Check the weather and glacier access at the national park visitor centre in the village before you head out, and bring rain gear and insect repellent for the sandflies.
The drive south towards Wanaka and Queenstown crosses the Haast Pass and is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Petrol stations are few and far between on this stretch, so fill up in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Hotels in Franz Josef
Rainforest Retreat - large rainforest complex with a restaurant and hot tubs
Rainforest Retreat is on Cron Street in the middle of the village, yet on the edge of the rainforest. The complex has a restaurant, bar, sauna, hot tubs and free parking.
There’s everything from dorms to 75-square-metre lodges, so choose one of the private units with their own bathroom. Breakfast isn’t included, but you can eat in the restaurant. It’s the most expensive of my suggestions and the place to go if you want to stay in the rainforest and walk to the helicopters. Guests mention that it can get busy.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful, clean place, and we loved the hot tub.”
See photos and book Rainforest Retreat here.
Franz Josef Oasis - quiet adults-only rooms north of the village
Franz Josef Oasis is on the main road just over 3 km north of the village, so you’ll need the car to get to the restaurants. It’s an adults-only hotel with free parking and a small pizza menu in the evening.
The rooms are 30 to 35 square metres with their own bathroom, and some have a spa bath. Breakfast isn’t included. It’s my pick for couples who want peace and space. Some guests feel the price is high for the facilities.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The place was spotlessly clean. We had a spa bath, which was very relaxing.”
See photos and book Franz Josef Oasis here.
Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef - adults-only hostel with a hot tub in the middle of the village
Wild Kea Lodge is on Cron Street, less than 600 metres from the helicopter companies in the village. It’s an adults-only hostel with a shared kitchen, hot tub, barbecue and free parking.
Most rooms have shared bathrooms, but there are also family rooms with their own bathroom. Breakfast isn’t included. It’s a good choice if you want to save on accommodation and spend the money on a helicopter flight instead.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The staff were friendly and helpful, and the little extras (for example the coffee machine, hot chocolate and popcorn) were really appreciated.”
See photos and book Wild Kea Lodge Franz Josef here.
7. Queenstown - the best base for adventure, Wanaka and Milford Sound 🏔️
- 📍 Distance to the centre: Two of the hotels are 500-800 metres from the beach on the bay by the town centre. The third is in Te Anau, about a two-hour drive south-west of Queenstown.
- 🚠 Getting around: You can get around the centre on foot. The Skyline gondola runs up above the town, and for Wanaka, Arrowtown and Milford Sound you’ll need a car or a coach tour.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Queenstown Airport has flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Australia and is roughly a 15-20 minute drive from the centre. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€€ to €€€€. Queenstown is one of the most expensive places to stay in the country.
- 👮 Safety: A safe town. The bars get lively in the evening, so choose a room away from the pedestrian streets if you want an early night.
Queenstown sits on Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables mountain range on the other side of the water. It’s New Zealand’s adventure capital, where bungy jumping, jet boats, paragliding and mountain biking are all part of everyday life, and in winter there are ski fields. In the evening, the centre is packed with restaurants and bars.
The town is the best base in the southern part of the South Island. Arrowtown, with its wooden gold rush buildings, is about 20 minutes away, and the lakeside road to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic drives in the area. Wanaka, about an hour away, is the quieter alternative, a smaller lakeside town with great walks. See hotels in Wanaka here.
See hotels in Queenstown here.
For many people, Milford Sound is the highlight of the trip. The fiord lies in Fiordland, and from Queenstown it’s about four hours’ drive each way, which makes for a very long day trip. It’s better to spend a night in Te Anau. From there, the Milford Road is 119 km and takes at least two hours without stops, according to Fiordland’s tourism organisation, and there are no shops or petrol stations along the way, so fill up in Te Anau. The road can close in winter and spring because of avalanche risk, so check its status with the road authority NZTA before you set off. See hotels in Te Anau here.
I’d give Queenstown three nights and spend one in Te Anau before or after Milford Sound. If you’d rather not drive yourself, you can take a coach tour or a scenic flight from Queenstown.
Hotels in Queenstown and Te Anau
QT Queenstown - five-star design hotel by the lake
QT Queenstown is on Lake Esplanade on the lakeshore, about 800 metres from the beach in the centre. It’s a five-star design hotel with a restaurant, a bar and a free shuttle bus.
Rooms range from 19 to 60 square metres, and some have lake views. Breakfast costs extra. Parking is paid valet and is best booked in advance, as spaces are limited.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The room, view and facilities are excellent, and the staff are absolutely top notch.”
See photos and book QT Queenstown here.
mi-pad Queenstown - four-star hotel with compact rooms in the heart of town
mi-pad Queenstown is on Henry Street, about 450 metres from the beach in the centre. It’s a four-star hotel with a 24-hour reception and a roof terrace.
Rooms are 15 to 16 square metres with private bathrooms but no kitchen. Breakfast isn’t included, and there’s no parking at the hotel, so you’ll need to use paid parking nearby. This is my pick if you want to stay centrally in Queenstown without paying luxury prices.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good facilities, clean, helpful staff and a really great location.”
See photos and book mi-pad Queenstown here.
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels - budget lakeside base in Te Anau for Milford Sound
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels is on Lake Te Anau, just over a kilometre from the centre of Te Anau. It’s a large holiday park with everything from simple rooms to motel units, plus a shared kitchen, a playground and free parking.
Rooms range from 8 to 64 square metres, and some have private bathrooms while others share. Breakfast isn’t included. It’s an affordable place for the night before Milford Sound, and some rooms have lake views. Guests mention that the shared bathrooms can be impractical.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything was perfect, and the view from the room was amazing.”
See photos and book Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels here.
8. Lake Tekapo & Christchurch - best area for stargazing and the end of your trip ✨
- 📍 Distance to the centre: The resort in Lake Tekapo is just under 800 metres from the church by the lake. The other two hotels are in central Christchurch, less than a kilometre from Cathedral Square.
- 🚗 Transport: Car. It’s about three hours from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, and also about three hours from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch. Both are estimates.
- ✈️ Time from the airport: Christchurch Airport is the South Island’s largest airport and is about a 20-minute drive from central Christchurch. This is an estimate.
- 💰 Price level: €€ to €€€€. Lake Tekapo has few hotels and is expensive, while Christchurch has lots of cheaper hotels.
- 👮 Safety: Safe. At Lake Tekapo the nights are cold, even in summer, so bring warm clothes when you go stargazing.
Lake Tekapo is a small town on a turquoise glacial lake, and the stone Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore is one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s almost no light pollution here, so on a clear night you’ll see the Milky Way over the lake.
From Lake Tekapo it’s about an hour and a quarter past Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Here the Hooker Valley Track crosses swing bridges to a glacial lake beneath the country’s highest mountain. According to DOC, the walk is easy and takes about three hours there and back.
See hotels in Lake Tekapo here.
Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city and where many people drop off their car and fly home. The city was badly hit by the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and has since been rebuilt with new neighbourhoods, street art and the large Hagley Park with its botanic gardens. One night is enough if you’re just passing through, while two nights give you time to see the city. See hotels in Christchurch here.
I would stay one to two nights at Lake Tekapo and finish with a night in Christchurch before the flight. You can also drive the route the other way round and start your South Island road trip in Christchurch.
Hotels in Lake Tekapo and Christchurch
Peppers Bluewater Resort - resort with lake views in Lake Tekapo
Peppers Bluewater Resort is on the main road in Lake Tekapo, just under 800 metres from the church. It’s a resort with a restaurant, bar and free parking, and many of the units have views over the lake.
Rooms range from 14-square-metre Petite rooms to apartments and villas with kitchens. Go for at least a Deluxe room with a lake view, which is 37 square metres. Breakfast is included in some rates. Guests mention that the rooms feel worn.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The location was good, the beds were comfortable, and there was a fantastic view from our room.”
See photos and book Peppers Bluewater Resort here.
Quest on Manchester Serviced Apartments - apartments with kitchens in central Christchurch
Quest on Manchester is on Manchester Street in central Christchurch, just under 800 metres from Cathedral Square. It’s an aparthotel where every unit has a kitchen.
The studios are 30 square metres and the one-bedroom apartments 50, so it’s a good choice for families and for that last night when you need to repack your suitcases. Breakfast and parking cost extra, and guests mention that there are only a few parking spaces.
One guest writes on Booking.com: “The room was spacious and had good facilities.”
See photos and book Quest on Manchester Serviced Apartments here.
BreakFree on Cashel - budget hotel close to Cathedral Square
BreakFree on Cashel is on Cashel Street, about 300 metres from Cathedral Square. It’s a hotel with a restaurant, bar, gym and 24-hour reception.
The cheapest rooms are only 10 square metres, so choose a 19-square-metre Standard King if there are two of you. Breakfast and parking cost extra. Guests say plainly that the rooms are very small.
Short and sweet, one guest on Booking.com says: “Great value for money. Friendly staff.”
See photos and book BreakFree on Cashel here.
Where not to stay in New Zealand?
I wouldn’t stay in Auckland for the whole trip and take day trips from there. The distances are too great, and the most beautiful places are far from the city. Nor would I try to cover both islands in two weeks, because then your holiday is spent in the car, and you won’t have time for the walks and boat trips you came for.
On the South Island, I wouldn’t stay in Queenstown and drive to Milford Sound and back in one day, and at the glaciers I wouldn’t stay far outside the villages to save money, as there are no restaurants nearby. If you only have a few days on the North Island, I would skip the Bay of Islands, because the detour north and back will cost you at least two days.
If you have three weeks, I would spend two nights in Auckland, two in Rotorua, one in Taupo and two in Wellington on the North Island. On the South Island you can then spend two nights at Abel Tasman, two in Franz Josef, three in Queenstown, one in Te Anau, one at Lake Tekapo and one in Christchurch. With four weeks you can add the Bay of Islands and Wanaka and give yourself more time along the way. If you only have two weeks, choose the South Island and fly direct from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch.
Summer, from December to February, has the longest days and the best weather, but also the highest prices and the most tourists, so book hotels, the ferry and your car early. March and April are a good compromise, with fewer tourists and still mild days, while winter, from June to August, is best for a ski holiday in Queenstown.
British travellers need an electronic travel authority, the NZeTA, before departure and pay a tourist levy for conservation and tourism at the same time. According to New Zealand’s tourism organisation, applications are usually processed within 72 hours, but some take longer, so apply in good time.
If your trip continues across the Tasman Sea, I’ve also written a guide on where to stay in Sydney. It’s about a three-hour flight from Auckland, so it’s easy to combine the two countries on the same trip.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?