Top Hotels in South Island
Top Things to do in South Island
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10 hotels in South Island: Best hotel deals for 2023
Discover the best hotels in South Island including Rainforest Retreat, Kamana Lakehouse, Sudima Christchurch City, Aoraki Court Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, Rainforest Retreat, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Azur, Rydges Latimer Christchurch, The George Christchurch, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside.
Things to do in South Island
1. Rainforest Retreat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2546 reviews
Deep In the heart of West Coast Glacier country, Rainforest Retreat is a rare find, with a range of accommodation set amongst lush native bush in Franz Josef township. Enjoy privacy and sanctuary in secluded cottages and tree huts, relax in the spas and sauna, dine out and have fun at the bar/restaurant, or just relish the bush setting and cook up barbecues with new friends. From luxury tree huts to flashpacker rooms, Rainforest Retreat has accommodation to suit every style of traveller; from couples to family groups to young individuals on a budget. Rainforest Retreat provides excellent value and a special atmosphere; with a focus on superb service, cleanliness and a range of great facilities to satisfy all of our guests.
Best holiday ever
Reviewed By David RWe booked this holiday accommodation a year in advance, for my 60th birthday treat, as the cruise we had booked was cancelled due to COVID 19. We thought a deluxe treehouse with spa was very different and boy the choice was a revelation. The setting was excellent, set in a very tree and plant living area which at night the paths to the accommodation were lit up. You could see the mountains from our room also. The spa was spacious and relaxing. It was maintained on a daily basis even if not used. We stayed 6 nights, probably unusual, as it seems more of a short stay mid travel point of call., and housekeeping on a daily basis even though we did not need it every day. . Staff were fabulous and we felt part of a family. Special mention for MEL who did a mulitude of jobs always with a warm smile and Many who was service manager at the Monsoon bar and restaurant. Many had time for us and made us feel very welcome. Al, other staff we met were great also. Would we stay again? YesYes Yes
2. Kamana Lakehouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 701 reviews
As the highest situated hotel in the Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse rises 150 metres above the resort town offering spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the iconic Remarkables mountain range. A well-connected location only 3km or 5 minutes’ drive from Queenstown centre, you will enjoy an exclusive peaceful retreat while discovering the adventure capital. Each beautiful air-conditioned room features fresh contemporary décor, premium beds, modern connectivity like USB charging, high speed WIFI and Bluetooth speaker, and outdoor sitting. A selection of rooms feature unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The property features the highest alfresco dining experience in Queenstown. nest Kitchen + Bar is the perfect place to savor a modern take on Mediterranean classics, a generous selection of rosé wines and a fine collection of New Zeland Gins. This seductively-lit, art deco style restaurant and bar features floor to ceiling windows for awe-inspiring views.
Expensive shoebox
Reviewed By yannmoalicTotally over rated. We did booked the best room available, expecting a great experience. Unfortunately the room was very small, poorly insulated, hearing the neighbors peeing and making coffee. No bath, low water pressure and ceiling height very low. Restaurant closed, could keep going, overall very disappointed
3. Sudima Christchurch City
Overall Ratings
5 based on 119 reviews
Comfortable and modern
Reviewed By radicaledwardSo comfy with great decor. Wish we could have stayed here longer! They even had a stove for cooking in their little kitchen. great location with restaurants nearby, and also close to the train station for those taking the tranzalpine
4. Aoraki Court Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2101 reviews
Modern Motel Complex situated within the stunning Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Every unit has absolutely stunning view of Mt Sefton and the surrounding ranges. 24/7 Reception, daily housekeeping and en-suite bathrooms in all units.
AORAKI COURT MOTEL
Reviewed By senior797Excellect accommodation , spacious , modern , warm & clean with everything you need . Very close to all activities & the host is very friendly & helpful . Very affordable , we really enjoyed our stay & would totally recommend ×××××
5. Rainforest Retreat
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2546 reviews
Deep In the heart of West Coast Glacier country, Rainforest Retreat is a rare find, with a range of accommodation set amongst lush native bush in Franz Josef township. Enjoy privacy and sanctuary in secluded cottages and tree huts, relax in the spas and sauna, dine out and have fun at the bar/restaurant, or just relish the bush setting and cook up barbecues with new friends. From luxury tree huts to flashpacker rooms, Rainforest Retreat has accommodation to suit every style of traveller; from couples to family groups to young individuals on a budget. Rainforest Retreat provides excellent value and a special atmosphere; with a focus on superb service, cleanliness and a range of great facilities to satisfy all of our guests.
Best holiday ever
Reviewed By David RWe booked this holiday accommodation a year in advance, for my 60th birthday treat, as the cruise we had booked was cancelled due to COVID 19. We thought a deluxe treehouse with spa was very different and boy the choice was a revelation. The setting was excellent, set in a very tree and plant living area which at night the paths to the accommodation were lit up. You could see the mountains from our room also. The spa was spacious and relaxing. It was maintained on a daily basis even if not used. We stayed 6 nights, probably unusual, as it seems more of a short stay mid travel point of call., and housekeeping on a daily basis even though we did not need it every day. . Staff were fabulous and we felt part of a family. Special mention for MEL who did a mulitude of jobs always with a warm smile and Many who was service manager at the Monsoon bar and restaurant. Many had time for us and made us feel very welcome. Al, other staff we met were great also. Would we stay again? YesYes Yes
6. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1253 reviews
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel designed and built for the 5 star traveler in mind. Only 300 meters from the centre of Queenstown Central. Guest rooms are spacious and luxurious, each with its own kitchenette. Our stylish rooms offer added space and panache. New junior suites feature in-room gas fires and outdoor balconies. Each evening we offer canape hour with sumptuous canapes and fantastic local wines. Enjoy breakfast, which is inclusive, with fellow travelers or on your own courtyard or balcony. COVID-19 We have taken strict measures to ensure the safety of our staff and guests by following the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health for COVID-19, to the highest standards. Your safety is our highest priority.
Pure Bliss
Reviewed By LinemafiMy husband and I were warmly greeted at check-in and shown to our rooms. Our room was spacious, clean, and tidy. The coffee machine and little kitchenette were a bonus. We enjoyed breakfast and canapes/wine in the evening. We loved that it was walking distance from the town center but still felt like we were tucked away somewhere private. We will stay here again when we return.
7. Azur
Overall Ratings
5 based on 431 reviews
Overlooking some of the most spectacular scenery in NZ, Azur consists of nine private villas. Open plan living, including a bathtub set into a bay window allowing an indoor/outdoor experience. Rates include return airport transfers and transportation downtown. Breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks & canapés are also included. Queenstown has a range of dining experiences and the Azur team will assist with dinner recommendations, alternatively, guests can dine in style in the privacy of their own villa. The Azur team prides themselves in genuinely connecting with guests, sharing their local knowledge with guests to ensure a memorable, unique experience.
Absolute perfection, with truly out of this world service!
Reviewed By Michelle SI had a feeling Azur was going to be something extra special, from the communication with the Azur team long before we finally got there. This was 3rd time lucky - after moving our reservation a couple of times because of border restrictions. Vanessa, Cynthia, Daniela - were all super responsive and efficient, as well as very warm and friendly. By the time we finally arrived, I was quite excited to meet them! We were picked up from town, and greeted with a welcome glass of bubbles while they showed us around the main lodge and our villa. The views are spectacular! The villa really makes the most of the view - you can see it as you wake and the sun-rises, you can breathe it in from the spa bath (which stays heated as long as you're in it!) and you can watch it while you eat or drink from your outside or inside table. The food is really fantastic. There is so much included, and it's of such a high quality, that you really could just skip dining anywhere else and be completely satisfied! Breakfast can be served in the main lodge or in your room, and there is an extensive menu with everything you could want, and everything is cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. You don't have to panic about having it at by a specific time either - timing is super flexible. We normally go for a really early morning walk and then have breakfast, but because in winter the sunrise isn't until about 8:15am, we were having breakfast first (around 9ish) and then going for a big walk. We'd come back to afternoon tea, which on the first day was a custard filled croissant, second day scones with jam & cream, and third day a nutty chocolate brownie with berries and mango. YUM!!! Then in the evening (or late afternoon if you want) there are canapés - also in the main lodge or in your room. There are 3 different canapés served and they are often quite substantial. If we weren't on our 'holiday diet' it really could have been enough to eat as a light dinner, especially after a late/big breakfast and the afternoon tea. But of course we still managed a couple of dinners out too - we were on holiday after all :) The location is excellent too, the Sunshine Bay track is about 10 mins walk down the road, and takes you all the way to town. We had Lara from the Azur team drop us off, and the walk took us about 35 mins. It wasn't a difficult walk, so if you're wearing the right shoes and like to walk - you could easily walk to town for lunch (if you have space after breakfast!) The Azur team will drop you off or pick you up from town (or anywhere nearby) any time you need, you just have to call them. They dropped us off and picked us up from dinner 2 nights, and one day they drove us to the start of the Queenstown Hill walk too. It was super convenient, and actually a little better than being in town as it was lovely and quiet - and that view! So, the location, the villa, the food, everything... was amazing, and the services really was beyond outstanding. Every single person was so helpful and lovely, they really spoiled us. Thank you Cynthia, Daniela, Vanessa (hope to meet you in person next visit), Lara, Ali, Mel, Thiago, Daniela, Mark, the lovely lady serving canapés on our last 2 nights, and anyone else in the team I missed - it's all of you that really take the Azur experience to another level. Thank you for everything, Michelle & Niko
8. Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1529 reviews
Rydges Latimer Christchurch overlooks scenic Latimer Square, in the heart of the city. Newly built 100% compliant to new building standards and opened in 2013 this 4.5 star hotel is five levels high and offers 175 accommodation rooms spread over the first four floors. The fifth floor boasts a penthouse apartment with breathtaking views stretching from the Port Hills to the Southern Alps. Premier conference and event facilities with 11 flexible spaces housing up to 400 delegates. All spaces are flooded with natural light, integrated audio visual equipment, exceptional menu options and a dedicated team of conference professionals is on had to assist in the planning and facilitation. Located on the ground floor is Bloody Mary's Bar-Lounge-Grill, a premium steakhouse featuring some of the finest locally sourced ingredients from right here in Canterbury. New York steakhouse meets Kiwi hospitality for a true beef lover’s dream. You will be eager to ‘steak’ your claim.
Pleased I changed hotel to Rydges
Reviewed By Chelle1607I had initially booked to stay at Novotel in Christchurch but following a bad experience with Accor changed our booking to Rydges Latimer Square. Am so pleased we did! Ample parking, spacious clean rooms and helpful staff. Will definitely stay again on my next trip to NZ.
9. The George Christchurch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1833 reviews
Looking onto the picturesque Hagley Park, The George matches a dedication to sustainability with the pinnacle of luxury. The George is the only Christchurch Hotel with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio, ensuring that every need is met and that guests have an unmatched experience. Situated beside beautiful Hagley Park & the River Avon, the location is the best in the city; peaceful yet central. Walk or bike to the Botanical Gardens, cafes & shops. Award-winning dining at The George immerses its guests in the luxurious world of locally sourced fine dining and local wines to showcase the finest of New Zealand's cuisine. The George has won many awards and has been recognised as the Leading Boutique Hotel in New Zealand for over 10 years now. A member of Small Luxury Hotels this luxury 5-star boutique hotel is the best in Christchurch.
Lovely hotel
Reviewed By mdjellieVery quiet room with a very comfortable bed. Great staff who were welcoming and very attentive. Good location with easy walking distance to city and across road from Hagley Park. Only gave 4 stars as our meal in the restaurant wasn't quite up to expectation.
10. Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3888 reviews
Located in one of the most picturesque settings in the world, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside combines a stunning lakefront and in-town position with attentive professional service. Just 30 seconds from the cosmopolitan town centre and Queenstown's iconic activities, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside is the perfect hotel to start your Queenstown experience. The fresh, modern hotel offers 273 accommodation rooms with spectacular alpine, garden and lake views. Each contemporary styled room features LCD TV, 24 hour room service, broadband internet and private balconies. Conveniently located on the mezzanine level, Elements Restaurant serves a full buffet breakfast and an innovative New Zealand influenced a la carte dinner menu featuring an eclectic mix of modern dishes using the best of New Zealand produce. Guests can also choose to relax and re-energise in our ground floor Elements Lounge which features comfortable lounge furniture and a double sided schist stone fireplace.
Two night stop over in Q'town
Reviewed By NorthStar36031091397Wonderfully comfy bed and facilities - only down side was that they were running very low on hot water on the Sunday morning June 5 - the hotel was busy so maybe the boilers weren't up to it. More or less has a cold shower. Disappointing but not disastrous,.
