What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in South Island?

A motel is a great option if you're planning to tour around South Island. These getaways are typically found near major roads and airports, offer on-site parking and have basic services and amenities. Book a 3-star hotel and you'll be more centrally located. With a larger choice of rooms and additional conveniences such as a lobby, gym and business facilities, you can expect to pay more for hotel accommodations.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in South Island?

Start your day right with the free breakfast at Le Petit Hotel . This popular pick also features individually decorated rooms and a terrace. Alternatively, pour yourself a cup of coffee and fuel up at Silver Peaks Lodge . These 3-star accommodations in South Island will save you the inconvenience of finding somewhere to eat each morning.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have a pool?

Get some chill time at the pool at Antares Homestay , a sought-after 3-star getaway in South Island. You can also dive in and take it easy poolside at Tussock Peak . Planning a summer getaway? Temperatures are warmest during December, January and February. During January, the warmest month, the mercury sits between 10ºC at night and 18ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in South Island have an on-site restaurant?

Expedia has a range of 3-star hotels with an on-site restaurant in Queenstown, South Island. One place where you can satisfy your hunger before and after touring the sights is Heartland Hotel Queenstown . A lake view and nearby historical attractions are a couple of other handy amenities here. Or check in and order from the menu at Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown , which also includes WiFi and a swimming pool.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have WiFi?

Absolutely, so you'll be able to log in wherever your travels take you in South Island. If you're visiting Queenstown, The Lofts Apartments is a 3-star hotel that comes with WiFi. YHA Queenstown Central - Hostel is another recommendation here. Book one of these getaways and easily browse emails, book or plan other parts of your trip and stay in touch with friends and family while you're away.

What 3-star hotels in South Island have parking?

If you're traveling around South Island, West Meadows Motel has somewhere for your ride. Another 3-star getaway where you won't need to worry about parking logistics is Stopforths Premium Accommodation . From Lyttelton Harbour to New Brighton Beach, your South Island vacation will be packed with awesome experiences around every corner.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have rooms with a kitchenette?

The Salisbury Luxury Class is one leading option in Christchurch, South Island that has rooms with a kitchenette. This 3-star escape also features designer toiletries and premium bedding. Or enjoy the flexibility of whipping up your own food at Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments . A nearby beach and free WiFi are two other amenities available here.

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Compare South Island 3 Star Hotels with updated room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Christchurch City Centre

Joseph

￥7,971 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Dunedin City Centre

Jodye

￥16,192 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 16 - Dec 17

The Godley Hotel

Lake Tekapo

JACEK

￥24,177 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Deluxe Double Room | Bed sheets, alarm clocks

Fiordland Hotel

Te Anau

Ruth

￥13,727 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 17 - Dec 18

The Muse Christchurch, Art Hotel

Christchurch City Centre

Loren

￥16,907 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Pinewood Queenstown

Boydtown

Cory

￥14,773 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Hypo-allergenic bedding, free minibar items, in-room safe

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge

Burnside

Jason

￥14,026 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 2 - Jan 3, 2026

Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura

Debbie

￥16,102 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Hotel Give

Christchurch City Centre

Shayne

￥7,823 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 29 - Dec 30

Seasonal outdoor pool, a heated pool, sun loungers

The Hotel Nelson

Nelson South

Tracey

￥12,491 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Te Anau

Vanessa

￥29,073 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 14 - Dec 15

Daily buffet breakfast (NZD 29 per person)

ibis Christchurch

Christchurch City Centre

Geoffrey

￥14,223 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Wanaka Hotel

Wanaka

￥20,525 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 20 - Dec 21

Alpine Motel

Wanaka

Chris

￥23,925 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 5 - Dec 6

Edit Picton

Picton

Thommo

￥15,415 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 16 - Dec 17

Beachfront Hotel

Hokitika

Mike

￥14,689 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 17 - Dec 18

Archway Motel & Chalets

Wanaka

Andrew

￥31,881 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Quest on Cambridge

Christchurch City Centre

Will

￥18,356 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona

Jessica

￥14,088 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 13 - Dec 14

Hotel St Clair

St. Clair

Karen

￥21,920 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

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Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in South Island.

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

123 Princes Street Dunedin

￥12,949

￥15,038 total

Dec 13 - Dec 14

includes taxes & fees

8.6/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Learn more about South Island

Larger, less populated and harder to reach than the northern “Main Island,” this area features New Zealand’s longest glacier, its highest mountain and much more.

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Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Pinewood Queenstown

10/10 Excellent

"Nice location with a view. Clean rooms and helpful staff. Parking into those narrow parking slots is not fun. We came back late to some dont care person parked into our parking slot and had to beg the staff to find the idiot who did at 10:30pm. The staff found the person and made them move. So awesome staff !"

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in South Island?

You'll discover a range of 3-star hotels around South Island. Our guests recommend staying at YHA Queenstown Central - Hostel in Queenstown. It comes with a lake view and a nearby beach, and is roughly 0.16 kilometers southwest of downtown. The Lofts Apartments is also popular. Around 0.16 kilometers southwest of the center of Queenstown, it offers first-run movie services and private winery tours.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in South Island?

Uncover the ideal trifecta of quality, affordability and comfort at a 3-star hotel in South Island with our filter tools. Enter your preferred travel dates and then adjust your search according to the rate you wish to pay per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from ￥15,038

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in South Island?

Book a 3-star hotel and you can look forward to tidy and comfortable rooms and amenities such as WiFi, gyms and tea and coffee makers. These lodgings may also include a bar and restaurant. Upgrade your South Island vacation by choosing a 4-star hotel. With things like a wellness center, round-the-clock room service and premium toiletries, you'll experience an enhanced level of relaxation and comfort.

Find 3 Star Hotels in South Island from ￥7,823

Change your mind

Treat yourself

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Check availability on South Island 3 Star Hotels

Compare South Island 3 Star Hotels with updated room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

The Godley Hotel

Fiordland Hotel

The Muse Christchurch, Art Hotel

Pinewood Queenstown

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge

Kaikoura Quality Suites

Hotel Give

The Hotel Nelson

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

ibis Christchurch

Wanaka Hotel

Alpine Motel

Edit Picton

Beachfront Hotel

Archway Motel & Chalets

Quest on Cambridge

Cardrona Hotel

Hotel St Clair

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Learn more about South Island

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Pinewood Queenstown

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