Top 10 Hotels in South Island from ￥4,852 - Competitive Prices

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Our top choices for South Island hotels

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV, and a carpeted floor.

A building labeled 'HOTEL HARI HARI' with a signboard indicating amenities like bar, meals, rooms, power sites, tent sites, and Wi-fi.

A bar area with wooden tables and chairs, antler decorations on the ceiling, and a bar counter with various bottles.

A room with two beds, each with a red bedspread and a white pillow. There is a window with curtains, and the walls are painted a light color.

1. Hotel Hari Hari

Hari Hari

￥4,208

￥4,852 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 29 - Sep 30

A two-story building with a sign reading "The Boathouse Lodge" and amenities listed such as family rooms, shared dorms, private rooms, in-room bike storage, and free breakfast.

A hotel hallway with a staircase, a blue exit door, a plant, and a painting on the wall.

A kitchen with a stove, oven, and various kitchen utensils on the wall.

A bedroom with a bed, a hanging plant, and a window.

2. The Boathouse Lodge

Picton

Luciano

￥6,674

￥7,675 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 23 - Sep 24

A modern lobby with grey upholstered chairs, a round wooden table, and a vase of flowers on a black side table.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a laptop, and a vase with green apples.

The entrance of Sudima Hotels with glass doors, a concrete wall, and a delivery truck in the background.

A bar area with a long counter, multiple seating options, and a variety of bottles on shelves.

3. Sudima Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport

Crystal

￥22,174

￥25,500 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 29 - Sep 30

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a chair, a wardrobe, and an air conditioning unit.

A bar area with stools, a counter, and a refrigerator stocked with bottles.

A compact living space with a kitchen, dining area, and seating.

A modern kitchen with a stainless steel sink, a faucet, and a backsplash with a mosaic tile pattern.

4. Airport Gateway Christchurch

Burnside

michael

￥13,771

￥15,988 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A modern hotel entrance with a stone facade, large potted plants, and a well-lit interior visible through the glass doors.

A stone structure with a rectangular opening, surrounded by greenery and a parking lot with cars.

An aerial view of a hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a covered patio area.

Two people toasting with drinks at an outdoor table with a view of parked cars and a building in the background.

5. Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

Blenheim CBD

Bradley

￥9,937

￥11,490 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a grassy area with picnic tables and a building in the background.

A modern building with a reception area and a function room.

A spacious room with a large wooden table and chairs, a projector screen, and a whiteboard.

A modern hotel room with a curved shower enclosure, two beds with white linens, a wooden ceiling, and framed pictures on the wall.

6. Bealey Quarter

Christchurch City Centre

Karl Angelo

￥7,258

￥8,509 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 23 - Sep 24

A hotel room with two beds, a blue chair, a small table, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a built-in microwave, and a coffee maker.

A modern, well-lit room with a kitchen, dining area, and a large window with a view.

A building with a bright yellow door, number 4, and a black doorbell.

7. Myhub Holiday Park

Bradford

Irene

￥3,674

￥8,082 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 23 - Oct 24

A beach with waves crashing onto the shore.

A living room with a brown sofa, a framed picture on the wall, a coffee table, and a kitchen area in the background.

A motel with a covered porch, outdoor seating, and a number '5' on the pavement.

A kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, a microwave, and a window with a view of greenery.

8. Beach lodge motel

Saint Kilda

Simone

￥11,188

￥12,866 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

A row of modern, low-rise buildings with a uniform architectural style, a well-maintained lawn, and a clear sky.

A restaurant with a stone fire feature, wooden tables, and a bar area.

A row of modern, triangular-roofed buildings with large windows, a central courtyard, and surrounding greenery.

A hotel room with two beds, a patterned wall, and a large window with curtains.

9. Ascot Park Hotel

Glengarry

Jennifer

￥13,978

￥16,075 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

A modern house with a glass door entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain in the background.

A spacious restaurant with high ceilings, exposed beams, and a central bar area.

A reception area with a reception desk labeled "Waiyoto" and "Haast New Zealand," a reception counter, patterned chairs, a small table, and a mirror on the wall.

A hotel room with a sliding glass door, a bed with white linens, a bedside table with a lamp, and a view of the interior.

10. Heartland Hotel Haast

Haast

Fiona

￥9,744

￥11,316 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 13 - Oct 14

A modern building with large windows and a stone pathway leading to it, situated on a pebbled beach with driftwood in the foreground.

A room with large windows overlooking a beach, a table with chairs, and a potted plant.

A coastal resort with beachfront villas, a road leading to the beach, and lush greenery.

A spacious lounge area with a stone fireplace, large windows offering ocean views, and comfortable seating arrangements.

11. Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Punakaiki

Karen

￥13,015

￥15,114 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 25 - Sep 26

A rustic garden with a stone building, wooden benches, and a gravel path.

A dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a large window with a view, and a mounted deer head on the wall.

A garden with a stone bench, a building with red windows, and a mountain in the background.

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a small wooden stool, a hanging light fixture, and a window with blinds.

12. Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona

Emilla

￥15,683

￥18,083 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 12 - Oct 13

A modern hotel entrance with a glass facade, a wooden ceiling, and a visible outdoor area.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a table, and a chair. There is a window with a view of mountains and a cityscape.

A hotel room with a bed, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a painting on the wall.

A couple embracing in a room with a large window, a bed, and a nightstand.

13. Sudima Queenstown Five Mile

Frankton

Gerhard

￥20,706

￥23,812 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A modern building with multiple floors, large windows, and a visible restaurant named 'Accor Live Limitless'.

A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a TV screen.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV mounted on the wall, a window with a view, and a bedside table with a lamp.

A modern conference room with a long table, black chairs, a projector screen, and a large plant wall.

14. BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Christchurch City Centre

Emma

￥6,966

￥8,011 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

An outdoor patio with wooden tables and chairs, umbrellas, and a view of the sunset over the ocean.

A modern room with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the ocean. There are two chairs and a small table in the room.

A spacious dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows with a view, and a high ceiling with exposed beams.

A hotel room with a large window offering a view of the beach and ocean.

15. Beachfront Hotel

Hokitika

Andrew

￥12,394

￥14,253 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 8 - Oct 9

A modern building entrance with a glass door, a small outdoor seating area with metal chairs, and a gravel pathway.

A swimming pool with a wooden deck, surrounded by a fenced area with a lawn and various shrubs.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a nightstand, a mirror, and a bench with a towel on it.

A hotel entrance with a reception desk, a glass door, and a welcome sign.

16. Andorra Motel

Geraldine

Dianne

￥13,357

￥15,402 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A modern building with multiple floors, outdoor seating area, and decorative metal panels.

A balcony with two yellow chairs and a table, overlooking a cityscape with historic buildings and modern high-rises.

A large hall with a triangular stained glass window, wooden chairs, and tables arranged for an event.

A beach with a wooden structure on the sand, a pier in the background, and footprints leading to the water.

17. Hotel Give

Christchurch City Centre

David

￥9,112

￥10,479 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 29 - Sep 30

A lakeside hotel with a reflection in the water, surrounded by trees and hills.

A room with a large window overlooking a pool and greenery. There is a table and chairs outside the window.

A hotel room with a bed, a tray with breakfast items, a lamp, and a floral wall.

An outdoor seating area with a table and chairs, overlooking a body of water and a hillside with buildings.

18. Tides Hotel

The Wood

Karen

￥9,368

￥10,773 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

A modern building with a 'Garden Hotel' sign and a 'garden bar cafe' sign.

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a painting on the wall, and a large window with a view of the sky and buildings.

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a large window with curtains, and a view of the outside.

A restaurant with multiple tables and chairs, a bar area, and a television mounted on the wall.

19. Garden Hotel Christchurch

Shirley

Abigail Lois

￥12,440

￥14,306 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

A bedroom with a bed, a wooden headboard, a stone wall, a window with blinds, and a sliding barn door.

A kitchen with a brick wall, a black stove, white cabinets, and a window with blinds.

A kitchen counter with a toaster, a kettle, and a potted plant.

A compact kitchen with a sliding door, a small refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a window with a view of greenery.

20. The Stables Dunedin

Dunedin City Centre

Owen

￥14,919

￥17,202 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 27 - Sep 28

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Vacation Rentals in South Island

Aparthotel

A modern building with a large patio area, a mountain in the background, and a body of water in the foreground.

A modern hotel room with a large sliding glass door leading to a scenic view, a sofa, a chair, and a coffee table with a remote control and glasses on it.

A hotel room with a large bed, two chairs, a small table, and a view of a lake and mountains.

A circular window view of a balcony with a chair, a table with a red item, and a scenic lake and hills in the background.

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Lake Tekapo

"The staff were very friendly and helpful we would definitely stay there again"

Vacation Home

A building named 'Skyrim Lodge' on Jimmy's Lane with a starry night sky.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a view of a mountainous landscape through the window.

A modern kitchen with a grey door, black cabinets, a white countertop, and a built-in oven.

A modern living space with a dining area, sofa set, kitchen, and built-in appliances.

Skyrim Lodge

Lake Tekapo

"Lovely room with a scenic view over the mountains around the region. Absolutely chuffed with what we got for a last minute booking, would stay here again."

Aparthotel

A modern hotel with multiple floors, large windows, and a well-lit entrance.

A modern interior with a sofa, a staircase, and a wall-mounted shelf with plants.

A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a small table, and a view of mountains through a large window.

A modern bar area with a glass enclosure, bar stools, and a seating area with a sofa and a small table.

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

Frankton

"Great staff, great location, great times."

Aparthotel

A swimming pool with a stone accent wall, a hot tub, and a patio area with chairs and an umbrella.

A modern two-story house with a stone foundation, large windows, and a prominent chimney.

A bedroom with a large bed, bedside tables, a wooden bench, a wardrobe, and a door leading to a bathroom.

A swimming pool with a stone surround, lounge chairs, and a view of mountains.

Wanaka Luxury Apartments

Wanaka

"Great location"

Aparthotel

A modern outdoor terrace with a glass balustrade overlooking a lake and mountains.

A modern living room with a fireplace, blue sofas, a flat-screen TV, and a large window offering a scenic view of a lake and mountains.

A modern room with two patterned armchairs, a small round table, and a large window offering a view of a lake and mountains.

A mountain with a cloud formation at its peak.

Avani Queenstown Hotel

Queenstown

"restaurant was fantastic"

Aparthotel

A row of waterfront cottages with balconies, wooden decks, and a mountain backdrop.

A clear view of a swimming pool with a glass barrier, wooden deck, and a backdrop of mountain ranges.

A hotel room with a large bed, two chairs, a small table, and a view of a water body and buildings.

A waterfront property with a row of houses, a dock, and a calm lake reflecting the buildings.

Lake Resort by Marsden

Mount Pisa

"We had a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake below our room. The staff was friendly and helpful."

Aparthotel

A swimming pool with a wooden table, a bottle, and glasses.

A kitchen with a granite countertop, a sink, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

A residential area with houses, a swimming pool, and a lake with mountains in the background.

A playground with swings and a slide, a gravel area, and a lake with mountains in the background.

Mantra Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo

"Nice clean rooms and kitchen great location"

Treehouse

Rainforest Deluxe

Franz Josef Glacier

"Absolutely beautiful location with well equipped rooms"

Aparthotel

A wide beach with a clear sky and distant mountains.

A modern room with a glass table, a chair, a dining table, and a view through a window with curtains.

A modern, well-lit room with a blue carpet, a white sofa with black cushions, a small desk, and a chair.

A hotel room with a large bed, two black pillows, a wooden headboard, and two wall-mounted lights.

Beaches Nelson

Tahunanui

"Spacious room with large comfortable bed"

Vacation Home

A modern building with a large window and a porch overlooking a mountainous landscape.

A modern kitchen with a central island, black bar stools, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting.

A rural landscape with a metal roofed structure, possibly a gazebo or pavilion, overlooking a field with trees and hills in the distance.

A modern living room with a wooden dining table, black leather sofa, and potted plants.

Alpine Views Burkes Pass

Burkes Pass

"Good location , clean & cozy. "

Aparthotel

A modern hotel room with a balcony, a sofa, a bed, a kitchen area, and a dining table.

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a dining area, a bed with a view, and a sofa.

A modern kitchen with a central island, built-in microwave, and a large window offering a view of the landscape.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a television, and a balcony with a view of the outdoors.

Avalon Manor Motel

Motueka

"Fantastic friendly host, lovely room, a great place to stay!"

Aparthotel

A balcony with a table and chairs, a bottle of wine, and two wine glasses.

A modern living room with a stone wall, a fireplace, a television, a sofa, a coffee table, and a view of a mountain and buildings through large windows.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV, a balcony with a view of mountains, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

A modern living room with a sofa, a dining table, and chairs, a kitchen area with appliances, and a large sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a mountain view.

Quest Queenstown

Frankton

"Great place to stay"

Aparthotel

A modern building complex with a central courtyard, surrounded by mountains.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a view of the city, and a woven wall hanging.

A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a TV, a fireplace, and a sliding glass door to a balcony.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a dining area with a white table and chairs, and a view of a backyard through large sliding glass doors.

Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments

Albert Town

"Good location"

Aparthotel

A modern house with a glass facade, outdoor seating, and a view of the mountains.

A serene park with a gazebo, a pond, and a mountain backdrop.

A modern living room with a large gray sofa, a TV, and a fireplace. There is a kitchen area with a white island and pendant lights.

A modern building with a sign that reads "THE FAIRWAYS accommodation."

The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura

Kaikoura Flat

"The room was excellent. Staff were very friendly and helpful"

Aparthotel

A modern building with a flat roof, large windows, and a balcony.

A modern apartment with a kitchen, dining area, and living room.

A modern building with a glass balcony overlooking a parking area and a mountainous landscape.

Central Park Apartments

Cromwell

"Beautiful rooms and really comfortable and quiet. A little out of the main part of town but still very close. The hosts were very friendly and made the stay quite pleasant"

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Stay near popular South Island attractions

A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

9.6/10 (613 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

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A snow-capped mountain range with a turquoise lake in the foreground.

Mount Cook National Park

9.8/10 (179 reviews)

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

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A mountain range with a lake reflecting the peaks.

Milford Sound

9.6/10 (22 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Milford Sound during your travels in Fiordland National Park. Discover the area's waterfalls and glaciers.

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A coastal town with a harbor, mountains in the background, and a clear sky.

Lyttelton Harbour

8.6/10 (1,052 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

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A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a dense forest, and a turquoise lake.

Lake Pukaki

9.6/10 (937 reviews)

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

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A sandy beach with a windmill, rocky outcrops, and a hillside with houses.

Sumner Beach

8.8/10 (648 reviews)

The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

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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.

See all hotels in South Island

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Novotel Christchurch Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Super handy to airport, got in at 2.45am in bed by 3.30am. 11am check out certainly helped"

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"It is a nice and clean hotel to stay with fair price. It would be better if the hotel can supply one extra duvet just in case someone feels cold even with the heat pump on."

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

10/10 Excellent

"Convenient to the airport, clean and easy checkin and checkout. Bed was super comfy."

Sudima Christchurch Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Everything is good"

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

10/10 Excellent

"Clean and quiet. Friendly staff. Great food."

Garden Court Suites And Apartments

10/10 Excellent

"Nice and close to the town centre. Great views of the Remarkables and lake."

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Never disappoints."

Lakes Edge Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"It was clean"

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

10/10 Excellent

"Great place to stay. The staff was amazing. So friendly. The best breakfast at any hotel I’ve stayed at. Clean. Perfect location."

More cheap stays in South Island

High Country Motel and Backpackers

23 Mackenzie Drive Twizel

￥9,368

￥10,773 total

Sep 23 - Sep 24

includes taxes & fees

Carnmore Hagley Park

22 Riccarton Road Christchurch

￥9,399

￥11,038 total

Oct 13 - Oct 14

includes taxes & fees

Nomads Queenstown Backpackers

5-11 Church Street Queenstown

￥12,135

￥14,109 total

Sep 24 - Sep 25

includes taxes & fees

8.2/10 Very Good! (774 reviews)

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

2 Lakeside Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury

￥18,612

￥21,404 total

Oct 16 - Oct 17

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (441 reviews)

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Bowen Drive Mount Cook

Get rates

8.8/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)

Tailor Made Tekapo - Hostel

11 Aorangi Crescent Lake Tekapo

Get rates

8.8/10 Excellent! (155 reviews)

Hotels in South Island with star-rating

Find out more about South Island

Top reasons to visit South Island

Stunning Natural Attractions: South Island boasts breathtaking landscapes, including beautiful lakes and majestic mountains, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Adventure Sports: Queenstown is renowned for its thrilling activities, from skiing at Roundhill to bungee jumping and skydiving.
Charming Coastal Towns: Explore picturesque locations like Akaroa, offering a blend of French heritage and stunning harbor views.
Outdoor Relaxation: Enjoy relaxing hot springs and family-friendly activities in Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches meet lush forests.
Diverse Accommodations: South Island offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxurious hotels to cozy motels catering to all travelers.

Find great hotels near South Island

Explore the stunning South Island of New Zealand with a variety of hotel accommodations to fit every traveler's needs. From luxurious escapes to cozy motels, you'll discover options that cater to adventure seekers, ski enthusiasts, and those longing for a hot spring retreat. Whether you're searching for the best hotels, reading reviews, or seeking unique experiences, South Island offers a remarkable selection of places to stay and enjoy your vacation.

Lake Tekapo Village Motel: Nestled in the picturesque Lake Tekapo Village, this 3.5-star motel offers a serene hot spring-themed experience for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, the motel is conveniently located 11km from South Island. Visitors can indulge in nearby natural hot springs and enjoy easy access to ski shuttles and lifts, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combine a ski vacation with soothing hot spring relaxation.
The Godley Hotel: This 3-star hotel boasts an adventurous spirit, appealing to thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. With a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, The Godley Hotel is situated just 11km from South Island. The property features nearby natural hot springs and offers a variety of adventure sports, including windsurfing, kayaking, horse riding, snowboarding, and snow tubing. This hotel seamlessly blends comfort with excitement, making it a solid option for those looking to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the benefits of a hot spring getaway.
Lakes Edge Holiday Park: Ideal for eco-conscious travelers, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is a budget-friendly accommodation option with a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Located 11km from South Island, this eco-certified property emphasizes sustainability and a connection with nature. The park provides a tranquil setting for guests who appreciate an environmentally friendly vacation experience, making it a great choice for those looking to minimize their ecological footprint while enjoying the natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island.

Where to stay near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways. Explore charming cities like Queenstown, known for its breathtaking scenery and adventure sports, or relax in the picturesque harbor of Akaroa. Enjoy family-friendly activities in Abel Tasman National Park, where golden beaches meet lush forests. With friendly locals and stunning landscapes, South Island offers an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and unique attractions.

Lake Tekapo: Nestled approximately 11km from South Island, Lake Tekapo is a charming suburb known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor experiences. The area is particularly popular during peak months of April and December to January, attracting visitors seeking romantic escapes and breathtaking scenery. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a plethora of activities, including exploring the recreational area, indulging in body treatments, and shopping at local boutiques. Notable landmarks such as the beautiful lake, expansive national state park, and majestic mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for your adventures.
Tekapo: Situated around 13km from South Island, Tekapo is another delightful suburb that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor offerings. Peak travel periods occur from November to January, making it a prime location for those looking for scenic views and romantic getaways. Activities abound, from enjoying the recreational area to exploring unique shopping venues and wellness treatments. The proximity to the lake, national state park, and surrounding mountains enhances its appeal, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration.
Mount Dobson: Located about 16km from South Island, Mount Dobson is renowned for its outdoor adventures, especially in skiing. With travel peaks in March and December to January, this suburb draws visitors eager to experience the slopes and the stunning natural environment. Beyond skiing, travelers can enjoy shopping and exploring the local cultural center. The nearby lake, coupled with the expansive national state park, offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, making Mount Dobson a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Things to do in South Island

Shopping

In Christchurch, visit the Westfield Riccarton Mall for a variety of stores, including fashion and electronics. For a more local experience, head to the Christchurch Arts Centre, where you can find unique handmade crafts and artworks from local artisans.

Recreation

Experience the tranquility of the Aroha Health Retreat, where you can indulge in restorative spa treatments and mindful yoga sessions amidst stunning landscapes. Take a leisurely hike through the nearby mountains for fresh air and breathtaking views, enhancing your overall wellness journey.

At the Lake Tekapo Hot Springs, soak in the natural mineral pools while enjoying panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Afterward, engage in a scenic walk along the lake’s edge, immersing yourself in the serene environment.

Join a guided meditation session at the Eco Retreat in the Abel Tasman National Park, surrounded by lush forests. Follow this with a kayak adventure along the coastline, offering a unique way to connect with nature while boosting your well-being.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge, where the breathtaking views enhance the adrenaline rush. Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on a guided kayak tour, paddling through serene waters surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Queenstown with cocktails at the lively Skybar, or enjoy a laid-back evening at the Cow Restaurant for delicious pizza. For a more upbeat atmosphere, check out the energetic vibes at the World Bar, known for its creative cocktails and live music.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Island

To save money on your vacation in South Island, New Zealand, consider visiting during the shoulder months of June or August to September for lower prices on accommodation. Book hotels about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on sites like Expedia, which also allows you to filter by budget and hotel type. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Mondays tend to be pricier. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to maximize savings, and explore free outdoor activities to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Island are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around South Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around South Island is Monday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations on the South Island with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor adventures and romantic getaways, offering stunning scenery. Key points of interest include beautiful lakes, relaxing hot springs, and historic churches. Travelers can immerse themselves in the region's rich culture while enjoying a variety of outdoor experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation or exploration, South Island has it all for a memorable vacation.

Lake Tekapo: Known for its stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain scenery, Lake Tekapo offers a romantic atmosphere ideal for leisurely strolls along its beach. The clear skies provide excellent opportunities for stargazing, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Tekapo Springs: This hot spring resort offers a rejuvenating experience with its outdoor thermal pools, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Guests can indulge in wellness treatments and relaxation, making it an ideal escape to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.
Church of the Good Shepherd: A charming church with a rich cultural history, the Church of the Good Shepherd is renowned for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo. It serves as a peaceful place for reflection and appreciation of the region's heritage.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Island falls in December, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around South Island falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	46.8°F (8.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to South Island

Visiting South Island, New Zealand, is convenient with several major airports. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is located 171km away from South Island and offers nearby accommodations such as the 5-star Bealey Quarter and Hotel Give, both about 8km from the airport, and the 5-star LyLo Christchurch, only 966m away. Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), situated 187km from South Island, features hotels like the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and The Rees Hotel, both within 6km. Lastly, Nelson Airport (NSN), located 365km away, has options like the Palazzo Motor Lodge and Century Park Motor Lodge, each around 5km from the airport.

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Our top choices for South Island hotels

1. Hotel Hari Hari

2. The Boathouse Lodge

3. Sudima Christchurch Airport

4. Airport Gateway Christchurch

5. Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

6. Bealey Quarter

7. Myhub Holiday Park

8. Beach lodge motel

9. Ascot Park Hotel

10. Heartland Hotel Haast

11. Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

12. Cardrona Hotel

13. Sudima Queenstown Five Mile

14. BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

15. Beachfront Hotel

16. Andorra Motel

17. Hotel Give

18. Tides Hotel

19. Garden Hotel Christchurch

20. The Stables Dunedin

Vacation Rentals in South Island

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Skyrim Lodge

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

Wanaka Luxury Apartments

Avani Queenstown Hotel

Lake Resort by Marsden

Mantra Lake Tekapo

Rainforest Deluxe

Beaches Nelson

Alpine Views Burkes Pass

Avalon Manor Motel

Quest Queenstown

Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments

The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura

Central Park Apartments

Stay near popular South Island attractions

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Mount Cook National Park

Milford Sound

Lyttelton Harbour

Lake Pukaki

Sumner Beach

Learn more about South Island

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Novotel Christchurch Airport

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

Sudima Christchurch Airport

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Garden Court Suites And Apartments

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Lakes Edge Lodge

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

More cheap stays in South Island

High Country Motel and Backpackers

Carnmore Hagley Park

Nomads Queenstown Backpackers

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Tailor Made Tekapo - Hostel

Hotels in South Island with star-rating

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Best time to go to South Island