Backpacking
If you’re travelling with a pack on your back, there are hundreds of places to rest your head and share stories with like-minded people. New Zealand’s backpacker lodges and youth hostels have a reputation for being clean and comfortable. Very good value too!

Some lodges are individually owned and operated, others are part of a backpackers’ network.

Room types vary from lodge to lodge. Some only offer dormitory rooms (single sex on request), others provide a choice of dormitory, double, twin and single rooms. In most cases, bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. Communal dining and living areas are great for meeting people and finding out about where to go next.

If you’re not travelling with a sleeping bag, you can hire bed linen. Laundry facilities are available so you can catch up on washing.

Luxury
Let your love of spectacular food, five star wines and designer living quarters drive you to explore the top end of New Zealand’s accommodation market. Golf and fishing lodges, boutique hotels and restored historic homes are ready to inject large amounts of style into your visitor experience. Not only will you enjoy food and wine that showcases New Zealand’s commitment to haute cuisine, you can have a lot of fun building up an appetite.

Depending on where you stay, trout fishing, sailing, golf, skiing, rafting and hiking are activities that will prepare you for an evening of gourmet indulgence. Often your hotel or lodge will provide a guide to ensure you have the best possible time.

You can take for granted the highest standard of service, and the softest pillows. You can also expect a breathtaking view – the sea, a river, a lake, forest or geothermal phenomena, depending on the location of your lodge.

Guest & Hosted
For a closer connection to New Zealand’s people and culture, visitors can choose to stay in a more ‘home-like’ environment. There are many establishments around the country that provide an unpackaged, sociable style of accommodation. They include home and farm stays, bed & breakfast accommodation, country inns, guest houses, and character and heritage homes.

You can expect a comfortable, attractive bedroom often with tea and coffee making facilities, a television and a phone. Your bathroom could be ensuite, private or shared. Lounge and dining areas are usually shared with other guests. In most cases, breakfast is included in the price. Lunches and dinners are optional extras.

The local knowledge of hosts and staff will enhance your holiday in New Zealand. You’ll find out about activities and attractions, good picnic spots, recommended restaurants and much more. When you wave goodbye, you’ll leave with interesting memories of your stay.


Self Contained & Serviced
If you like independence and privacy, self-contained motel units, motor lodges and motor inns, apartments and holiday homes will fit your accommodation brief perfectly.

Motels congregate on main driving routes, so they’re generally easy to find. Usually you’ll be offered a choice of units - studio, one bedroom or two bedroom. All units have tea, coffee and toast facilities, most will have TV and many will have cooking facilities. Larger motels often have facilities similar to hotels - swimming pool, spa, sauna, in-house video, laundry, breakfast, restaurant and so on.

Motor inns and motor lodges offer a similar level of accommodation as Motels.

Serviced apartments are an option when you’re staying in a major city or resort town. Many are a similar price to a high quality hotel suite, but you’ll have the ability to cook your own meals and do your own laundry. They offer daily or regular servicing.

Renting a holiday home, for a short or long stay, gives you the luxury of a whole house to yourself. Sometimes described as ‘baches’ or ‘cribs’, holiday homes are found in idyllic locations beside beaches, rivers, lakes and forests.

Holiday Parks
Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans. Many parks also have simple cabins, self-contained motel units and backpackers’ lodges. The casual living style helps to create a friendly atmosphere.

If you’re setting up camp or parking a motorhome, you can choose a powered or non-powered site. Easy access to a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities is always part of the deal. Often you’ll also have the use of a dining area and a comfortable TV lounge. Motel units and backpackers’ lodges generally have self-contained kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Families are attracted to holiday parks that have play areas, heated swimming pools, trampolines and barbecues. Bicycles, canoes and boats can sometimes be hired.

Large international chains are mostly found in the major cities – Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They’re also located in key holiday destinations, such as Rotorua and Queenstown.

Character and boutique hotels, which range from heritage buildings to purpose built facilities in stunning regional locations, vary in price according to their level of luxury. Hosts are welcoming and provide insight into the local culture and attractions.