What are the styles of accommodation available in New Zealand?

Where to stay

New Zealand has a wide range of accommodation styles to suit every taste, budget and requirement from self-contained motels to luxurious lodges, from spacious apartments to 4 star hotels and even the occasional hobbit house!

We carefully select the properties we recommend to ensure they meet our high quality standards and we monitor these standards by actively visiting properties and following up on the feedback we receive from guests.

Location

Location is an important factor when choosing somewhere to stay, especially in larger cities. In Auckland and Wellington many of our competitor's tours use accommodation in the suburbs of Epsom in Auckland or Lower Hutt in Wellington. These locations are far from convenient (Epsom is 10km from Auckland City center and Lower Hutt is 16 km from Wellington City center). Staying in these locations might save a small amount of money but this is quickly swallowed up by the extra driving and inconvenience of traveling and parking in the city - after all its the city you want to experience, not the suburbs. Our itineraries and tours use properties which are in great locations and close proximity to the attractions you want to see.

Value For Money

Value for money should also be a key consideration. The relative price of a property shouldn't be confused with the quality. For example a 4 star city center hotel in a large city might cost the same as a 3 star hotel in a smaller town or even a good motel. The city will have lots of competition to contend with, good occupancy rates and so those elements dictate the price to some extent. A small town with just the one hotel can charge a little more.

Remember we can mix and match any style of accommodation to an itinerary or tour. You could, for instance, stay in motels for the majority of your vacation but add a couple of nights enjoying a more luxurious lodge to experience some variety.

Motels

The motels we recommend in New Zealand are of a very high standard. Services and facilities on offer can in most cases be comparable to hotels. Costs can also be comparable with hotels, particularly in the small popular locations such as Kaikoura and the West Coast Glaciers where accommodation options and types are limited. One of the most useful features of motel accommodation is the self-contained facilities. At a minimum studio units will have cooking utensils, a hot plate and or microwave, toaster, kettle, crockery and cutlery. Other room types will have more comprehensive facilities such as a full kitchen. This is great if you prefer to prepare your own meals. Other facilities can include saunas, spas and swimming pools and some also offer a full breakfast service. Motels also have a good choice of room types such as 2 bedroom or family units, making them a very economical choice for a family or larger group. The motels we offer are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine interest in their region and are keen to share it with you.

3 Star Hotel

The star rating for hotels generally applies to the facilities and services a hotel may have at your disposal and not necessarily the quality or value of those services. This is where our local first-hand knowledge makes your selection easier. Throughout New Zealand there are some fantastic 3 star hotels that offer great service in great locations. Even within the same hotel room types and hotel wings can vary enormously, our tours only use and recommend the room type that we know is the best for your specific requirements. All our 3 star hotels have restaurant facilities and we can include pre-booked meals in the total tour cost if you prefer. Note that for smaller destinations such as Coromandel, Kaikoura, Akaroa, etc., there may not be any hotel style accommodation; therefore an alternative style will be suggested.

4 Star Hotel

Our 4 star hotel range is immense and each one is selected and recommended for its location and room types. Many of the hotels in this category have a range of room styles such as standard/deluxe/superior, lake view, mountain view, suites etc. Many also have 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can offer great value for a larger family or groups traveling together. 4 star hotels generally have swimming pools, gyms, a choice of restaurants and in most cases are a little closer to town centers or occupy premium positions compared to a 3 star property.

Apartments

Like motels, our apartments are self-contained accommodation, but they generally have full kitchen facilities, larger living areas and access to laundry facilities.  These are perfect for people wanting to prepare their own meals and the range of apartment size from 1 bedroom up to 3 bedrooms, makes them ideal for families and large groups. 

Luxury Apartments

Luxury apartments offer the same range of facilities as apartments, but with that extra level of luxury and often in premier locations.  Extra facilities might also include a swimming pool, restaurant or even a golf course.

Boutique Lodges and Hotels

Boutique Lodges and Hotels in New Zealand are often quoted by our guests as some of the best they have experienced. You might find yourself in a unique purpose built property, or an historic home that has been thoughtfully converted to accommodate discerning guests in quality surroundings. These premier properties provide intimate accommodation including a delightful breakfast as part of their Bed and Breakfast service.  All the properties we recommend have en suite bathrooms and very comfortable and private bedrooms. Occupying enviable positions or situated in a great suburb close to the action these properties are often owned and hosted by enthusiastic kiwi ambassadors and will definitely be a highlight of your New Zealand experience.

Luxury Lodges and Hotels

New Zealand is world famous for its luxury and exclusive lodges and hotels. Ranging from some of the finest city center cosmopolitan properties to purpose built lodges occupying prime locations in fantastic positions. Luxury Lodges in New Zealand afford guests every comfort and service. Often inclusive of dinner their in house chefs prepare some of the finest cuisine in the country and you dine among some of the finest settings. Lodges also provide services such as local fishing and hunting guides, walking guides, helicopter tours, in house massage and treatment facilities plus much more. Our luxury and 5 star hotels are globally recognized as some of the best.

Still not sure which accommodation option is right for you? Contact us to get the best advice.