Accommodation Definitions
New Zealand has many fine accommodation options, with something to suit everyone, and every budget.
Options include hotels, backpackers, motels, exclusive luxury lodges and health and spa resorts.
Find an accommodation operator in New Zealand that is just right for you.
If you are unsure what kind of accommodation you would like, browse through the brief descriptions below.
Apartments
Apartments generally offer the traveller the modern comforts of home. Some contain self catering facilities while others are fully serviced.
Units range from studio type accommodation through to penthouse suites. Many offer longer-term occupancy rates.
View apartment accommodation in New Zealand.
Backpackers
New Zealand has hundreds of backpacker hostels and lodges throughout the country.
Facilities range from dormitory style accommodation with shared cooking facilities through to single rooms and more exclusive offerings.
Some are conveniently located in central city locations while other are quietly situated in out-of-the-way places. Prices are very reasonable and reflect the New Zealand backpacking experience.
View backpacker accommodation in New Zealand.
Bed and Breakfasts
This type of accommodation has become very popular and offers a chance to meet and interact with New Zealanders.
Standard bed and breakfast accommodation is usually within the hosts own home--some are modern houses while others may be historical homesteads.
Alternatively some boutique or small private hotels and guesthouses also quite often offer a bed and breakfast service. Breakfast is part of this type of accommodation and many can also arrange an evening meal if required.
View bed and breakfast accommodation in New Zealand.
Camping and Holiday Parks
Scattered throughout New Zealand are hundreds of camp grounds and holiday parks.
Prices start at less than $10 per person for a tent site. Some offer basic facilities such as powered and non-powered sites for tents and camper vans while others have a range of accommodation including cabins, caravans, self contained tourist flats and motel units.
Many are located close to popular holiday areas near beaches, rivers and lakes or close to city attractions. Most camp grounds and holiday parks are family orientated with children's playgrounds and many will have communal areas for cooking, dining or watching TV.
View camping and holiday park accommodation in New Zealand.
Farmstays
Farmstay accommodation can offer a real opportunity to get to know New Zealand's farming environment, lifestyle and people.
Many of these farmstays are situated in a rural setting either within family home or they offer separate self contained accommodation.
Farm types are varied and include agricultural (i.e. cropping) or horticultural (i.e. kiwifruit) units through to livestock farms (i.e. sheep). Depending on the season the opportunity may arise to participate in farming activities.
View farmstay accommodation in New Zealand.
Holiday Homes
A lot of New Zealand people own a holiday home that they rent out when they are not using them. Many are often situated in the more popular locations close to beaches while some are hidden away in quiet surroundings.
Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation available and include cabins, cottages, baches and houses. All generally offer full kitchen facilities and are available for short or long term stays.
View holiday home accommodation in New Zealand.
Homestays
New Zealanders offering homestay accommodation really enjoy meeting people and visitors are treated as special guests.
Often well travelled themselves, hosts will share local knowledge, experiences and culture. With comfortable surroundings, many are situated outside the inner city boundaries but close to major facilities and transport.
View homestay accommodation in New Zealand.
Hotels
New Zealand has a range of hotels from world-class establishments in the main centres and resort areas, to smaller country pubs and boutique hotels. In addition several local hotel chains offer excellent facilities in many locations throughout the country.
All major hotels have a range of room sizes and types with many having room service, restaurant and bar facilities. Additional extras often include a swimming pool and gymnasium. Prices vary depending on location and overall facilities.
View hotel accommodation in New Zealand.
Lodges and Retreats
These include budget ski lodges through to luxury, exclusive, sporting and country lodges or retreats.
Often they are hidden away in the more isolated parts of New Zealand close to mountains, lakes and rivers or situated in native forests or beside the sea.
The more exclusive lodges or retreats are often purpose built or lovingly restored character homesteads with many also offering professional guides for the area plus a wide range of activities.
View lodge and retreat accommodation in New Zealand.
Motels and Motor Lodges
This category covers one of the more popular forms of accommodation in New Zealand and provides clean and comfortable lodgings.
Prices are mid range but depend on the overall facilities offered and the unit type. Smallest in size is the one room studio with one, two, or three bedroom units also available. Most units have a fully equipped kitchen and separate bathroom as well as a phone and TV.
Large motel complexes are often similar to hotels in their service and features.
View motel accommodation in New Zealand.
Resorts and Health Spas
These exclusive purpose built resorts offer top-of-the-line facilities or specialist accommodation such as health spas. Locations include some of New Zealand's finest tourist destinations such as the Bay of Islands, or Rotorua.
Resorts have fully equipped restaurants, with many having swimming pools, spas, tennis courts and golf courses.
