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Hotels, Resorts & Boutique Lodges
Almost all the luxury hotel and resort chains are housed in New Zealand. Most of the accommodation facilities are located in the international gateway cities such as Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. All the accommodation facilities can be booked well in advance through the internet. The accommodation facilities meet the international standards and are highly acredited for quality of service. There are many resorts that cater to winter sports such as skiing, snow boarding etc.
Motels
Motels in New Zealand are popular with travelers who like staying in "a place of their own". Varying in size from perhaps two units to ten or twenty units or more, motels offer a high, often superior, standard of accommodation with many of the comforts of home, usually including telephone and television. The fully self-contained individual units usually have one or two bedrooms, bathroom and toilet, plus areas for dining/daytime and well-equipped kitchens. Smaller "studio" units, again self-contained but possibly without full kitchen facilities, are available at some motels. Generally, motel units are serviced daily. Car parking is usually provided right by your door. They're to be found throughout the country we list (without endorsement) nearly 1200 and they are most numerous at or near New Zealand's main holiday spots and major tourist attractions. Advance booking is recommended during peak holiday periods but at other times it's easy just to travel and stay where you wish. Rates for motels vary according to grading; an independent company, Qualmark, assesses most motels, hotels and holiday parks in New Zealand and assigns star grading ranging from one up to five. The tariff is set on a single and double rate with minimal extra charges for extra adults, and less for children under 12 years.
 Backpacker Hostels and Lodges
Independent travelers in New Zealand can access a network of some 350 backpacker hostels and lodges, which generally have fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and common areas where guests are able to meet and exchange information with other freewheeling travelers. Many hostels are open to all-comers, open all day, and there are no curfews, no morning chores. Others are part of an organization, such as YHA (affiliated with Hostelling International) and Budget Backpacker Hostels. New Zealand hostels are characteristically clean and tidy with a friendly atmosphere. They vary in size from about 10 beds up to 300 or so. Most beds are in shared rooms and dormitories. Beds in single-sex dormitories are generally available on request. Double and twin rooms are also available at most hostels. The prices listed are, in most cases, per person per night and include GST. Linen and blankets may be hired, or you may find some hostels have them free, but you'll probably have your own sleeping bag.
 Farmstays
Farmstays are a popular option for people who like to "get their hands dirty" to get involved in real, everyday farm activities. On some farms you'll be staying in a typical rural family home, sharing family meals. On others you'll be offered comfortable, self-contained accommodation. And most farmstays provide opportunities to experience "hands on" farm work of various kinds, depending on the kind of farm and time of year. Farmstay breaks may also enable easy access to such outdoor activities as fishing, skiing, canoeing or kayaking, and horse trekking.
Homestays
Homestays are another way of seeing New Zealand and meeting local people. Generally they are a bit like a farmstay and B&B combined. You'll be a guest perhaps the only one in a private family home and, while you pay for your stay, you will find that most homestay owners are in business as much to meet people and make friends. And, whether your stay is in a town or city, or in a rural area, your hosts will be able to give you the benefit of local knowledge about the attractions and activities to be found nearby.
Campervans or Motor Homes
Travelling by campervan or motor home is a popular way to explore New Zealand. You can stay longer in places you really like, or move on sooner when the weather is bad. It's great, too, to be able to stop in scenic spots, prepare a meal and sit back and enjoy the view. The main centers for campervan rental, where you will get the greatest choice, are Auckland and Christchurch but hire is also possible. in Wellington Nelson and Queenstown. If you are traveling between the North Island and South Island remember that to use the ferry will add to your costs and at peak time will require advance booking. |
New Zealand provides a vast range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preference. From five-star hotels, to friendly bed and breakfasts, to affordable backpacker accommodation. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a family motel, a budget backpacker, a homely bed & breakfast, a holiday home or a spacious holiday park, the Qualmark identifies quality assured accommodation suitable for any type of traveler. Accommodation providers have undergone a rigorous assessment and licensing process to become part of the Qualmark licensing system. They will meet your essential requirements of cleanliness, safety, security and comfort; and offer a range and quality of services appropriate to their star grade. Accommodation providers are also assessed on environmental performance.
