Top Hotels in South Island Lodges
Top Things to do in South Island
The 10 best Lodges in South Island, New Zealand
Discover the best Lodges in South Island including Milford Sound Lodge, Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park, Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge, Fiordland Lodge, Lime Tree Lodge, Altamont Lodge, Earnslaw Lodge, Akaroa Waterfront Motels.
Things to do in South Island
1. Milford Sound Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1372 reviews
It is simply not possible to fully experience Milford Sound in a day trip... Stay in Milford to enjoy its pure beauty after the day tripping crowds leave and before they arrive. Just 5 minutes drive from Milford Sound cruise boats, Milford Sound Lodge is ideally located. With picture perfect views of the Cleddau River and surrounding mountains, activity bookings on site, and a cafe and a shop, you won’t find a better base for your time in Fiordland. Choose accommodation that suits your needs – from award winning Premium Chalets to our Rainforest Campervan Sites – and let our friendly staff help you make the most of your time in this World Heritage site. There is so much to do: boat cruises, kayaking, walking and sightseeing, or relaxing and soaking in the beauty of your surroundings. You won’t regret treating yourself to an overnight stay in Milford Sound.
Enchanting Milford Sound Lodge
Reviewed By annabT6161SKThis has to be one of the best hotels in New Zealand. It doesn't really "have" to be because it is literally the only hotel in Milford Sound. It could be a one star bunkhouse, and people would still stay there for people to avoid 5 hours of driving time to their Milford Sound visit. But NO❕The people at Milford Sound Lodge have made this place AMAZING❕ The staff, across the board, without exception, is the epitome of gracious hospitality. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and modern with views you will never forget. The restaurant has some of the best food we've experienced in Oceania. Breakfast is delivered to your room every morning and cannot be missed. Special thanks to Valentina and Becky for your exceptional hospitality.
2. Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Fantastic Hotel without the silly price
Reviewed By Jacqui_D_03The room was clean, warm and quiet and had all the usual extras plus more (tea, coffee percolator, fridge, wine glasses even a corkscrew. The bathroom had bottles of shampoo, conditioner and bodywash and hairdryer. We were able to regulate heating which was great on frosty cold mornings. TV with sky and netflix. Kitchen where you could make meals with a great selection of everything you would need. Open fire was beautiful. Host friendly and informative.
3. Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Overall Ratings
5 based on 233 reviews
We provide two luxury accommodation options: The 2 bedroom luxury Villa and Private Spa including sauna, hot tub, workout room and massage room (breakfast included). The Villa is private and romantic and set in one of the world's most picturesque locations. Meal options available; The 2 bedroom Pukaki Homestead where you will enjoy hosted bed and breakfast accommodation (breakfast included) with unsurpassed views and warm kiwi hospitality. Meal options available.
Paradise *5 Stars*
Reviewed By Louise SHad a most idyllic 3 night stay here with family. The villas are absolutely stunning and love the open fireplace and hot spa outside under the stars. The food was brilliant under the competent chef Rafa. Also had a cooking demonstration and learnt so much, a delicious venison meal with panda cotta to follow,To top it off, it was our birthday and Rafa made a beautiful birthday cake to celebrate. Luke was a most gracious host and full of enthusiasm. We loved the astronomy evening with him with a glass of port. A true delight and 5 star experience.If you have any special requests they will try their best to accomodate. A perfect place for a wedding!!
4. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Kai Ora & welcome to Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park. We are the closest holiday park to Nelson City, located opposite Nelson Hospital and walking distance to shops, supermarkets & takeaway food. We are the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the stunning Nelson/Tasman region. Choose to stay in a studio or one bedroom motel (all fully self contained with SKY TV), kitchen or standard cabin or on site in your campervan, motorhome or RV. Our facilities include children's playground, WiFi, TV room with SKY TV, communal kitchen, coin operated laundry, family & wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Booking agents for all local and Abel Tasman National Park attractions - ask us first as our local knowledge is extensive.
Small
Reviewed By katesvacationtripThis park is quite small but has everything you need. It was undergoing some maintinance when we attended but this was all happening in decent hours. The location is ok, close enough to everything but I would reccomend still having a car if you plan to go out.
5. Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 461 reviews
Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mount Cook Village our accommodation is designed to meet the needs of the budget conscious traveller whilst providing the highest standard of service, cleanliness and comfort.We have 16 ensuite rooms, 24 hr onsite management, reception open 830am-800pm daily with 24hour check in available. Free WiFi is included in the room rate as is free off street parking onsite.
Definitely less than 3 Star
Reviewed By Jaguar40For a prime tourist spot this motel is well below par in terms of basics. Briefly, no electric blankets, no plug in hand basin, torn curtains, bedside light not working, TV had no reception, no heated towel rail which meant we used all 4 towels instead of just one, and being really picky - budget cutlery. This property is not up g to speed for our all-important tourism industry, even if it is meant to be budget - it is still below par. On the positive side, the very hardworking lady in reception was patient and helpful in the extreme.
6. Fiordland Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 409 reviews
Not What I Expected
Reviewed By Mickey123146Disappointing. The thing I was looking forward to most was the food as the reviews and photos looked very good. Also, their sample menu looked amazing. Many choices per course. But this is not the reality, they are only doing a set menu per evening with only one choice per course. We did not like some of the ingredients in two of the courses and therefore did not enjoy them. I feel they need to remove the sample menu from their website, as it is misleading and they should tell people when they book a package deal (accommodation and dinner) that dinner is a set menu with one item per course. Considering there is only one choice I feel they should not be charging $90 per person. Also the eggs benedict my partner ordered in the morning looked like it was a child's portion and had very little salmon. What made this experience worse for me was the fact that it was my 50th birthday so I was hoping for something special. Hopefully when they start serving dinner again in the spring that they will have more choices available. The lodge and the rooms were very comfortable and cozy.
7. Lime Tree Lodge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 196 reviews
Lime Tree Lodge Delight
Reviewed By PHW122019Excellent accommodation. Super staff. Delicious food. Dinner prepared by a young chef who brought in the ingredients and prepared a delicious meal while we chatted with fellow guestd. Recommended as a must stay if visiting this part of NZ. Private patios and beautiful gardens just 2 of the many bonuses.
8. Altamont Lodge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
* Quality, wood-lined 12 bedroom Lodge * Large lounge with cosy wood-burning fire * Large modern, light kitchen/dining area with complimentary tea/coffee * All bedrooms have quality double beds together with a single or in some cases bunk beds as well * Friendly welcoming staff * Separate lounge * Internet available Unlimited Free* Drying room * Laundry * Store room * spa pool, barbecue for guests* Within easy walking distance of down town Wanaka * On the arterial route to probably NZ best 3 ski fields.
Spacious and accommodating stay
Reviewed By 1johnnyboyNine of us stayed after a day at Glendhu Bike Park. Big spacious kitchen and dinning room. Two heat pumps and an open fire. Heaters in bedrooms if needed, beds so good to sleep on. Plenty of utensils in kitchen area. Wine glasses average. Heaps of parking and great out door area including tennis court. Two big fridges, two ovens , heaps of bench space and plenty of tables and chairs to sit and eat. Located close to town ( 10-15 min walk) and Lake. Good flow of water from showers. Lodge lovely and clean This is our 3-4th time we have stayed here, will always come back. Well worth trying the experience.
9. Earnslaw Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 451 reviews
Welcome to Earnslaw Lodge in the picturesque Queenstown. Conveniently located only 950m from Queenstown's vibrant city centre and only 100m from lake Wakatipu. Come and enjoy the spacious and warm studio and apartment style rooms with most offering dramatic views of the lake and Remarkable's mountain range.
Great view
Reviewed By 422nikihThe place seems a little run down and the walls were very thin. Bed was comfortable and the view from the balcony was amazing. There were only 3-4 off-street parks and this was awkward for our tour van with its luggage trailer. The road is very busy but rooms were at the back so noise wasn't too bad. It was great to be able to choose our own breakfast items from the buffet instead of having preselected items delivered to the room.
10. Akaroa Waterfront Motels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
Located in the beautiful, historic French village of Akaroa, just 1.5H from Christchurch. With 24 refurbished units to choose from featuring studio,1, 2 and 3-bedroom units, you can enjoy affordable comfort with the waterfront right at your doorstep. With most units offering views of the water, spacious living and well-equipped kitchens you have everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. We are only a minutes stroll to the art and craft shops, restaurants, cafes and other attractions Akaroa has to offer. You could also relax in our private hot tropical spa pool.
Tranquil setting
Reviewed By scottie186Location was perfect with a beautifull view of the sea and lovelt balcony. Owner was brilliant and even allowed us a late departure. Would definitely recommend for the quietness, good rooms, great view and wonderfull service
