New Zealand Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Kiwi House, Christchurch: Best value hostel in Christchurch

by ChristinaHegele

This Japanese-run hostel is the best value hostel in Christchurch, and I’ve been to a few. It is frequented by mostly Asian travellers and holders of working holiday visas, and offers both nightly, weekly and monthly stays/rates.

Location:
It is not in the four avenues area of Christchurch, but not far from it, meaning that you can easily walk into town in 15 minutes, and it’s a pleasant walk. If you have a car, I would recommend to stay here, as they have free secure (locked gate) parking in the courtyard. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

Hostel set-up and facilities:
The hostel is behind locked gates and can only be entered by ringing the bell from the pavement. This doesn’t mean it’s in a bad area – not at all. It just means that visitors cannot just enter the hostel like they could in so many other hostels in Christchurch, and this gives peace of mind to those that are staying a little longer at KiwiHouse.
There are two kitchens, which are well equipped and well organised but can get crowded. Nice homey feel though. There’s also a TV lounge, a garden, laundry facilities and clothes line and a garden, and free parking in the big parking lot in the courtyard. There are enough bathrooms, I never had to wait in line for a shower, and everything is very clean.

Rooms:
I stayed in a 6-bed dorm and an 8-bed dorm. Although the 6-bed dorm was tiny, space was still maximised in a way that you could stow away your belongings efficiently. Beds are bunks, and I found them slightly bigger and more stable than in other hostels. The 8-bed dorm had enough storage and space to feel comfy, good ventilation too.

Staff:
Staff were extremely kind and very helpful and accommodating.

Atmosphere:
Homey, friendly, Asian hospitality and guests, not a party hostel.

I can recommend the Big Kiwi House (there’s a small one too, which I have not stayed at and hence cannot comment on) to anyone seeking a clean, safe, convenient, quiet and cheap place to stay in Christchurch, especially if you stay for longer than just 2 nights.

Buscot Station Omarama: Excellent hostel in Mackenzie country, New Zealand

by ChristinaHegele

Buscot Station is a working sheep and cattle station, situated in Mackenzie country, close to Omarama. On arrival you can’t help but notice the beautiful roses and the huge, well-tended garden as you drive up to the homestead.
The main house is essentially the owner Tony’s home and holds more bathrooms and private rooms. He shares his lovely kitchen, dining room, living room and veranda with all travelers, providing guests with a home-stay experience, not just with a warm bed and shower.

Tony is really kind, attentive and friendly, and you will feel welcome and well cared for from the moment you enter his home. The charming living room is full of pictures, antiques, books and DVDs.
The dormitory is in a separate building, has 10 or so good quality, single beds all made up, and includes a small bathroom. The spacious room is clean, nicely decorated, and no two beds are the same. I am normally not a fan of big dorm rooms, but this one has such an eclectic and homey flair and is actually very pleasant to stay in.
If you want a truly personal experience out in the country, choose Tony’s place. He really loves what he does, taking care of his land and sharing his property, and has a genuine interest in his traveling guests. What results from that is great company and outstanding hospitality in beautiful surroundings.

Turtle Cove: Cozy, charming hostel in Whitianga

by Gypsygirl05

This hostel is reminiscent of a beach house. The dorm rooms are smaller than most, and I was there during a slow period so I got my own room. The kitchen/living area is really nice, and they have a pretty sizeable collection of movies for guests to watch at their leisure. They also have a great porch out back. It's close to downtown and the owners are very helpful; they gave me some good tips about which places to visit in the Coromandel.

Great location and atmosphere

Base Backpackers: Standard hostel

by Gypsygirl05

I tend to avoid large chain hostels, but I stayed here. There's not much exciting about the place - pretty standard rooms, clean but without any defining features. They do have a pool. The best part about the place was its location - close to downtown and it overlooked Kuirau Park, which offers free viewings of mud pools (I have a whole tip concerning it). Overall, not exciting but it did its job.

YHA Mt cook

by hamgu77

Enjoyed the trekking at Mt cook. Clear sky..good weather for photography :)

Maui Motorhomes: Motorhome Rental New Zealand North Island

by BobandHua

We rented a Motorhome. First timers. Great experience. Two families of three travelling together but needing some space too.
Rented two motorhomes. We upgraded to a 6 birth but with Manual gearbox. They stayed in a 4 birth with Automatic. Both great. The two 11 year old boys thought it was cool sleeping over the cab. We adults had plenty of room on the lower deck.
It was great being able to drive through the countryside and choose campgrounds at random on the GPS. Mostly stayed at the "Top Ten" brand places. All good.

Different if you are used to staying in 5 star hotels usually. But different can be fun. Couldn't bring ourselves to cook in that little kitchen every night though. Had to try some of NZ's great restaurants. Venison at a Stone Grill place is Excellent!

Lemon Tree: Lemon Tree

by shearere

I stayed here for a few weeks while I was in need of money. The hostel staff is incredibly useful, they will find you work on the numerous vineyards in the area and as far as I'm aware you're pretty much guaranteed it, as long as they have room for you in their hostel and/or camping area. they also got us some work in a jam factory (which is not as bad as it sounds) when we got a bit fed up of the vineyard work. The works not great but it's easy to get and for that I would highly recommend this hostel. It is also a great place to meet people, I made so many friends here and enjoyed the experience so much!

Novotel Wellington: Novotel accomodation

by misoluva

We were supposed to get the sea view room, but because we arrived too early, the room wasnt ready so settled for a room on a lower floor.
Got a room with 2 double beds. Very comfortable, clean and modern.
TV is payview - which means you pay if you want to watch a movie etc. There were channels you could watch for free, but they were pretty boring.
Mini bar loaded and very tempting, but be careful because it aint cheap.
Didnt spend much time in the room, was out sight seeing majority of the time.

Modern room
Comfortable beds
Clean
Did feel like you were in 4 star accomodation
Restraunt down below

All Seasons: Cheap handy accomodation Auckland Central

by misoluva

You get what you pay for. Very very small and tiny. Just compact.
You get all the basics.
Bathroom is small too. So small it feels like you can have a shower on the toilet.
Its okay. Tidy and did i mention small!
Staff are helpful. And the location of the hotel is perfect. Its easy to walk past because the buidling is plain. Its central to everything, just around the corner from Skycity(2min walk) and easy access to catching the airport bus and central buses. Its just off Queen St.

Easy access to public transport and Skycity.
Central to everything

Ventura Inn & Suites Auckland Airport: Recommended Auckland Airport Hotel

by axelebert

Good value, friendly staff, free shuttle to/from Auckland airport, free Internet in lobby.

All you need for a stopover.

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