South Island Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Steeples Cottage, Westport: The Ultimate in relaxation

by amandajayne81

WOW! This place had a fantastic view over the ocean. It was the ultimate place to have a relaxing few days and we were in the cottage which was fully self contained with a kitchen that contained double the cutlery, crockery, cooking equipment, etc than I have at home. Full size fridge, washing machine, the list goes on.

There was also a room that didn't look much more than a room and bathroom but would be handy to have if you were travelling with others (no beach view). Nearby pub and town is about 10mins drive away.

Not a huge amount of things to do around Westport but that can be a good thing if you just want to relax.

About 3-4 hours drive from Christchurch from memory.

THE VIEW!

WOTIF: Discount Rates Throughout the Country

by DSwede

WOTIF is a webbased discount accommodation and travel site. It started in Sydney and quickly spread to many other countries, but among the first was New Zealand.

There are hundreds of listings for hotels, motels, backpackers, hostels, B&B's, pensions, etc. in even the smallest of towns and villages.

It is a great search engine to find contact details, addresses and map locations.

Possibly the best thing about the site is that it will generate a matrix table of all hotels, listing "bunk" rate, discount rate and availability.

There are temporary "hot" deals that are significantly discounted. Also, there are mystery hotels where you may choose a star-rating level and price, only to find the hotel name and address after booking. These are offered and substantial discount and

I have used it a few times and have saved a minimum of 10% compared to the hotel's published rates.

High Peaks Hotel: Fox Glacier - High Peaks Hotel

by amandajayne81

We struggled to find accommodation at either of the Glaciers over the period we stayed (Jan 1st and 2nd) but eventually found this one. It cost us $420 NZ for the two nights and we were expecting it to be really nice. Whilst it was definitely comfortable and spacious we were surprised that we didn't even have a fridge! Just a cooler. This was not great as my fiance had medication that needed to be kept quite cold and I don't think that this was enough. It was close enough to walk to the village if you had time but we drove. There were great views of the Glacier from out the front of the hotel but not from the rooms. Laundry etc on site which was handy and very clean.

Restaurant on site but we didn't use it and neither did many other people that we saw.

Internet access in the office was quite expensive.

Deco's Backpackers: Worst Hospitality Experience of my Life

by renaldorf

I'm a tourism graduate, working with hospitality for 5 years, and I must tell ya: don't ever plan to stay at this hostel. After 3 days I saw the manager with bad manners with an English couple. So, on my 7th of 10 days, I arrived and there was were no blankets for me. I tried to sleep without it, but I couldn't, even wearing gloves. On the other day I had to listen lot's of bad words (*uck, *hit, etc) from the "manager", complaining because I took another bed's blanket. He forgot about me because it was the Japanese's bed (he left 2 days before). I still had 3 more nights, but he said I owed him money because he made a special week price for me and told he would call the cops if I didn't get out of there (!). I'm mature and professional enough to know this person is in the wrong business. That was, undoubtly, the WORST hospitality experience I've ever had in my life.

Free WIFI connection

295 on Tay: One of the best

by TheWanderingCamel

When we're on the road in NZ and just making an overnight stop, we usually opt for a motel in a convenient location, taking pot luck as we arrive in a town. We've always been quite happy with what we've found - clean, comfortable acommodation with good facilities at a reasonable price - nothing particularly marvellous but perfectly satisfactory.

So, 295 on Tay in Invercargill was set to be just another of these bookings, but ...

it was truly excellent. They were quite full and all that was available was a 2 bedroom unit which they gave to us at a lower rate as we were just a couple. Talk about a honme from home - 2 spacious bedrooms, a comfortable living/dining area with a flat screen television, DVD player and sound system, another flat screen in the bedroom, spa bath, a fully fitted kitchen and, tucked away behind folding doors a complete laundry (washing machine, tumble dryer, trough, ironing board, the lot).

It's all very new, spotlessly clean and well-cared for, with (as is always the way in New Zealand - there's definitely something in the water there) very friendly proprieters. We usually don't bother booking for nights like this, but I know that if we return to Invercargill we'll make sure we've booked ahead to ensure a room at 295 on Tay.

Freedom Camping is Getting more Difficult: General Information on Wild (Freedom) Camping

by Kakapo2

Generally it is allowed to park your campervan on any carpark in New Zealand over night, and so save on costs for staying at campgrounds.

However, many councils are getting tired of cleaning away the mess some tourists leave, like using the lawns around shrubs as toilets, or as a rubbish dump. It has even been discussed by the public if it would be appropriate to charge every incoming tourist with a fee for cleaning up after them.

So you will find more and more places where freedom camping is not allowed anymore. For example, on the carparks surrounding the Abel Tasman National Park you will find such signs, be it the big carpark in Kaiteriteri or along the road in Marahau.

Today (24 Nov 2007) I have read in the paper that the ban on freedom camping in 18 reserves around Kaikoura will be policed this summer. The district councillors have voted to appoint an officer to uphold a bylaw banning overnight camping in those areas.

Other places will follow because the mess has become too much for other travellers who just want to have a picnic at those carparks without stepping into the crap of others.

On the other hand, you will find charge-free campgrounds every now and then. They are mostly in very remote areas, like Lake Ohau or Lake Taylor where it would be too costly to pay a manager. At such places only toilets and running water are provided but no showers or any other comfort. DOC rangers check the facilities on a regular base.

Lake Tekapo - Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers: Lake Tekapo - Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers

by imstress

Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers is a very comfortable and homely place. We stayed in a double room (VIP) with bathroom attached. The kitchen is a shared facilities.

We paid $61 for a double room for one night. This was the most expensive stay throughout our trip. Every cents was worth it.

The kitchen was recycling friendly.

Te Anau - Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers: Te Anau - Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

by imstress

Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers is located on the lakefront of Te Anau town centre.

It has a good view because of its central lakefront location. It is a great base camp for Fiordland hiking, especially Kepler and Milford Tracks. You may book your kayaking, cruising, diving adventures in Milford and Doubtful Sounds tours from the reception.

Internet, TV room , BBQ, and parking are available.
Its the gateway to Milford Sound.

Queenstown - Deco Backpackers: Queenstown - Deco Backpackers

by imstress

Deco Backpackers is located near the Gondola and Luge station.

It has a garden with deck chair where you can enjoy the paranomic view of the town, Remarkables and Lake.

Avoid room #22 at all cost. We stayed there for 2nights. It is located just opposite the toilet where people walk in and out and if you are a light sleeper you will not get much sleep. The wall is thin so you can hear people talking just outside your room because it is where they put a bench for smoking area. We were glad that they could move us to another room the very next day.

You may book the tours directly from the reception as the prices are fixed and they could earn some commissions.

Free coffee every morning. They have a common kitchen but beware of the pity looking dog seeking for food. Free parking availabe along the street.

Frankly speaking, I would not recommend this place. There are many others to choose from.

Lakefront view

Wanaka - Wanaka Bakpaka: Wanaka - Wanaka Bakpaka

by imstress

Wanaka Bakpaka is located at the beachfront with magnificiant view of the lake and mountains.

The dining room has windows with postcard views and it is a stones throw walk to the beautiful lake. It is away from the town hustle but a lakeside stroll to town.

I would rate this as the best BBH throughout my South Island trip.
You have a million dollar view yet you dont have to pay a premium for your stay here.
I would highly recommend Wanaka Backpaka to anyone who stays in Wanaka!

Look out for a book created by all tourist who would share with you their very own BBH experiences. I learnt alot from that book.

Best View!
Big Kitchen!

Explore the World

South Island Hotels

887 Hotels

Other Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Steeples Cottage, Westport: The Ultimate in relaxation

WOTIF: Discount Rates Throughout the Country

High Peaks Hotel: Fox Glacier - High Peaks Hotel

Deco's Backpackers: Worst Hospitality Experience of my Life

295 on Tay: One of the best

Freedom Camping is Getting more Difficult: General Information on Wild (Freedom) Camping

Lake Tekapo - Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers: Lake Tekapo - Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers

Te Anau - Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers: Te Anau - Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers

Queenstown - Deco Backpackers: Queenstown - Deco Backpackers

Wanaka - Wanaka Bakpaka: Wanaka - Wanaka Bakpaka

Explore the World

Ask a Question