Find hotels in South Island from CA $60

Top reasons to visit South Island

• Breathtaking Scenery: South Island boasts stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and picturesque coastlines, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Adventure Activities: From hiking and skiing to scenic cruises, the island offers a plethora of thrilling experiences.
• Charming Towns: Explore friendly communities like Queenstown and Nelson, each with its own unique character.
• Wine Tours: Enjoy delightful wine tours that showcase the region’s local flavours and vineyards.
• Relaxing Hot Springs: Unwind in soothing hot springs, perfect for a peaceful retreat after your adventures.

Find great hotels near South Island

Explore the stunning South Island of New Zealand with a variety of hotel accommodation options tailored to your needs. From luxurious hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, you can find the ideal spot for your adventure, whether you're seeking a hot spring retreat or a thrilling ski vacation. Discover the best hotels in South Island that offer exceptional services and unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.

• The Godley Hotel: Nestled 11.3km from South Island, The Godley Hotel offers a unique hot spring adventure experience, perfect for those seeking relaxation and thrill. This 3-star property features nearby natural hot springs, allowing guests to unwind in soothing waters. Adventurous spirits can partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including horse riding, hiking, snow tubing, windsurfing, and waterskiing, making it a great choice for thrill-seekers. With its stunning surroundings and ample recreational options, The Godley Hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
• Lake Tekapo Village Motel: A 3.5-star motel located 11.3km from South Island, Lake Tekapo Village Motel is an ideal retreat for ski enthusiasts and hot spring lovers. Guests can easily access ski shuttles and lifts, ensuring a seamless skiing experience. The property boasts nearby natural hot springs, providing a perfect après-ski relaxation option. With its combination of comfort and outdoor adventure, Lake Tekapo Village Motel is perfect for travellers looking to enjoy both winter sports and soothing natural settings.
• Lakes Edge Holiday Park: Situated 11.3km from South Island, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is an eco-certified lodging option for environmentally conscious travellers. This property emphasizes sustainability while offering comfortable accommodations amidst nature. With its commitment to eco-friendly practices, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of South Island while minimizing their environmental footprint. Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, Lakes Edge Holiday Park ensures a memorable and responsible vacation experience.

Where to stay near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking romance. Discover picturesque landscapes and friendly communities in charming towns like Queenstown and Nelson. Enjoy stunning beaches along the coast, perfect for family-friendly activities or quiet strolls. The southern hemisphere's natural beauty beckons with opportunities to hike, explore, and relax, ensuring an unforgettable vacation filled with scenic vistas and warm hospitality.

• Lake Tekapo: Nestled approximately 11.3km from South Island, Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor offerings. This charming suburb attracts visitors throughout the year, peaking in April and during the holiday season from December to January. It’s an ideal location for couples seeking a romantic getaway or anyone wanting to bask in breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include the beautiful lake and the adjacent national park, perfect for hiking and exploration. Don’t miss the local spa and body treatment facilities for relaxation after a day of adventure.
• Tekapo: Located about 12.9km from South Island, Tekapo shares a similar allure with its picturesque views and outdoor activities. Visitor numbers peak in the summer months from November to January, making it a lively destination during that time. The suburb offers a plethora of options for recreation, along with several spa and wellness facilities. For those who appreciate nature, the nearby lake and national park provide ample opportunities for exploration. Whether you're here for relaxation or adventure, Tekapo offers the perfect blend for a memorable visit.
• Mount Dobson: Situated roughly 16.1km from South Island, Mount Dobson is the perfect spot for adventure seekers. With a peak travel period in March and over the Christmas holidays, this suburb provides a plethora of outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, from hiking trails to shopping areas, all with stunning mountain views. The proximity to the national park and picturesque lake offers a delightful backdrop for any adventure. Whether you’re looking to shop, hike, or simply soak in the scenery, Mount Dobson has something for everyone.

Things to do near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike, offering breathtaking scenery and a variety of activities. Explore picturesque hiking trails, embark on sightseeing trips, enjoy scenic cruises, and take memorable day trips. Wine tours in the region also provide a delightful experience for those looking to savour local flavours. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, South Island has something special for every visitor.

Shopping

Explore the vibrant shopping scene in South Island, where you can find unique gifts at The Colombo in Christchurch. For local crafts, visit the Nelson Market, and don’t miss the designer boutiques at Cashel Street. Each spot offers a distinct taste of Kiwi culture and creativity.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Lake Tekapō Regional Park, where you can unwind amidst stunning landscapes. Tee off at The Cairns Golf Course for a refreshing round surrounded by nature. For sports enthusiasts, McLean Park offers vibrant energy and facilities to enjoy various outdoor activities.

Adventure

The Hooker Valley Track, located 38.6km from South Island, offers breathtaking scenery and a thrilling hiking experience amidst stunning landscapes. The Roundhill Ski Area, 14.5km away, provides exhilarating skiing opportunities for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, 37.0km from South Island, invites adventurers to explore its captivating outdoor trails.

Nightlife

The South Island nightlife offers unique experiences like the Mount John Observatory, just 9.7km away, where you can gaze at the stars in a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, visit the Dark Sky Project, 11.3km away, for an enchanting evening under the celestial skies.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Island

To save money on your trip to South Island, New Zealand, consider visiting in June or August to September when prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturday is the cheapest day to stay, while Monday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare room rates and refine your options, including eco-certified hotels. Additionally, bundling your hotel with flights and activities can lead to instant savings, making your trip more budget-friendly.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Island are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around South Island about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Island is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around South Island is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your South Island hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways, featuring stunning lakes, soothing hot springs, and charming churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's breathtaking scenery while exploring cultural attractions. Whether you're looking for adventure in nature or a peaceful retreat, South Island offers a variety of experiences that cater to both outdoor lovers and those seeking a romantic ambiance.

• Lake Tekapo: Nestled just 3.2km from South Island, Lake Tekapo offers stunning turquoise waters surrounded by majestic mountains. It's perfect for romantic strolls along the beach and enjoying breathtaking outdoor scenery, making it a top spot for nature lovers.
• Church of the Good Shepherd: Located 11.3km away, this charming church is a cultural gem. Its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo makes it a popular site for photography and reflection, showcasing the region's rich heritage.
• Tekapo Springs: Also 11.3km from South Island, Tekapo Springs is a serene hot spring destination. Ideal for wellness and relaxation, visitors can unwind in natural thermal pools while enjoying the outdoor surroundings, making it a perfect retreat.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. December is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	45.0°F (7.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to South Island

For your trip to South Island, New Zealand, you can fly into three major airports. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is approximately 170.6km away, with nearby hotels like LyLo Christchurch and Sudima Christchurch City, both offering convenient access and transportation services, including airport shuttles. Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), located around 186.7km away, features excellent hotel options such as the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and The Rees Hotel, also providing easy airport access. Lastly, Dunedin International Airport (DUD) is about 226.9km from South Island, with accommodations like Bella Vista Motel Mosgiel, ensuring a comfortable stay close to the airport.