The best accommodations New Zealand

Budget & Tips

In New Zealand, it's relatively easy to stay within budget when it comes to accommodation. At least if you're not too demanding in terms of comfort and convenience!

Freedom of movement and the right of access to nature are so fundamental that many measures are put in place to allow people to move around, to go deep into the bush, to sit by a lake or the sea in a preserved environment, and all at a lower cost. If you want more comfort.

Wild camping is permitted, but is often regulated by local authorities. Be on the lookout for "no overnight camping" signs, indicating that you are not allowed to pitch your tent or van for the night. Generally speaking, if it's not forbidden, it's authorized. However, there are a few golden rules to follow: avoid residential areas and private property, favour places with access to public toilets and, above all, leave no trace. Leave no trace" is THE rule of wilderness exploration in New Zealand. We are guests of nature; what we take with us, we must leave with us.

If you want to be sure of doing the right thing, a phone call to the DOC or Visitor Center will tell you where you can set up camp without risk.

Municipalcampgrounds or DOC campsites. If you don't feel comfortable camping in the wild (or can't find a spot), the next best option in terms of budget will be DOC (Department of Conservation) campgrounds or land made available to travellers by municipalities. In either case, all you need is a large expanse of grass with very basic facilities: toilets (mostly dry, the kind we call "long drop" here), a water point (usually to be treated before use), sometimes (cold) showers and, in the most luxurious of them, a shelter where you can set up in case of rain. Some are free of charge, but most require you to put a bit of money in your wallet to contribute to the upkeep of the premises. You can expect to pay between $8 and $18 per night per person, depending on the amenities provided.

Several applications can help you find the ideal spot: Rankers, WikiCamps, Campermate, or, to search specifically for DOC campsites, NZ DOC Campsite Finder.

Pitch your tent or park your van with locals. Thanks to the "Campable" app, you can get off the beaten track a bit and sleep on a variety of private properties: pubs, vineyards, farms, orchards, or simply someone's lawn or garage front! The price is set by the people hosting you, and depends on what they can provide. It's not always cheaper than a traditional campsite, but you're guaranteed a unique experience close to local life!

Backcountry huts. If you're heading into the backcountry for several days, you'll need to sleep in huts. The most basic and remote are free, or just $5. On the busier trails, you're looking at $15-20. The most famous huts, or those on the Great Walks, can cost up to $70-80 a night. These must be booked online.

For the others, you're on a "first come, first served" basis, and you need to buy a ticket in advance from a DOC or Visitor Centre.

Youth hostels. If you're looking for comfort and camping isn't an option (or if it's time for a real shower after days in the wilderness!), you can't beat hostels in terms of quality/comfort/price.

Many hostels (notably YHA) went out of business in the wake of the pandemic, but the return of tourism in 2023 has allowed many of them to reopen; be sure to check online for the latest news.

Not as widespread as YHA, but still present in the main cities, Nomads and Haka Lodge are good values, offering warm, quality accommodation.

Then there are all the independent, self-catering hostels, and if you take the trouble to look around a bit, you can come across some little nuggets.

The Agoda or Hostelworld applications will help you find the best prices. Expect to pay between $50 and $80 for a bed in a dormitory.

Hotels, lodges, studios, apartments... For travelers looking for a little more comfort, mid-range accommodation in New Zealand offers a wide range of choices, from classic hotels or lodges to studios, apartments, cottages... Expect to pay between $100 and $400, depending on size, location and services offered.

Top of the range. New Zealand's luxury goods industry remains fairly discreet, and options are relatively limited if you're looking for the very top end of the market. In the cities, you'll find a few big names like Hilton, with relatively low prices (from $400-500), but you'll soon be looking at several thousand dollars if you're looking for top-class addresses in exceptional settings!

To be booked

Backcountry huts. Some huts simply require you to buy a ticket in advance (which you then give to the ranger on site or slip into a special box), but others must be booked online. Check the DOC website for rates and details of the huts on your chosen route.

Hostels and hotels. From the most modest to the most luxurious, if you're traveling in high season, it's best to book your accommodation in advance, especially in the big cities. As supply has dwindled since Covid, prices have shot up considerably, and it can be difficult to find a bed or room at the price you expect for the period you want if you book at the last minute.

What's very local

DOC-affiliated housing. It doesn't get much more local than anything run by the DOC (Department of Conservation)!

Remember to bring some change if you plan to stay at a DOC campsite, as this is often the only means of payment. If you're in an area with cell phone coverage, there's likely to be an account number indicated to which you can make a transfer.

Keep the proof of payment and don't try to sneak in, as checks are frequent, and the ranger will come knocking on your window to check that everything is in order!

Book a bach. A "bach" (pronounced "batch") is a vacation home. Book a Bach is a website that lets you rent a family's vacation home at times when they don't plan to use it. Depending on size and location, there's something to suit every taste and budget!

For food lovers

The breakfasts served in the vast majority of establishments are continental breakfasts. Toast is a constant, followed by milk, cereals, yoghurt, pancakes, muffins, scones, fruit or pastries, depending on the establishment, usually accompanied by tea or coffee.

That said, it's quite common in New Zealand to go out for breakfast in a café. Cheese scones and all the variations of eggs on to ast (fried, scrambled, poached, etc.) accompanied by the iconic flat white are the great classics of this first meal of the day.