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The best beach hotels in South Island

Check out our pick of great beach hotels in South Island

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+

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Beachfront
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Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments provides beachfront accommodation in Kaikoura. The property features sea and mountain views, and is 200 metres from Kaikoura Beach. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi, free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station. Very friendly staffs. Clean, cozy, and comfortable room.

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9.2
Superb
1,668 reviews
Price from
US$115
per night

Located in Hokitika, 1.5 km from Hokitika Beach, Hokitika's Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels has a garden, parking on-site and rooms with free WiFi access. This 4-star holiday park offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The holiday park features family rooms as well as facilities for disabled guests. The manager was very nice and very accommodating. There was someone already in our rooms so he gave us an upgrade which was great.

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9.3
Superb
1,109 reviews
Price from
US$63
per night

Featuring quiet street views, Amberlea Cottages features accommodation with balcony, around 1.1 km from Hokitika Beach. There is a private entrance at the holiday home for the convenience of those who stay. The holiday home offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. The communication prior to check-in was incredibly clear. That made for a seamless check-in process. Proximity to the town centre was easy, but far enough away to not be affected by town or highway noise.

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9.3
Superb
1,244 reviews
Price from
US$121
per night

Offering studio rooms for 1 or 2 people and family rooms for up to 6 people, this property includes rooms with cooking facilities and ensuite bathrooms. Free parking is available on-site.

Located in a quiet, rural setting your motel room is a couple of minutes walk through the sand dunes to the majestic Haast Beach, a wonderful place to watch the sun setting over the Tasman Ocean. We got a very generous upgrade and had a wonderful time. The owners and staff are super friendly and helpful and the campground is equipped with everything one could possibly need. Highly recommended!

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9
Superb
1,165 reviews
Price from
US$128
per night

Picton Waterfront Apartments offer spacious, modern, self-contained accommodation in the heart of Picton. Each apartment boasts a private balcony with stunning views of Picton Harbour, Marina and the famous Marlborough Sounds. This is truly a stunning place! The location could not be better. We were laying in bed at night watching the ferries come and go. Early in the morning we just hopped down the elevator to go get a coffee from one of the many coffee shops downstairs. After a lovely dinner (also just downstairs at one of the restaurants) we took a stroll down the marina. Everything is within easy walking distance. The view from the unit is stunning and exactly as pictured. The unit is super clean, modern and comfortable. The couches in the lounge were very comfortable and could fit our family of four easily and comfortably. The two fully equipped bathrooms were so convenient having two teenagers with us. Directions and check in instructions were clear and easy to follow. We will definitely book this unit again when in Picton. This was definitely one of the best, if not THE best place we've ever stayed in. Everything you could possibly need, were provided -from a box of tissues in the bathroom, to a hair straightener! Thank you for making our visit to beautiful Picton just perfect.

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9.3
Superb
1,405 reviews
Price from
US$156
per night

Centrally located in Akaroa, this motel offers rooms with either a balcony or a patio. It also includes 500MB of free WiFi per day, per room.

Akaroa Criterion Motel is situated opposite Children’s Bay. It is a 16-minute walk from Mt Vernon Akaroa. Our comfortable room had a couch and chair as well as a balcony.

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9.3
Superb
1,039 reviews
Price from
US$139
per night

Wake up to stunning views of the Kaikoura Mountains and the sea at Panorama Motel. Our units are all ensuite and smoke-free. Every unit opens out onto either a patio area with outdoor seating or onto its own private balcony, to allow our guests to enjoy the panoramic views. Great room. Great property. Great location.

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9
Superb
1,484 reviews
Price from
US$104
per night

Offering full access to park facilities, Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park provides bright accommodation with balcony, toaster and electric kettle. Highfield Golf Course is a 3-minute drive away.

Timaru TOP 10 Park is a 6-minute drive from Caroline Bay Park and Aorangi Park. Centennial Park is an 11-minute drive away. Central to town rooms were lovely and clean and comfy. Shared kitchen facilities were excellent.

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9
Superb
1,051 reviews
Price from
US$64
per night

Located opposite Pacific Ocean Beach, The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura offers free WiFi. Some apartments offer mountain views and/or views of the golf course.. All accommodation features satellite TV and electric blankets. The studio was spacious for a couple, the king bed was comfortable for my partner who is 1.88, the room was clean, and the bathroom was spacious and clean. The location was tucked away and was very quiet, which we love. And easy access for us to continue our journey.

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9.1
Superb
1,131 reviews
Price from
US$124
per night

Located in the seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand. All rooms feature kitchen facilities including microwave oven, colour TV and telephone. Electric blankets and heating are provided.

This motel’s facilities include a children's playground, barbecue facilities and shared laundry. Free off-street car parking is provided. Broadband internet access is available in the reception area. Modern fully equipped kitchen, warm, own terrace with cool chairs and table, comfortable bed and modern bathroom. Everything was exceptionally clean and we enjoyed our stay so much!!

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9
Superb
1,142 reviews
Price from
US$113
per night

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