The following links and information will help you find accommodation in New Zealand:
Baches/B&Bs www.bnb.co.nz - A B&B directory with over 1000 listings, available online and in book form.
www.bookabach.co.nz -
Find a unique hideaway for a competitive price. Baches (holiday homes) can be especially good value if you are travelling with a group.
www.holidayhomes.co.nz - Baches and holiday homes to rent (and buy) in NZ, Pacific Islands, Australia and a few international options.
Camping/Holiday Parks/Motor Camps http://motorcamps.com - This new Kiwi run website contains reviews of motor camps/holiday parks around NZ. You can contribute by placing your own reviews - help a new website become a valuable resource for campers in NZ.
www.doc.govt.nz -
Looking for cheap (or free) camp sites in stunning locations? You will find plenty of options on the Department of Conservation website. You can also find out about DOC hut, lodge, cabin and cottage accommodation.
FREE camping - Follow the link for a list of free camp sites in New Zealand.
www.gdc.govt.nz - Freedom camping in the Gisborne area (September-April). Permits available for 2 days ($10), 10 days ($25) or 28 days ($60). You need to supply your own gas cooking facilities, chemical toilet and drinking water. Enquire at i-SITEs (Visitor Centres - www.isites.com) about freedom camping opportunities in other areas. Please note: In 2008 there were 13 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish at Gisborne freedom camping sites and the Council are considering raising the cost of permits. It cost $31,698 to remove rubbish but only $30,853 was recouped from permit fees (Gisborne Herald, 24 December 2009). Please use the rubbish bags provided and ensure your rubbish is dumped appropriately.
An additional note on rubbish and waste disposal - it's cheap to buy large black rubbish sacks from a supermarket, you can fill these with supermarket issue plastic bags full of rubbish and the sacks will provide an additional layer of covering and will make it harder for dogs, birds etc to break into the bags. Big bin sacks also makes it easier (as long as they're not too heavy) for those collecting rubbish. If the rubbish bin you want to use is overflowing you can always ask a local where the nearest land fill is and pay a few dollars to dispose of rubbish there, some locals may be so grateful that you want to dispose of your rubbish properly they may even take it for you. The media are running stories at the moment (February 2010) about banning camper vans because of the mess they leave behind, however it seems there are issues on both sides as some people are calling for more toilet facilities and rubbish bins. Please remember that freedom camping is a privilege and not a right, to keep freedom camping and DOC site camping alive please dispose of your rubbish (and waste) responsibly. If you don't have a toilet in your vehicle, please stay in a place where there are toilet facilities.
www.kiwiholidayparks.com - A network of over 50 three star or better holiday parks throughout NZ.
www.top10.co.nz -
Find out about the Top 10 network of holiday parks and the Top 10 discount card ($40) - the card is valid for two years and will save you 10% on any type of accommodation you book, up to $30 per stay.
Eco Friendly www.organicexplorer.co.nz - A website for the eco-conscious traveller that includes links to eco-lodges and retreat centres. You can also find information on organic cafes, eco-tourism operators etc.
Farm Stays/Volunteer www.fhinz.co.nz - Farm helpers in New Zealand. Free accommodation and food in exchange for 4-6 hours work each day.
www.nzfarmholidays.co.nz - Farmstay and homestay directory online.
www.ruralholidays.co.nz - For those looking to experience life on a farm. Also ask at Visitor Centres throughout the country about farmstays and homestays in the area. www.isites.com - Directory of i-site Visitor Centres.
www.wwoof.co.nz -
Exchange a few hours work on an organic farm for accommodation / board. *
www.helpx.net - Online listing of farms, B&Bs, hostels etc that offer short term volunteer positions and provide food and accommodation in return. *
If you have questions about these options that aren't answered on their websites you could ask specific questions on the Lonely Planet - New Zealand thorn tree forum and other travellers may be able to help you out.
Free Accommodation
www.couchsurfing.com - Use this site to find Kiwis offering their couches for a night or two.
www.yha.co.nz - Youth Hostel network. (Join before 31 October 2009 and get a free night at any NZ YHA hostel).
Hotels/Motels www.ezibed.com - Similar to wotif.com referred to below, like wotif if you're going to book via this site double check the rates against a providers own website to ensure the deal is a good one.
www.grabanight.co.nz -
Updated daily, this site can offer some extra cheap hotel rates at the Millennium Hotels chain (Copthorne, Millennium & Kingsgate hotels). Hamilton from $32, Te Anau from $43 etc (all rates per room per night).
www.travelbug.co.nz - Discounted rates for hotels, motels and B&Bs. Guests are also able to leave comments about their accommodation experience.
www.wotif.com -
This website can offer significant discounts on hotel/motel accommodation however double check the rates against a providers own website to ensure you really are getting a good deal. The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth offers excellent discounts via wotif.
Luxury www.heritageinns.co.nz - Four star plus Qualmark rated historic homes, intimate inns and small character hotels.
Other www.isites.com - You can book accommodation at i-SITEs (Visitor Information Centres), also check out their notice boards to see if they have any super specials on accommodation or call ahead to enquire on 0800 474 8369.
www.qualmark.co.nz - Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official quality agency. If you see their yellow and black logo the business will have had an on-site assessment and been rated accordingly.
www.standbyrelocs.com - One way relocation deals for cars and camper vans.
www.tripadvisor.com - What do others have to say about your accommodation choice?
www.weka.net.nz - Information for those travelling with a disability - includes links to tour operators, accessible motor home providers etc.
www.womentravel.co.nz - Follow this link for women only and women friendly accommodation options.
Click here to see our Unusual Accommodation Guide.
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