Accommondation

New Zealand provides a vast range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's preference. From five-star hotels, to friendly bed and breakfasts, to affordable backpacker accommodation.

Hotels & Motels International standard hotels are found in all large cities, in many provincial cities, and in all resort areas frequented by tourist. In smaller cities and towns, more modest hotels are the norm. Motels are prolific throughout the country and are generally clean and comfortable, with facilities that are ideal for family holidays. Many offer full kitchens and dining tables, making it possible for guests to prepare their own meals. At some motels, a cookedbreakfast is available, and the units are serviced daily. The New Zealand tourism industry uses Qualmark as a classification and grading system to help you find the best accomondation and shopping. There are five levels of grading from one star (minimum to five stars) (best available). Participation in the Qualmark system is voluntary so if a motel or hotel does’t have a grading, the location of the accomondation and the tariff will usually give a reliable indication of what to expect. Travel agents are good sources of information and will be able to give details of concessions that are generally available for children. International hotel chains that operate in New Zealand’s main centres and resort areas include Flag, Ibis, Quality, Rydges and Novotel. Room rates range from NZ $150 to NZ$500 per night.

Farmstays, Homestays And Bed & Breakfast More and more New Zealanders are opening their homes to visitors each year, whether in the form of a B&B, Homestay, farmstay, Barnstay or Vineyardstay. There are a large number of B&B properties in New Zealand cities, towns and rural locations, ranging from historic and heritage buildings to boutique B&Bs, guesthouses and inss. For farmstays, visitors may share the homestead with the farmer and his family, or, in many cases, may have the use of a cottage on the farm. This has been one of the fastest growing forms of holiday in New Zealand over the past decade and is an excellent way for visitors to see the real New Zealand, which has been dependent on farming since the earliest colonial days. Farming families are usually excellent host. Farmstays are also the best way to get to meet local people and hear real New Zealand stories. Depending on the farm, you may get the chance to share homecooked meals with your hosts, join in with milking of farm animals, sheep shearing, lambing, kiwifruit harvesting and other farm activities. If you are on a limited budget, free, working farm stays are a cheap way of getting to know the countryside and the people. Over 180 farms offer free accommodation, meals and friendly hospitality in exchange for four hours of light work a day, doing tasks such as gardening, chopping firewood and feeding the animals. It is also possible to to work flexible hours so that you have time to explore the area. Contact reginal visitor information centres for listings, or check websites in ‘Homestay Contacts’ box below.

Hostels The Youth Hostel Association offers an extensive chain of hostels to members througout New Zealand. Details of their location and membership of the organisation can be obtained from the Youth Hostel Association of New Zealand. P.O.Box 436, Christchurch, New Zealand, tel: 03-3799970 or 0800-278 299 (New Zealand only);

http://www.yha.org.nz/

Motor Camps Most motor camps (caravan parks with tent sites as well) offer communal washing, cooking and toilet facilities. The camper is required to supply his own trailer or tent, but camps in largest towns and cities have cabins available. Motor camps are licenced under the Camping Ground Regulation (1936) and are all graded by the New Zealand Automobile Association. It is a good idea to check with the Association on current standards withing the camps. In summer, you would be well advised to book ahead, as New Zealanders are inveterate campers.