Accommodation Types

This guide will help you understand what is meant by each
commonly used accommodation term in New Zealand.

The general rule of thumb in determining what you are getting is to look at the facilities
provided and look at the price. While not fool-proof it is your best guide.

Holiday Parks

The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.

View our New Zealand Holiday Parks listings>>

Backpackers (Hostels)

The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel".  Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire. 

View our New Zealand Backpackers listings>>

Serviced Apartments

Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.

View our Serviced Apartments listings>>
 

Bed and Breakfast

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast. 

View our New Zealand Bed & Breakfast listings>>

Hotels

A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.

View our New Zealand Hotel listings>>
 

Exclusive

At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.

View our Exclusive Accommodation listings>>

Self Contained Units

The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.

View our Self Contained Units listings>>
  

Motels

The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities. 

View our New Zealand Motel listings>>
 

Holiday Homes

NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.

View our New Zealand Holiday Home listings>>
  

Motor Inns

New Zealand Motor Inns or Motor Lodges usually offer private, spacious 'units', with comfortable but basic amenities such as cooking facilities and a bathroom. In New Zealand, Motor Inns or Motor Lodges are often called Motels.

View our New Zealand Motor Inn listings>>

Farmstays and Homestays

Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!

View our New Zealand Farmstays & Homestays>>

Freedom Camping

Freedom Camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. When free camping in New Zealand, always follow these rules:

• Do not park or camp on private property.
• Do not use your camping spot as a toilet or motorhome dump station. 
• Do not leave any rubbish or litter behind.
• Be mindful of your personal safety when camping in secluded areas.

Visit www.camping.org.nz for more information on freedom camping in New Zealand.