Best Places to Stay in Southland

Finding the right place to stay can make all the difference when exploring Aotearoa’s Deep South. Southland offers everything from boutique lodges and cosy B&Bs to seaside retreats and even the chance to spend the night on a cruise boat in Milford Sound. Here are some of the best places to stay in Southland, each in a different corner of the region.

🏡 Te Anau – Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park

If you’re travelling Fiordland by campervan or just want flexible accommodation, the Te Anau TOP 10 Holiday Park is an ideal base. It offers everything from powered sites and cabins to comfortable motel units, so you can choose the style that suits your trip. Located just a short walk from the lakefront and town centre, it’s a practical and welcoming option for adventurers heading off to Milford Sound, the Kepler Track or glowworm caves.

• Style: Holiday park with cabins, motels, and sites
• Location: Central Te Anau, near the lake
• Best For: Campervanners, families, outdoor adventurers

🏡 Invercargill – The Lodges at Transport World

Invercargill has some hidden gems and The Lodges at Transport World is one of the most stylish. Offering boutique apartment-style accommodation, each lodge is filled with thoughtful touches and is just steps away from the famous Transport World museum and The Grille café. Perfect for travellers wanting a little luxury in the Deep South.

• Style: Boutique apartments
• Location: Near Transport World, Invercargill
• Best For: Couples, design lovers, road trippers

🏡 Gore – Croydon Lodge

Set in park-like grounds just outside of Gore, Croydon Lodge offers a peaceful retreat in New Zealand’s country music capital. With spacious rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to both the Tussock Country Music Festival and the Eastern Southland Gallery, it’s a comfortable base to experience Gore’s creative and cultural side.

• Style: Classic lodge-style hotel
• Location: Just outside Gore
• Best For: Festival-goers, art and music lovers

🏡 Bluff – Lands End Boutique Hotel

Perched at the very bottom of the South Island near Stirling Point, Lands End Boutique Hotel offers stunning views across the harbour and out toward Rakiura – Stewart Island. With beautifully appointed rooms, friendly hosts and a warm southern welcome, it’s the perfect stay if you’re visiting Bluff for the iconic signpost, the famous oysters, or simply to experience the feeling of being at the end of the road.

• Style: Boutique hotel
• Location: Stirling Point, Bluff
• Best For: Oyster lovers, scenic getaways, ferry travellers

🏡 The Catlins – Curio Bay Accommodation

If you want to wake up to the sound of waves and sweeping coastal views, Curio Bay Accommodation is a stunning choice in the Catlins. Set right above the beach, the units offer simple comfort with million-dollar views across Curio Bay — famous for its Hector’s dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins, and fossilised forest. It’s the kind of place where nature comes right to your doorstep, giving you a true taste of the wild Catlins coast.

• Style: Beachside units & cottages
• Location: Curio Bay, Catlins
• Best For: Wildlife lovers, beach walks, coastal escapes

🏡 Stewart Island – South Sea Hotel

Right on the waterfront in Oban, the South Sea Hotel is a classic Stewart Island stay. With pub-style meals, comfy rooms and unbeatable views across Halfmoon Bay, it’s as local as it gets. A great base for the Rakiura Track or spotting kiwi at night.

• Style: Hotel with pub/restaurant
• Location: Oban, Stewart Island
• Best For: Hikers, wildlife seekers

🛳️ Milford Sound – Overnight Cruise

For something truly unforgettable, spend a night on a Milford Sound overnight cruise. As the day-trippers leave, you’ll have the fiord almost to yourself. Watch the cliffs turn golden in the evening light, enjoy dinner on board, and fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls. Waking up surrounded by sheer cliffs and misty peaks is an experience you’ll never forget.

• Style: Cruise boat cabin
• Location: Milford Sound, Fiordland
• Best For: Once-in-a-lifetime experience, couples, photographers

✨ Final Thoughts

The best places to stay in Southland are as varied as the landscapes themselves. Whether you’re after a comfortable base in Te Anau, a boutique apartment in Invercargill, a rustic eco-stay in the Catlins or a magical overnight in Milford Sound, you’ll find somewhere that makes your journey even more memorable.

👉 Plan your Southland stay here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.