Best Places to Stay in Canterbury

Canterbury offers a diverse range of accommodation, from coastal retreats to alpine escapes. Whether you’re after a luxurious getaway, a comfortable and relaxing stay, or a simple base close to the action, there’s something here for every traveller. These picks highlight some of the most memorable places to stay across the region.

🌊 Kaikōura – Coastal Comfort with Ocean Views

Kaikōura is one of Canterbury’s most spectacular coastal towns, where the Seaward Kaikōura Range rises straight from the Pacific Ocean. It’s world-renowned for its wildlife — whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds and that magic carries into its accommodation. Staying here means waking up to the sound of waves, gazing at snow-capped peaks and enjoying the freshest seafood just steps from your room.

• Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses (Luxury Stay) – A unique lodge where guests stay in architect-designed treehouses with panoramic mountain and ocean views.
• Kaikōura Gateway Motor Lodge (Comfortable Stay) – Spacious motel units with kitchenettes, close to the town centre and whale-watching tours.
• Admiral Court Motel (Easy Base) – Comfortable, tidy rooms with parking and friendly service, just a short walk to the beach.

🌿 Hanmer Springs – Alpine Luxury & Relaxation

Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps, Hanmer Springs is the ultimate alpine escape. Known for its famous thermal pools and spa complex, the town also offers mountain biking, hiking and forest walks. Accommodation here ranges from luxury hotels to cosy motels with most stays offering mountain views, fresh alpine air and easy access to the pools that make Hanmer so iconic.

• Edit Hanmer Springs Hotel (Luxury Stay) – Elegant hotel in a heritage building, with mountain views and refined dining.
• Hanmer Springs Retreat (Comfortable Stay) – Modern motel-style accommodation, walking distance to the hot pools.
• Alpine Garden Motel (Easy Base) – Comfortable and simple units, ideal for budget travellers wanting a central location.

🌆 Christchurch – City Comforts & Creative Energy

As the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch blends old-world charm with a modern, creative energy. Known as the Garden City, it’s full of leafy parks, street art, lively markets, and a thriving food scene. Staying in Christchurch means you can explore both heritage and innovation, with accommodation ranging from boutique five-star hotels to practical motels near the airport — perfect for starting or finishing your Canterbury journey.

• The George (Luxury Stay) – Boutique five-star hotel overlooking Hagley Park, known for its personal service and fine dining.
• Fino Hotel & Suites (Comfortable Stay) – Stylish apartment-style suites in the city centre with space for families or longer stays.
• Belle Bonne Motel (Easy Stay) – Affordable option near the airport, with self-contained units and free parking.

🏞️ Arthur’s Pass & Surrounds – Alpine Escapes

Arthur’s Pass National Park is Canterbury’s alpine heart, where towering peaks, waterfalls and beech forests make for dramatic landscapes. It’s a place for hikers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to feel dwarfed by the Southern Alps. Accommodation in the area is simple but atmospheric, ranging from rustic hotels to alpine motels, while nearby Lake Coleridge and Springfield offer a touch more comfort without losing that mountain charm.

• Fable Terrace Downs Resort (Luxury Stay, Lake Coleridge area) – Luxury resort and golf course with alpine villas and panoramic views.
• Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel (Comfortable Stay) – Cosy, self-contained units right in the heart of the village.
• The Bealey Hotel (Easy Stay) – Rustic hotel with cabins and bar meals, set by the river with epic mountain views.

🌌 Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki – Stargazing & Lakeside Views

In the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki glow with bright turquoise waters thanks to glacial silt and at night the skies come alive in the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. This is a place for stargazers, photographers and anyone who wants to feel the magic of the alpine lakes. Accommodation here makes the most of the scenery, with lakeside hotels, motels in the village and options that give you front-row seats to Aoraki and the Southern Alps.

• Peppers Bluewater Resort (Luxury Stay) – Lakeside resort with spacious villas and unbeatable views of Lake Tekapo.
• Lake Tekapo Village Motel (Comfortable Stay) – Central, comfortable motel just steps from the lake and eateries.
• Mt Cook View Motel (Easy Stay, Lake Pukaki area) – Simple, clean rooms with stunning views toward Aoraki.

🎣 Twizel & Omarama – Wide Skies & Quiet Nights

Surrounded by canals, rivers, and lakes, Twizel and Omarama are small Mackenzie towns with a big reputation for fishing, gliding, and wide-open skies. Twizel is often a base for exploring Aoraki, while Omarama is famous for its hot tubs and soaring gliders. The accommodation here suits travellers who want peace and quiet, with modern motels, welcoming hotels and a few high-end lodges that capture the magic of the Mackenzie country.

• Matuka Lodge, Twizel (Luxury Stay) – Boutique luxury lodge with stunning canal and mountain views.
• Ahuriri Motels, Omarama (Comfortable Stay) – Spacious units with kitchenettes, a solid base for exploring the region.
• Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (Easy Stay) – Affordable hotel-style accommodation with an onsite restaurant.

🌊 Timaru – Coastal Stays & Caroline Bay

Timaru is a relaxed coastal hub of South Canterbury, best known for Caroline Bay, one of the South Island’s favourite beaches. The town has a thriving local arts scene, beautiful botanic gardens and is a great halfway stop between Christchurch and Dunedin. Staying here means you’re close to the water, with a choice of oceanfront motels, modern motor lodges and budget-friendly stays that make the most of the coastal charm.

• Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge (Comfortable Stay) – Waterfront lodge with modern suites and uninterrupted ocean views.
• Aspen on King Motel (Comfortable Stay) – Comfortable motel with spacious rooms, close to Timaru Botanic Gardens.
• Avenue Motor Lodge (Easy Stay) – Reliable and tidy, a budget-friendly option with self-contained units.

🏔️ Aoraki / Mount Cook – Beneath the Cloud Piercer

No visit to Canterbury is complete without staying beneath Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. This alpine wonderland is home to glaciers, alpine lakes and world-class hikes like the Hooker Valley Track. Accommodation here is limited but unforgettable, from iconic hotels with floor-to-ceiling mountain views to lodges and motels that let you experience the park’s dramatic landscapes from sunrise to starlit night.

• The Hermitage Hotel (Comfortable Stay) – Iconic alpine hotel with floor-to-ceiling mountain views and onsite dining.
• Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge (Comfortable Stay) – Warm and welcoming, with shared lounge areas and panoramic windows.
• Mt Cook Lodge & Motel (Easy Stay) – Simple motel rooms and chalets in the national park, ideal for budget travellers.

When it comes to finding the right place to stay, we usually start with Trip.com— it’s easy to use and covers everything from budget motels to boutique stays and self-contained options. We also like to check Tripadvisor for reviews and side-by-side comparisons and Booking.com is a handy tool for comparing prices across multiple platforms. Between them, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s available and what might suit your travel style best.

✨ Final Thoughts

From coastal Kaikōura to alpine Aoraki, Canterbury offers incredible accommodation for every style and budget. Whether you’re after luxury lodges, mid-range motels or budget-friendly stays, each town brings its own flavour to your journey.

🌍 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.