🏡 Best Accommodation Options for Long-Term Travellers in NZ

Not every long-term traveller wants a fixed lease. If you’re planning to stay in Aotearoa – New Zealand for 3 to 12 months, these flexible, short-term accommodation options — from holiday parks to house-sits — offer comfort without locking you in.

You don’t need to live out of a suitcase to stay long-term in New Zealand. Whether you’re curled up in a farm cottage, parked at a lakefront campground or caring for someone’s pup in their family home, there are plenty of options to feel settled even if it’s just for a season.

The key is flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to explore beyond the usual hotels and holiday hotspots.

🏡 Best Accommodation Options for Long-Term Travellers in NZ

Planning to stay in Aotearoa – New Zealand for a few months or more? Whether you’re travelling by campervan, house-sitting or setting up a longer home base, finding the right kind of accommodation makes a big difference.

This guide is designed for long-stay travellers, especially those aged 40+ who prefer slower travel, comfort and real connection. We’ll explore a range of options — from practical to picturesque — that help you live like a local, even if it’s just for a season.

🧳 What Long-Term Travellers Need

When staying in one place for a while, you’re not just looking for a bed – you want:

• Flexibility (without fixed leases or contracts)
• Comfort and basic facilities (kitchen, laundry, privacy)
• Affordability (weekly or monthly rates)
• Location (walkable to shops or transport or nestled in nature)
• Stability (especially if working remotely, healing or resting)

🛏️ Types of Accommodation for 3–12 Month Stays

🟢 House Sitting & Pet Sitting

Why it works: Free, often includes bills and gives you a home-like feel
Ideal for: Responsible travellers who enjoy caring for pets or gardens

• TrustedHousesitters: Great for longer sits in rural or coastal towns
• Kiwi Housesitters / MindMyHouse: NZ-focused listings
• Many sits are 2 weeks to 3 months — some repeat seasonally
• Often in beautiful homes with good internet and space to relax

🟢 Insider Tip: Build a trustworthy profile with references before arriving — then apply fast once listings pop up.

🟡 Seasonal Rentals & Off-Peak Airbnb Stays

Why it works: Many holiday homes sit empty outside peak times
Ideal for: Travellers staying 4+ weeks in one region

• Search Airbnb and sort by “monthly stay” to find discounts
• Message hosts to negotiate rates, especially in off-season
• Bachcare and Bookabach also list holiday homes
• Great in quieter towns like Motueka, Oamaru or Thames

🔵 Holiday Parks & Long-Term Campgrounds

Why it works: Built for travellers, often with shared kitchens, bathrooms and laundry
Ideal for: Campervan travellers

• A good option for budget-conscious travellers seeking low-cost stays with basic facilities
• Many Top 10 or regional campgrounds offer weekly or monthly rates
• Great for meeting other travellers and they often allow longer stays in shoulder season

🔵 Insider Tip: Ring ahead — not all campgrounds advertise long-stay deals but many offer them quietly to reliable guests.

🟣 Farm Stays & Off-Grid Cabins

Why it works: Nature-based, peaceful and often ideal for solo or creative travellers
Ideal for: Travellers wanting space to write, reflect or reset

• Use Booking.com or Airbnb with filters like “cabin” or “farm stay”
• Some offer longer-term discounts or self-catering stays
• Great for slowing down and being immersed in the environment
• Often available in regions like Golden Bay, Wairarapa or Southland

🟣 Insider Tip: Look for “eco-retreat” listings with compost loos and solar power if you’re after something unique.

🔴 Hostels with Monthly Rates

Why it works: Affordable, community vibe and surprisingly private
Ideal for: Social travellers or those passing through towns

• Hostels aren’t usually our go-to — we both enjoy quiet time and a good night’s sleep, but we’ve learned not to write them off completely. Every now and then, we’ve found a gem after reading reviews and booking a private room with its own bathroom (a definite bonus when you’re up during the night more than you used to be!).
• Many hostels in Aotearoa offer long-stay rates on private rooms, with access to shared kitchens and laundry facilities. They’re often close to city centres or tourist hubs and you’ll likely meet other travellers on similar journeys. If your budget needs a breather or you’re in a more social mood, this can be a handy option — just take the time to pick the right one for you.

🔴 Insider Tip: If you’re not into the party scene, pick smaller or family-run hostels outside major cities.

🧭 How to Find Long-Stay Accommodation

• Booking.com – Great filters, often includes free cancellation
• Airbnb – Search for “monthly stays” and message for custom deals
• Facebook Groups – Try “Long Term Rentals NZ,” “House Sitting NZ,” or local community groups
• Local Noticeboards – Especially in libraries, cafes or community centres in smaller towns
• Work exchange sites – HelpX, WWOOF and Workaway (non-paid options under Visitor Visa)

🧼 What to Ask Before You Book

Not all long-term stays are created equal. These questions can help you avoid surprises and find a place that genuinely fits your travel style:

• Is there a minimum or maximum stay limit?
• Are utilities, Wi-Fi, and linen included in the price?
• Is it heated or insulated for winter months?
• Is the property fully self-contained or part of a shared home?
• Can you extend your stay if needed?
• Is there secure on-site parking for campervans or vehicles?
• What kitchen and laundry facilities are available?
• Are there any curfews, quiet hours, or house rules?
• Do you need to bring your own bedding, cookware, or heater?
• Is the location close to shops, transport, or walking trails?
• Are pets allowed, or strictly no animals?
• Are guests allowed to visit or stay overnight?

If you’re staying longer than a few weeks, don’t be shy to ask for photos, a video walkthrough or references from other guests especially if you’re booking privately. A quick chat with the host can make all the difference.

🧭More from Tohu Travellers

👉 Visa-Friendly Stays
Once you know the type of accommodation that suits you, check out our guide to The Best Regions in Aotearoa – NZ for long-stay travellers.

👉 Unlocking Kiwi Slang
Want to blend in like a local? Check out our fun guide to Kiwi Slang and start talking like a true New Zealander.

👉 Māori Culture Tips
Travelling with respect makes every journey richer — explore our guide to Māori Culture and cultural dos and don’ts.

👉 Top Things to Do
From epic hikes to hidden gems, discover our favourite Things to do across Aotearoa – NZ and build your dream itinerary.

🌍 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.