The Best Cities to Visit in New Zealand for First-Timers

New Zealand may be a small country but it certainly isn’t short on heart-warming natural beauty, stunning scenery and exciting experiences. Whilst there is plenty to do in the great outdoors, you will definitely want to relax at a comfortable address, before your next big adventure.  Here are some of our suggestions for where to stay when visiting the popular cities in New Zealand.

Auckland

It is no surprise that Lonely Planet’s travel guide has named Auckland as one of the Top 10 Cities for 2014. Located on a sparkling waterfront, this bustling city is a short boat ride away from stunning islands, wineries and eerie volcanic landscapes. There is plenty to see both in Auckland’s mainland and on day-trips to nearby destinations.

If your budget is tight, it may be worthwhile staying just a short drive from town in the area of Ellerslie. The Sai Motels is a comfortable hotel that includes your own kitchenette, which makes catering for your family easy. Only 15 minutes from the CBD, you can travel into town by train or taxi. The Ellerslie Racecourse, ASB Showgrounds and Expo Centre are nearby. The hotel is also conveniently located near the airport, making it a good option if you have an early morning flight.

It is always fun to stay in the centre of a big city so that you don’t miss out on any of the action. So if your budget allows, stay in style at the Waldorf Celstion Apartments, which is only a few minutes away from Queen Street Mall. These luxury apartments have enough space for you stretch out and relax. With stunning views of Hauraki Gulf, you may find it hard to actually leave your room. However, if you do get hungry, venture out for some great food at the Little India Restaurant nearby.

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For pure decadence, you can’t go past Takatu Lodge, which is a boutique residence that overlooks a vineyard, only 45 minutes from Auckland. From the Egyptian cotton sheets to the marble bathroom, this luxury retreat is perfect for a quiet weekend escape. You can even practice yoga here or just enjoy the organic gourmet food on your private balcony.

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Queenstown

Renowned worldwide as the adventure hub of New Zealand, offering a plethora of choices to adrenaline junkies ranging from mountain biking to sky diving – Queenstown sits pretty on the banks of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, against the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps. This full-of-life town would also woo you with its lip-smacking food, picturesque streets, hip nightlife and more. It is also the idyllic base to embark on the popular vineyard tours. 

On a budget? No worries! Autoline Motel located in central Queenstown would maximize your holiday experience without digging a hole in your pockets. Offering chic studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, this 4-star motel come packed with all modern amenities like temperature control, cooking facilities, 42” LCD TVs, trendy bathrooms and more.  Seamless connectivity to the major attractions is a bonus.

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To immerse in the best of Queenstown and world-class luxuries, The Rees Hotel perched right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, 10 minutes from Skyline Gondola should be your choice. Offering opulent rooms, apartments and sprawling residences with private terraces, this is a perfect abode for a calm and intimate stay. Chic restaurants, bars, wellness centres and complimentary shuttle services to & from central Queenstown add to the bliss. 

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Rotorua

Located near the Bay of Plenty on the North Island, the town of Rotorua is famous for the geothermal activity, from warm geysers to replenishing mineral water spas. This is the place to visit if you want to restore your body and mind. A good budget accommodation option is the Kowhai and Colonial Motel, which is only 15 minutes away from the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. If you are lucky you may even be able to snap up one of the units that have their own private hot tub.

For a larger apartment, you can find a self-contained two bedroom cottage at City Lights Boutique Lodge. Located on Mount Ngongotaha, these spacious apartments have spectacular views over the town and even include Continental breakfast.

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Christchurch

The South Island city of Christchurch is very picturesque, with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other; this is your entry into the adventure wonderland of New Zealand. If you are travelling with your family, a good accommodation option is the North-South Holiday Park. There are some great amenities including a tennis court and swimming pool where the kids can play after a day of sightseeing. The holiday park is only a 20 minute drive to the centre of Christchurch, making it quite convenient to explore the region.

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If you arrive late at night, you might prefer to stay close to the airport for convenience sake. The Sudima Hotel is only 450 metres from Christchurch International Airport and has a free shuttle service. You can grab a bite at their restaurant and have a good night’s rest before venturing into the city the next day. Only 10 kilometres from the city centre, Christchurch is thankfully small enough to make this cosy hotel a good launching point for your adventures in the area.

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