Find the best Southland Hotels

Top reasons to visit Southland

• Stunning Scenery: Southland boasts breathtaking landscapes, including majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and beautiful parks perfect for outdoor activities.
• Charming Cities: Explore welcoming towns like Invercargill and Gore, rich in local culture and authenticity.
• Adventure Activities: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, Southland offers a variety of adventures from trekking to motor racing.
• Cultural Experiences: Enjoy local arts, theatrical performances, and unique events that showcase Southland's vibrant culture.
• Diverse Accommodation: From luxury lodgings to family-friendly motels, Southland provides a range of comfortable options for every traveller.

Find great hotels in Southland

Discover a range of delightful accommodation options in Southland, New Zealand, catering to every type of traveller. Whether you seek a family-friendly motel, a business-oriented hotel, or luxurious lodgings, Southland offers a variety of choices to enhance your stay. Enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes while relishing the comfort and amenities provided by its welcoming establishments, perfect for adventure seekers and those on a relaxing getaway alike.

• Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels: Nestled in the stunning natural landscape of Southland, Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels offers a serene retreat for eco-conscious travellers. This 4.5-star accommodation is perfect for those seeking a nature-themed experience, with its eco-certification highlighting its commitment to sustainability. The property provides excellent amenities for business guests, including a well-equipped meeting room, ensuring both leisure and work needs are met. Surrounded by tranquil views, it’s an ideal base for exploring Fiordland's breathtaking beauty.
• Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments: With a 4-star rating, Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments is the perfect getaway for adventure seekers and beach lovers. Located in Southland, this motel offers direct access to the beach, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. The property boasts a variety of adventure sports options nearby, including hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding, catering to the active traveller’s desires. The stunning lake views and comfortable accommodations make it a fantastic choice for those looking to experience both relaxation and excitement.
• Lakeside Motel & Apartments: A charming 3.5-star lodging option, Lakeside Motel & Apartments offers a peaceful retreat in Southland. Guests can unwind with entertainment options that include digital TV and comfortable accommodations, providing a home-away-from-home atmosphere. With its lakeside location, visitors can enjoy serene views and nearby attractions. This motel is perfect for families and those seeking a hassle-free stay, ensuring that all guests feel welcomed and relaxed during their vacation.

Where to stay in Southland

Southland, New Zealand, offers an unforgettable travel experience with its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Explore charming cities like Invercargill and Gore, where friendly locals welcome you to discover the authentic Southland vibe. Enjoy romantic getaways or family-friendly excursions amidst beautiful landscapes. With a variety of accommodations available, visitors can indulge in luxury or choose a cosy stay, all while soaking in the region's sunny weather and breathtaking views.

• Te Anau: Nestled in the heart of Southland, Te Anau serves as a gateway to some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. The town is renowned for its outdoor activities, making it a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore breathtaking hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, with the majestic Te Anau Lake and the surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. With a peak in tourist arrivals during the summer months, Te Anau offers a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples, alongside a plethora of activities including access to cable cars. Its tranquil setting makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway.
• Invercargill: As the southernmost city in New Zealand, Invercargill boasts a unique charm that combines urban convenience with natural beauty. The city offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from enjoying the local parks to exploring the nearby beaches. Invercargill's vibrant cultural scene includes theatres and local performances, making it a delightful destination for those seeking entertainment. The city sees an influx of visitors primarily in January to February and September, allowing for a lively atmosphere. Its proximity to stunning lakes and coastal areas enhances its appeal as a romantic and scenic destination.
• Milford Sound: Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Milford Sound is a must-visit suburb in Southland. Famed for its dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and tranquil waters, this area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The peak tourist season is from January to March, when visitors flock to experience its natural beauty. Activities such as scenic boat tours and hiking allow guests to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes. With its romantic aura and opportunities for adventure, Milford Sound remains an iconic destination for those seeking a unique New Zealand experience.

Things to do in Southland

Southland, New Zealand, is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. With stunning scenery to explore, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including motor racing and theatrical performances. Whether you're trekking through breathtaking landscapes or enjoying the local arts, Southland offers a delightful mix of adventure and culture for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Shopping

Visit E Hayes & Sons in Southland for a unique shopping experience, offering a range of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Southland Mall, located 7.5km away, features various shops and eateries for a delightful day out.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Rugby Park Stadium, where you can catch a thrilling match. Enjoy a round of golf at Te Anau Golf Course, surrounded by stunning landscapes. For family fun, Splash Palace offers a variety of aquatic activities, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

The Kepler Track offers an exhilarating hiking experience through stunning landscapes, perfect for nature enthusiasts. At Teretonga Raceway Park, thrill-seekers can enjoy the adrenaline rush of motor racing amidst an exciting atmosphere. The Hump Ridge Track presents a breathtaking hiking adventure, showcasing Southland's diverse scenery and outdoor beauty.

Nightlife

Experience Southland's nightlife at the Fiordland Cinema, where family-friendly films and romantic flicks set a relaxed vibe. For a cultural evening, visit the Civic Theatre or Bunkhouse Theatre, both offering entertainment that appeals to families and couples alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Southland

To save money on your trip to Southland, consider visiting during the off-peak months from June to August when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential discounts. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Thursdays are the most expensive. Make use of Expedia’s search tools to compare rates and find the best hotel deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to significant savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Southland are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Southland is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Southland is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Southland is Thursday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Southland with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Southland

Southland is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways, boasting stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and beautiful parks. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that cater to adventurous spirits, cultural seekers, and beach lovers alike, making it an ideal destination for memorable experiences amidst breathtaking scenery.

• Milford Sound: Experience breathtaking scenery at Milford Sound, a stunning mountain renowned for its dramatic fiords, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, you can explore by kayak or take a scenic cruise to witness the awe-inspiring vistas up close.
• Doubtful Sound: Venture into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, a majestic valley that offers an adventurous escape. Take a scenic cruise or guided kayak tour to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of towering peaks and tranquil waters, surrounded by rich wildlife.
• Mitre Peak: Stand in awe of Mitre Peak, a striking mountain known for its distinctive shape and incredible scenery. Hike the surrounding trails or enjoy a boat trip to capture stunning photographs of this iconic landmark set against dramatic landscapes.

Best time to go to Southland

The best time to visit Southland can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Southland falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Southland falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
June	44.8°F (7.1000000000000005°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
July	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
August	45.1°F (7.300000000000001°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
September	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Southland

When visiting Southland, New Zealand, you have a few airport options. Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) is situated 60.9km from Southland, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, just 497m away, and accessible via local transport. Invercargill Airport (IVC), the closest at 621m from Southland, offers convenient accommodation like the Balmoral Lodge Motel and Homestead Villa Motel, both rated 4.5 stars and located 1.2km away. Dunedin International Airport (DUD) is approximately 59.0km from Southland, with quality options like Bonnie Knights Motel, which is 5.0km from the airport.