A red speedboat on a turquoise river surrounded by rocky banks and dense green trees.

Find Cheap Hotels in South Island

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Check availability on South Island Cheap Hotels

Tonight
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Tomorrow
18 Sept - 19 Sept
This weekend
18 Sept - 20 Sept
Next weekend
25 Sept - 27 Sept

Our top choices for South Island cheap hotels

A modern building with large windows and a stone pathway leading to it, situated on a pebbled beach with driftwood in the foreground.
A spacious lounge area with a stone fireplace, large windows offering ocean views, and comfortable seating arrangements.
A coastal resort with beachfront villas, a road leading to the beach, and lush greenery.
A room with large windows overlooking a beach, a table with chairs, and a potted plant.

1. Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Punakaiki
Australia
Kaye
£64
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
A rustic garden with a stone building, wooden benches, and a gravel path.
A garden with a stone bench, a building with red windows, and a mountain in the background.
A dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a large window with a view, and a mounted deer head on the wall.
A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a small wooden stool, a hanging light fixture, and a window with blinds.

2. Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona
Australia
Emilla
£70
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Cardrona Hotel
A modern lobby with grey upholstered chairs, a round wooden table, and a vase of flowers on a black side table.
A corridor leading to a restaurant with glass doors and a sign reading "ach-eron restaurant & bar".
A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a laptop, and a vase with green apples.
A bar area with a long counter, multiple seating options, and a variety of bottles on shelves.

3. Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport
Australia
Crystal
£109
includes taxes & fees
19 Sept - 20 Sept
Sudima Christchurch Airport
A modern house with a glass door entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and a mountain in the background.
A river with a bridge, surrounded by mountains and dense forest.
A hotel room with a sliding glass door, a bed with white linens, a bedside table with a lamp, and a view of the interior.
A reception area with a reception desk labeled "Waiyoto" and "Haast New Zealand," a reception counter, patterned chairs, a small table, and a mirror on the wall.

4. Heartland Hotel Haast

Heartland Hotel Haast
Haast
United Kingdom
Fiona
£53
includes taxes & fees
25 Sept - 26 Sept
Heartland Hotel Haast
A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, two blue armchairs, a round table with a vase, and a ceiling with hanging plants.
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a glass partition.
A modern hotel with a prominent 'NOVOTEL' sign, featuring a sleek, contemporary design with large windows and a structured facade.
A modern restaurant with high ceilings, large windows, and a variety of seating arrangements including tables and chairs.

5. Novotel Christchurch Airport

Novotel Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport
Australia
Raymond
£137
includes taxes & fees
19 Sept - 20 Sept
Novotel Christchurch Airport
A lodge with a prominent mountain backdrop, a large entrance, and solar panels on the roof.
A bedroom with a wooden bed, a nightstand, a chair, and a view of the outdoors.
A building with a sloped roof and large windows, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and dense forest.
A view from a window overlooking a natural landscape with a forested hill and a body of water.

6. Alpine Lodge

Alpine Lodge
St. Arnaud
United States
Karen
£59
includes taxes & fees
16 Oct - 17 Oct
Alpine Lodge
A modern bar area with seating, a counter with a logo, and a view of the outside.
A couple walking along a lakeside path with mountains in the background.
A modern hotel with a glass facade, parking lot, and a mountainous backdrop.
A restaurant table set with glasses, cutlery, and a bottle, with a mountain view through the window.

7. Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG
Frankton
Singapore
debbie
£87
includes taxes & fees
18 Sept - 19 Sept
Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park by IHG
A beach with waves crashing onto the shore.
A living room with a brown sofa, a framed picture on the wall, a coffee table, and a kitchen area in the background.
A modern hotel room with a dining area, a sofa, a TV mounted on the wall, and a window with curtains.
A kitchen with white cabinets, a stove, a microwave, and a window with a view of greenery.

8. Beach lodge motel

Beach lodge motel
Saint Kilda
Australia
Simone
£54
includes taxes & fees
17 Sept - 18 Sept
Beach lodge motel
A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a chair, a wardrobe, and an air conditioning unit.
A compact living space with a kitchen, dining area, and seating.
A bar area with stools, a counter, and a refrigerator stocked with bottles.
A modern kitchen with a stainless steel sink, a faucet, and a backsplash with a mosaic tile pattern.

9. Airport Gateway Christchurch

Airport Gateway Christchurch
Burnside
Australia
Elna
£59
includes taxes & fees
29 Sept - 30 Sept
Airport Gateway Christchurch
A modern hotel entrance with a stone facade, large potted plants, and a well-lit interior visible through the glass doors.
A stone structure with a rectangular opening, surrounded by greenery and a parking lot with cars.
An aerial view of a hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a covered patio area.
A restaurant with a pool view, dark wooden tables, red patterned chairs, and a fire exit sign.

10. Carnmore Chateau Marlborough

Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
Blenheim CBD
Australia
Ian
£55
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Carnmore Chateau Marlborough
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Find out more about South Island

Discover cheap things to do in South Island

For budget-conscious travellers seeking adventure on New Zealand's South Island, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences that won’t break the bank. Start your journey in Queenstown, known for its stunning landscapes and adrenaline-fuelled activities. While bungee jumping may cost a pretty penny, take a scenic hike to Queenstown Hill for breathtaking views without spending a dime. Another must-visit is the remarkable Fiordland National Park, where the iconic Milford Sound offers free walking tracks that let you immerse in nature's beauty. If you're a wine enthusiast, head to the Marlborough region, where you can join free vineyard tours and enjoy tastings at various local wineries without splurging. The vibrant city of Christchurch also has a lot to offer; explore the free botanical gardens or take a leisurely stroll along the Avon River. For accommodation, look for affordable hotels in central locations like Christchurch or Queenstown, where you can enjoy easy access to these attractions while benefiting from competitive rates. Staying in these areas not only maximises your sightseeing potential but also allows you to indulge in local eateries, where you can find hearty meals at reasonable prices. With the right planning, South Island can be a paradise of experiences that cater to your adventurous spirit without straining your wallet.

How to get cheap hotels in South Island?

✅ The length of stay in South Island often varies depending on the nature of the trip, but many travellers opt to stay for several days or up to a week to take in South Island's notable landmarks and points of interest.

✅  If you're looking for cheap hotels in South Island in 2026, book your hotel well in advance. Reserving your stay at least a few weeks or months ahead of time can help you take advantage of amazing rates on cheap hotels in South Island, and if your plans change you can find many options of hotels with free cancelation.

✅  To find affordable hotels in South Island on Expedia, start by entering your travel dates and the number of individuals in your group. Once you've provided this information, you can refine your search results by filtering for budget hotels in South Island.

✅  Use the filtering tools offered by Expedia to refine your search results by location, price limits, amenities such as breakfast included, and other factors that matter to you. This will help you quickly locate the ideal budget-friendly hotel that fits your specific requirements.

✅  If you're looking to save money on a cheap hotel in South Island, the ideal time to go is usually during the off-season in South Island. On Expedia, you can find hotels from £53*.

✅  South Island offers numerous budget-friendly attractions and activities for travellers, such as art and exhibits at free museums and galleries or exploring South Island on foot.

✅  One of the best ways to find cheap hotels in South Island is to search Expedia for properties that provide family-friendly accommodations and features such as activities and complimentary meals, and then sort these by price.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

LyLo Christchurch Airport

LyLo Christchurch Airport

8/10 Good
"Really convenient as close to shops and airport"
julie alice marie-helene louise 1-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
LyLo Christchurch Airport
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

8/10 Good
"very spacious room -but its little older property so no upgrades with phone USB outlets. great buffet breakfast options. lovely view from front of building, but hotel is on a hill so walking up to the hotel could be an issue for some."
aleya 2-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

10/10 Excellent
"Great stay! The perfect place to relax. Only downside was the distance to town and having to get a taxi for dinner in town. The view from the Nest restaurant made up for it tho!"
Carlie 5-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Kamana Lakehouse
Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport

10/10 Excellent
"We stayed at the Sudima for 1 night before we flew out to London via Singapore . The bed was comfortable, the room was lovely and clean and quiet and the shuttle service was great. Would definitely stay there again"
Sarah 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Sudima Christchurch Airport
The Godley Hotel

The Godley Hotel

8/10 Good
"Very centrally located, great views. Staff helpful. Id stay there without looking anywhere else next time. Make sure you get a lake view room for your wellness!"
Glyn 1-night trip
Posted 6 days ago
The Godley Hotel
Garden Court Suites And Apartments

Garden Court Suites And Apartments

10/10 Excellent
"Location is good. Clean room, free parking."
Weifeng 2-night trip
Posted 7 days ago
Garden Court Suites And Apartments
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels

Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels

10/10 Excellent
"Beautiful place to stay"
Debbie 1-night trip
Posted 1 month ago
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels

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