TOP Lakeside Hotels in South Island for 2026

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

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Save instantly and earn perks with One Key
Learn about One Key
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on South Island Lakeside Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

Next weekend

In two weeks

Our top choices for South Island hotels on the lake

1. Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Lake Tekapo

Ryan

£73

includes taxes & fees

3 Sept - 4 Sept

2. The Godley Hotel

Lake Tekapo

Daniel

£84

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

Premium Suite | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

3. Edgewater

Wanaka

Niko

£165

includes taxes & fees

1 Sept - 2 Sept

Self Contained Unit - 1 Bedroom Family (1BR) | In-room dining

Motel Unit - 1 Bedroom Family (1BR) | Down duvets, pillow-top beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

2 Bedroom Apartment (2BR) | Living area | 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

4. Tasman Holiday Parks - Te Anau

Te Anau

Kathryn

£34

includes taxes & fees

7 Sept - 8 Sept

Room, 1 King Bed (Relaxation) | Living area | 32-inch LCD TV with cable channels, TV, fireplace

5. Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Kawarau Falls

Maryanne

£148

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

Coffee/tea maker, fridge, microwave, stovetop

Deluxe Studio | Soundproofing, free cots/infant beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

6. Lakefront Lodge

Te Anau

Susan

£106

includes taxes & fees

9 Aug - 10 Aug

7. Lake Resort by Marsden

Mount Pisa

hamish

£104

includes taxes & fees

23 Aug - 24 Aug

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, iron/ironing board

8. Mantra Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo

HARDIK

£204

includes taxes & fees

30 Aug - 31 Aug

View all properties

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Kamana Lakehouse

10/10 Excellent

"Great hotel overall. Only thing to be aware of is that it's slightly outside of the downtown area of Queenstown. It's about 1.5 miles or a 30 minute walk. "

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

10/10 Excellent

"Just that the room did not have information about laundry facility and other information that would have been helpful. The heated pool was so not heated. But service was amazing."

Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

8/10 Good

"overall is great especially friendly staff and not pricey in room meal delivery. Free carpark as well with first in first serve basis. Just a big aging look and location wise need drive to mostly all amenities."

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"We had a quick trip into Queenstown and decided to stay at Hilton in Queenstown. It was a wonderful resort and great rooms. Service was great in hotel and daily in room also. The fireplace in the room was a beautiful extra to have and so right for Queenstown. Service in the Grill was great, and everything about our stay was wonderful."

Frequently asked questions

How much do lakeside hotels in South Island cost?

Prepare to pay between £34 and £204 per night for lakeside hotels in South Island. Whatever your budget, an ideal stay by the water is only a click away on Expedia. These prices were available on Expedia within the past 7 days, for a hotel booking with a check-in date within the next year. Prices reflect current offers and availability is subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

What are the best lakeside hotels in South Island?

Surround yourself with relaxing water views from one of South Island's multiple hotels near a lake. With a total average guest review rating of 9.1, there's a place for everyone's budget and taste. Many visitors to Queenstown love staying at Platinum Queenstown Villas, a 4.5-star lakeside retreat with a lake view and a furnished balcony. Another favourite pick that's nearby water is Browns Boutique Hotel. This 4-star property, also located in Queenstown, features individually decorated rooms, al fresco dining and more.

How many lakeside hotels are there in South Island?

South Island has 210 lakeside hotels on offer. Enter your destination and dates and start organising your next break near the water today.

Are there any family-friendly lakeside hotels in South Island?

There sure are, so gather your group and get busy planning that trip to South Island! If Queenstown is your chosen destination, stay at Platinum Queenstown Villas. This 4.5-star option is a popular family-friendly hotel close to a lake. It also has WiFi and laundry facilities. Another top choice is The Glebe Apartments, a 4.5-star property also in Queenstown. After a fun-packed day by the water, make use of helpful amenities like laundry facilities and housekeeping services. Queenstown has many family-friendly attractions when you're ready to see the sights. Cecil Peak and Walter Peak High Country Farm promise fun for all ages.

Are there any 5-star lakeside hotels in South Island?

Yes, so jump in and spoil your crowd with an indulgent getaway near the water. QT Queenstown is one of our most desirable 5-star lake hotels in South Island. Situated in the renowned city of Queenstown, a sauna and concierge services are just a few of its amenities. Another 5-star fave in Queenstown is The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments. After a lazy day lakeside, make the most of amenities like a pillow menu and room service.

Why book your lakeside hotel in South Island with Expedia?

Expedia has the best deals on lakeside hotels in South Island. But our great prices are just the beginning. You'll discover a wide selection of hotels to select from and clever search filters that make it a snap to find your perfect stay.

How can I find cheap lakeside hotels in South Island?

Holiday near the water without spending a fortune with Expedia. To find cheap lakeside hotels in South Island, use our filter tool to choose your budget and hotel star rating. Eager to stay in a certain area? Our handy "neighbourhood" filter will search for accommodation exactly where you want to be.

What is there to do in South Island near my lakeside hotel?

There are lots of things to see and do in South Island. If you're holidaying in Christchurch, check out Canterbury Museum, Isaac Theatre Royal and Transitional Cathedral. Planning to stay in Dunedin? St. Clair Beach, Speight's Brewery and St. Paul's Cathedral are some of the best sights here.

Room 1

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on South Island Lakeside Hotels

Our top choices for South Island hotels on the lake

1. Lakes Edge Holiday Park

2. The Godley Hotel

3. Edgewater

4. Tasman Holiday Parks - Te Anau

5. Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

6. Lakefront Lodge

7. Lake Resort by Marsden

8. Mantra Lake Tekapo

9. Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Kamana Lakehouse

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Frequently asked questions

Search Lakeside Hotels in South Island

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on South Island Lakeside Hotels

Our top choices for South Island hotels on the lake

1. Lakes Edge Holiday Park

2. The Godley Hotel

3. Edgewater

4. Tasman Holiday Parks - Te Anau

5. Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

6. Lakefront Lodge

7. Lake Resort by Marsden

8. Mantra Lake Tekapo

9. Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments

10. DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Kamana Lakehouse

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Frequently asked questions