TOP Luxury Hotels in South Island for 2026 - South Island Upscale Hotels

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Our top choices for South Island luxury hotels

A modern interior with a curved sofa, patterned cushions, a wooden table, and a staircase.

1. Fiordland Discovery

Milford Sound

includes taxes & fees

12 Dec - 13 Dec

A modern house with a swimming pool, stone exterior, and a dining area with outdoor seating.

2. The Spire Hotel Queenstown

Queenstown City Centre

Luxury ski retreat with slope access, in-room fireplaces, and heated floors creates a cosy alpine escape in the heart of Queenstown.

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

A modern house with a central chimney, surrounded by a garden and a small pond.

3. Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Gibbston

Experience refined luxury at this mountain lodge with a full-service spa, attached winery, and private hot tubs in each room.

includes taxes & fees

23 Nov - 24 Nov

A person standing by a balcony with a view of a lake and mountains.

4. Radfords on the Lake

Te Anau

Lakefront luxury meets eco-conscious comfort at Radfords, with premium rooms overlooking Te Anau waters.

includes taxes & fees

27 Nov - 28 Nov

A large wooden house with a stone wall and a pond in front.

5. Millbrook Resort

Arrowtown

Luxurious alpine retreat offers golf course, full-service spa, and multiple dining options.

includes taxes & fees

6 Dec - 7 Dec

A room with a large window offering a view of a lake and mountains. There are wooden chairs and tables arranged for seating.

6. The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments

Queenstown

Lakeside luxury on balconied terraces elevates stays with spa treatments, fine dining, and shuttle service.

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

A room with a large window, a wooden deck, a white bathtub, and a chair.

7. Coronet Ridge Resort

Arthur's Point

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

A modern building with a circular window and a view of a lake and mountains.

8. QT Queenstown

Queenstown City Centre

Lakeside luxury meets alpine elegance at this Queenstown hotel, where stunning views and designer comforts create an unforgettable escape.

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

A rocky shoreline with a large tree and a smaller tree in the water, surrounded by mountains.

9. Edgewater Hotel

Wanaka

Lakeside luxury elevated with 3 hot tubs, gourmet dining, and panoramic mountain views from private balconies in scenic Wānaka.

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

A modern dining area with a high ceiling, large windows, and a view of mountains and a lake.

10. Kamana Lakehouse

Fernhill

Indulge in lakeside luxury with three rejuvenating hot tubs, premium spa services, and designer rooms offering spectacular mountain vistas.

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

View all properties

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

A spacious living room with a large window overlooking a serene lake and mountains.

Matuka Luxury Lodge

Ben Ohau

10/10 Excellent

Peter

A staircase with a potted plant in the center, flanked by two cylindrical objects.

Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation

Hokitika

10/10 Excellent

austen

A hotel entrance with a reception desk, a chandelier, and a wheelchair accessibility symbol on the floor.

Bluestone On George

North Dunedin

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous traveller

A breakfast tray with a croissant, fruit preserves, and two glasses of champagne on a white table in a modern hotel room with a view of a cityscape.

The Sails Nelson

The Wood

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous traveller

A person relaxing in a bathtub with a view of a rocky landscape and mountains through large windows.

Lakestone Lodge

Pukaki

10/10 Excellent

Superb little boutique lodge. Staff can't do enough for you. Very comfortable room with garden and a fantastic view. Big bathroom. Food excellent - even a packed lunch - laundry done (at cost). Best hotel of our trip so far. It will take some beating. If you're on a road trip across the east side of the South Island and looking to break the journey consider a stop here. Flights to the glacier from Mt Cook airport, hiking, dark sky area. Beautiful views.

Andrew

A large, historic building with a tower and a conservatory, surrounded by well-manicured gardens and trees.

Camp Estate

Larnachs Castle

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous traveller

A commercial building with a covered entrance, paved driveway, and a fenced parking area.

Grand Suites Murchison

Murchison

10/10 Excellent

AM

A large, two-story building with a porch and a sign that reads "Woodstove Bakery."

The Vicarage Geraldine

Geraldine

10/10 Excellent

The Vicarage at Geraldine was absolutely amazing and the perfect place to stay. We stayed for two nights and couldn’t have asked for a more comfortable or welcoming experience. Our ground-floor room was directly opposite the beautiful communal space, which was so well equipped with everything you could possibly need. It really felt like an extension of our room and was such a lovely space to relax in. The room itself was beautifully decorated, incredibly comfortable and had everything we...

Sarah

A two-story stone building with a central entrance, a balcony on the upper floor, and a symmetrical facade.

Casa Nova House

Oamaru North

10/10 Excellent

Kate

A wooden treehouse with multiple levels, built on stilts, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses

Hapuku

10/10 Excellent

Kate

A spacious living room with a stone fireplace, large windows, and a high ceiling.

Rimu Lodge

Ruatapu

10/10 Excellent

This was an absolutely fantastic place to stay. What a gem! Sue Ellen could not have been more welcoming - even making a dinner reservation for us and updating the restaurant because we were running late. Rimu Lodge is delightful. The rooms are large, contemporary yet cosy, beautifully decorated and with lots of little touches such as a turn down service, exquisite bathroom products and fine quality chocolate treats to welcome you. The super king bed was extremely comfortable and my husband and...

Margery

Millbrook Resort

Arrowtown

10/10 Excellent

Fielden

A rustic cabin with a stone foundation, wooden beams, and a metal roof. It is surrounded by mountains and features a starry night sky.

Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge

Glenorchy

10/10 Excellent

Pieter

A modern two-story building with a reflective pond in front.

Village Lake Apartments

Hanmer Springs

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Coronet Ridge Resort

Arthur's Point

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

A room with a large window overlooking a starry night sky, a mountain view, and a body of water.

Azur Luxury Lodge

Sunshine Bay

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Find out more about South Island

South Islandand its attractions for luxury travelers

South Island, New Zealand, offers a wealth of luxurious experiences that cater to discerning travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey in Queenstown, renowned for its stunning landscapes and adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping and jet boating on the Shotover River. After a day of excitement, unwind at one of the area’s opulent hotels, where world-class service and stunning views of Lake Wakatipu await. Next, head to the Fiordland National Park, home to the breathtaking Milford Sound, where you can indulge in a private cruise, soaking in the dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls while enjoying gourmet dining on board. For a touch of indulgence, the Marlborough region is perfect for wine aficionados, featuring exclusive vineyard tours and tastings of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc paired with exquisite local cuisine. The contemporary city of Christchurch also beckons, with its stylish boutiques, art galleries, and luxury hotels that offer a perfect blend of modernity and heritage. For those who appreciate bespoke experiences, consider staying in a boutique lodge nestled in the Southern Alps, where personalised service and gourmet meals complement your explorations of the stunning alpine scenery.

Find luxury hotels in South Island

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for South Island luxury hotels

1. Fiordland Discovery

2. The Spire Hotel Queenstown

3. Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

4. Radfords on the Lake

5. Millbrook Resort

6. The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments

7. Coronet Ridge Resort

8. QT Queenstown

9. Edgewater Hotel

10. Kamana Lakehouse

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Matuka Luxury Lodge

10/10 Excellent

Find out more about South Island

South Islandand its attractions for luxury travelers