6 Best Hotels in East Coast and the Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Name: Discovery Lodge
Address: State Hwy. 47, Whakapapa Village, Manawatu-Whanganui, 3948, New Zealand
Telephone: 07-892–2744
Price range: $$

Accommodations range from super-expensive lodges to multistory hotels and budget motels. Bed-and-breakfast establishments—whether in town centers or in the depths of the countryside where you can succumb to the silence, curl up and read a book, or cast a fly in a quiet stream—are another excellent option.

Rotorua has lodgings in all price ranges. If you're willing to stay out of the town center, you can find bargain rates virtually year-round. In both Rotorua and Taupo, many hotels and motels give significant discounts on their standard rates off-season, from June through September. For stays during the school holidays in December and January, book well in advance. Also note that peak season in Tongariro National Park and other ski areas is winter (June–September); summer visitors can usually find empty beds and good deals. Many places, even the fanciest lodges, don't have air-conditioning, as the weather doesn't call for it.

Discovery Lodge

$$ | State Hwy. 47, Whakapapa Village, 3948, New Zealand

The only tourist lodging in the park to give a panoramic view of three active volcanoes is this friendly complex, close to the ski slopes. Most accommodations are in self-contained apartments and chalets. One-bedroom units sleep up to five people. There's also a pair of double rooms priced for backpackers, as well as powered campsites. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner; packed lunches are available on request. On-site amenities include a fully licensed bar and a guest lounge with sundeck. The lodge also runs its own shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, arriving just before 6 am.

Harvest Lodge

$$$ | 23 Havelock Rd., Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand

Close to the center of Havelock North, this Harvest Lodge has spacious units with original artwork and comfortable king-size beds. All are outfitted with whirlpool baths, kitchenettes, and windows that open wide onto the lovely courtyard.

Ocean Beach

$$ | 7 Oneroa Rd., Gisborne, 4010, New Zealand

A surfer's paradise, this Mediterranean-looking motel complex is a five-minute drive north of Gisborne, close to Wainui Beach. The contemporary-style units are spacious, airy, and have a private courtyard. Perks like kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi make them a practical choice, too.

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Portmans Motor Lodge

$$ | 401 Railway Rd., Hastings, 4122, New Zealand

Conveniently located near the center of Hastings, this motel has 20 modern units surrounding a spacious courtyard; 10 have whirlpool baths, and all are comfortably equipped. The outdoor swimming pool and warm, welcoming hosts are added bonuses.

Senator Motor Inn

$$ | 2 Childers Rd., Gisborne, 4010, New Zealand

Offering comfortable, modern accommodations with lovely views over the marina and inner harbor on one side and main-street shopping on the doorstep, this motel has an ideal location that ticks all the boxes. It's just a stone's throw from the wharf, a two-minute walk from town, and a five-minute drive from one of Gisborne's best surfing beaches. Both studios and suites are available, each with its own terrace.

Shoreline Motel

$$ | 377 Marine Parade, Napier, 4110, New Zealand

The rooms at this Marine Parade place are well-appointed and well-equipped; each comes with its own hot tub, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms facing the beach offer superb views to distant Cape Kidnappers.

East Coast and the Volcanic Zone

East Coast and the Volcanic Zone

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