3 Best Hotels in Upper South Island and the West Coast, New Zealand

Cook for yourself if you wish at this modern motel-style accommodation that offers great value, with well-appointed studios and apartments, excellent facilities, and a sunny environment. All units have kitchens, plus there are two appealing barbecue areas. It's close to the Glacier Hot Pools, a two-minute walk to the Wildlife Centre, and an easy walk to restaurants. Best of all, there's lots of forest to look at and native birds to listen to. Some units have a whirlpool bath; light breakfasts are available.

Stylish, well-sized guest rooms, with kitchenettes and en suite bathrooms, overlook the town to the main harbor. Thoughtful touches include fans, and DVD players with a library of movies. Some bathrooms have either a whirlpool tub or a multihead shower. A supermarket just opposite is handy for stocking up before hitting the remote areas of the Marlborough Sounds. The friendly hosts are happy to share their wealth of Kiwi traveling advice.

Well-appointed cabins and motel units, with various bedding configurations and some with full kitchens, are set on 5 beachfront acres with plenty of trees for shelter. You can get closer to nature on a tent site, or park your campervan on a powered site. The park's shared facilities (kitchens, bathrooms, laundry) are modern, spacious, well laid-out, and lacking for nothing in appliances. Feel free to enjoy the balmy evenings and cook on the barbecue outside. The well-stocked Pohara Store nearby means you will make fewer trips to town for supplies.