The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Canterbury, New Zealand

The weekly rates available at this efficient apart-hotel keep costs down for long-stay guests in Christchurch. Although minimalist in design, there’s an abundance of facilities in each studio including ensuite bathrooms with a hairdryer and toiletries, plus a kitchenette equipped with a fridge, microwave and toaster. Residents looking to rustle up something more ambitious can head to the larger communal kitchen, where you can also socialise on the outdoor terrace and courtyard.

It’s almost worth staying here just for the guest discounts on the gut-busting meals at the next door Bealey Ale & Steak House (the headliner is the 300g rib-eye steak). As for the digs, the dorms range from four to eight beds, while double and twin options are available for those whose wallet stretches a little further. All rooms benefit from a bright, light smattering of windows, while impromptu games of Killer can be enjoyed at the first-floor pool table in this cheap hotel in Christchurch.

A short drive or scenic walk north of the geothermal magic at Hanmer Springs is this family-orientated holiday park. The jam-packed games room features arcade games, foosball, air hockey, table tennis and pool tables, while outdoor activities include a 9.5m (31ft) swimming pool and by-the-hour bike hire. Sleeping options range from roomy private chalets to a static caravan with a squeezed-in double bed.

Caravan and motorhome visitors parking on powered plots will also be granted access to the communal areas including showers, toilets, kitchen and dining room. Cooking equipment can also be hired for any travellers without pots and pans. For those arriving without their beds in tow, deluxe motels are the high-end option. The smaller corrugated units boast no lack of character, with an outside patio and picnic table with a view onto the Kaikoura Ranges.

This remote holiday park is nuzzled into the eastern shore of Lake Pukaki, just before it narrows into the Tasman River. The view is unspoiled and epic; visitors here can’t help but be inspired to explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park just 18km (11mi) further north. With facilities and accommodation tailored to campers, motorhomes, backpackers and families, Glentanner is the perfect base from which to become an amateur mountaineer.

What do you get if you combine a Dutch guy, a Japanese gal, a Swiss chalet and a popular New Zealand resort town? The charming Hanmer Backpackers, that’s what. The result of a backpacking love story, Tristan and Yoko have been welcoming fellow travellers here since 2012. With the hosts keen to share tales and tips over the roaring lounge fire, their seven rooms come with plenty of quirk, such as room three’s stargazing skylight.

As a former hut warden at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, owner Jovana is brimming with advice for exploring the region around Lake Tekapo. She, along with Richard, are the welcoming hosts at this favourite budget stay for backpackers and families. Electric heaters in each room keep things cosy, even at the height of winter, while summer sees good use of the tennis and football court.

A half-hour drive north of Christchurch, this motel is a perfect coastal stopover for those heading on towards Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. Each unit comes with an ensuite bathroom, kitchen facilities and TV, while a children’s playground and BBQ rank among the outdoor features. For those staying longer, the town of Rangiora has a golf club, aquatic centre and selection of restaurants ready to serve up Canterbury lamb.