Top Boutique Hotels in South Island (2026)

Located just 2 minutes’ walk from historic Arrowtown, this boutique accommodations offers luxury rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TV and a DVD player. It features a beautiful garden and a sunny terrace. The spacious rooms are elegantly decorated and feature large bathrooms with under-floor heating. Each room includes laundry facilities, a Bluetooth speaker and an iPod docking station. Some suites have a private garden or balcony. Arrowtown House Boutique Hotels is ideally located to enjoy all the excitement and activities of Queenstown, a 15-minute drive away. The center of Arrowtown offers a great selection of restaurants, bars and shops. The guest lobby includes a fireplace. An internet kiosk and a DVD library are available.

- "Lovely hotel, really well equipped, comfortable, great staff." - "Beautiful private, spacious and comfortable room. Most comfortable bed I've ever slept in! Lovely extras such as a cheese board, wine & chocolates and most delicious breakfast provided in the beautiful lounge area. We asked the hosts for help with organising several extra bits and pieces that we had sent to the Hotel for our stay and they couldn't have been more helpful. Excellent location, short stroll to Arrowtown Village. Loved it and hope to go back for our next anniversary!"

Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown is a beautifully restored Victorian villa located just 1640 feet from the center of Queenstown. Guests receive free WiFi and secure on-site car parking. Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown has 6 luxury rooms all individually decorated and furnished, with views over Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Hill or the beautiful garden. Each suite features quality Hungarian goose down bedding, Egyptian cotton toweling and bathrobes. Each suite also has a commercial grade coffee grinder to go with freshly roasted coffee beans. Guests can enjoy a full breakfast each morning, including homemade sourdough bread, raspberry and chia seed pots and free range bacon, eggs and a variety of other items. Homemade specialties can be enjoyed during the day and a selection of drinks and canapés are available before dinner. Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown is within walking distances of Queenstown’s vibrant cafes, shops, and restaurants. It is 1640 feet from the shores of Lake Wakatipu and an equal distance from the Skyline Gondola and Luge base. Queenstown Airport is 12 minutes drive away.

- "Beautifully styled, stunning views" - "Excellent breakfast and pre dinner snacks. Lovely to have pre dinner drinks by the fire. Very attentive and kind staff. Lovely large room with comfy bed." - "My partner and I recently spent five nights at Hulbert House, and we cannot praise it highly enough. From the moment we arrived, the service and hospitality were outstanding. The attention to detail was impeccable, with every aspect of our stay thoughtfully curated. The staff were super friendly and made us feel truly welcome. The rooms are stunning, beautiful finishings, we had a tour of the other rooms and every single room was gorgeous! Breakfast each morning was perfect, with a variety of delicious options, and the personal touch of offering to drive us into town whenever we needed, was much appreciated. You can tell the staff here love their jobs, they were genuinely amazing with every single attention to detail. Hulbert House didn’t just feel like a hotel; it felt like home. This was honestly the best hotel experience we've ever had, and we can’t wait to return."

Set on 2000 acres of farmland bordering the Fiordland National Park, Cabot Lodge - Fiordland National Park offers uninterrupted views of Lake Manapouri and the surrounding mountains. The Lodge offers an arrival drink, canapes and evening drink, a set-menu evening meal showcasing farm to plate cuisine, cooked breakfast, free WiFi, free parking, and use of the Lodge spa pool, private hiking trails, and private fishing jetty included in all rates. Each Suite offers daily fresh fruit and baking, Nespresso coffee, well-stocked mini bars, lake and mountain views, Smart TVs with Netflix, laundry service, security safes, homemade soaps, luxury bathroom amenities, and premium bed linens. Guests are able to request lunch hampers to be enjoyed while exploring Fiordland. Cabot Lodge - Fiordland National Park is located 5 minutes' drive from the departure point for Doubtful Sound, and 10 minutes' drive from the entrance of the Kepler Track. Cabot Lodge is 20-minutes' drive from the famed Milford Road, leading to Milford Sound. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, scenic flights, jet boats and horse riding are all located within minutes of the property.

- "Everything was amazing. Brad and Breidi were phenomenal hosts that looked after every need we had. One of the best travel experiences ever." - "We were excited about staying here but blown away by the reality. Brad and Breidi are just exceptional hosts - people who love people and love their life running Cabot Lodge, and it shows. There are stunning views from every room and all the around the property, which is a garden show all on its' own. There is everything you could ask for in a room, details I hadn't realized I'd missed until we found them here. There were fresh flowers, fruit and cookies every day, and a selection of local wines and beers in the room. Every time we arrived back at the property Brad came out to greet us and ask if there was anything we needed. Honestly, anything guests need or want has been thought about in advance, but they personalize everyone's experience anyway. We got detailed personalized advice for every day's adventures, with an additional notecard the day we left giving recommendations for our stopover in Queenstown. I had a major Amazon delivery problem with a book I'd ordered as a gift for my husband and Breidie jumped on it and had it solved in no time - then surprised me by gift wrapping the book and leaving it in our room. Lovely (and fabulous) canopies and drinks at 6, unbelievably great dinner at 7 from a Chef we thought they must have brought in from a big city. Brad's breakfasts were fabulous. Can't say enough. We already miss it --"

Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu, Blanket Bay offers guests a relaxing hot tub and rooms with lovely lake views. Breakfast, dinner and Wi-Fi are included. Start your day with a delicious breakfast including bacon, eggs, muesli, cereals and freshly-made muffins. Changing daily, the tempting dinner menu can include roasted beef fillet and Thai carrot and coconut soup. Pre-dinner drinks are also included and range from fine New Zealand wines and spirits. Free bikes and kayaks are available for those seeking an adventure. In the evening, you can enjoy a game of billiards with friends or relax beside the warming fireplace. The front desk can arrange mountain bike tours, jet boating and Milford Sound tours. Blanket Bay Glenorchy is 3 minutes’ drive from the town center. Queenstown is 35 minutes’ drive away and Wanaka is 90 minutes’ drive. All air-conditioned accommodations features an iPod dock, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. Each has a private bathroom with a double vanity, a bathtub, slippers, and fluffy bathrobes. The suites boast a cozy fireplace.

14th Lane Urban Hotel is located in Blenheim. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property provides airport transportation, while a bicycle rental service is also available. All guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms come with a coffee machine, while selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. At 14th Lane Urban Hotel the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. The nearest airport is Marlborough Airport, 4.3 miles from the accommodation.

- "This is a wonderful small hotel. The manager Craig could not have been nicer. We had wonderful conversations with him and learned a lot about the area. The room was spacious, very clean and nicely appointed. It was right in town so it was very easy to walk to everything. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay." - "owners were personally involved and organised for us to park our fancy old car on their driveway so it wasn’t out in the public carpark overnight healthy pot plants and coffee nice touches. we didn’t think of breakfast there but it looked lovely"

Offering free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is located in Hapuku. All accommodations offers a 2-person spa bath, a fireplace and a balcony. Treehouse accommodations is elevated 30 feet up within the trees. Located between the mountains and the sea, Hapuku Lodge features stunning views of Kaikoura and Pacific Ocean. The property is 10 minutes' drive from Ohau Stream Walkway and Waterfall. All air-conditioned suites feature a dining setting, a refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. Each includes a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station. Your private bathroom also comes with a rain shower and hairdryer. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking. Guest have free use of bicycles to explore the area. The property also features free parking.

- "Beautiful room in a stunning location, great food in lovely restaurant and attentive staff. A wonderful choice for a special anniversary." - "We only stayed here 1 night but wish we spent more time here. Amazing food (the dinner is 100% worth it!), super friendly staff, beautiful views with deer right outside, comfortable bed, amazing amenities. Honestly one of the best hotels/lodges I have stayed at." - "Wonderful staff. Relaxed excellent service exceeded expectations & the food was the best we have enjoyed in New Zealand. Beautiful location between snow capped mountains and the sea."

The Vicarage Geraldine is offering accommodations in Geraldine. The apartment also offers free Wifi, free private parking, and facilities for disabled guests. The units at the apartment complex come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kitchenette, a dining area, and a private bathroom with bathrobes, a walk-in shower, and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster, and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. At the apartment complex, each unit comes with bed linen and towels. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the apartment. There is a coffee shop and lounge. Guests at The Vicarage Geraldine will be able to enjoy activities in and around Geraldine, like skiing, cycling, and fishing. Hiking can be enjoyed nearby. The nearest airport is Richard Pearse Airport, 18 miles from the accommodation.

- "The detail in the room was exemplary and enjoyed the glass of Port at the end of the evening, a lovely touch thank you!!!" - "The cleanliness was exceptional, I also felt that the level of thoughtfulness in what their visitors might need, really set them apart." - "Loved the decor, little extras , all amenities or items lovely from the towels to sheets, hair dryer , coffee , China etc loved being next to barkers also" - "Fantastic location and presentation and great eatery next door."

Azur Lodge offers private villas in a secluded part of Sunshine Bay. It features panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, free Wi-Fi and a private shuttle service. It is a 5-minute drive to central Queenstown. Each villa contains a king bed, which is well-positioned to enjoy the views. There is a mini-bar and a spacious living area with a fireplace and LCD TV. The luxury bathrooms feature a free-standing, spa bath. Breakfast is included and served in your room, or the main lodge. Azur’s main lodge houses a reception desk and lounge. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés are served every evening. Room service is also available. Azur Luxury Lodge provides free transfers to the town center and local restaurants.

- "Excellent" - "Perfect hotel, I will stay all the times that I come back to Queenstown. We stayed in others hotels in the city, but any can be compared to Azur! The room is really confortable and beautiful, the view is amazing, staff really helpfull, shuttle service to city, afternoon tea and breakfast wonderful!" - "Everything about Azur Lodge is exceptional. Great location, spectacular view, a bed that literally feels like you are sleeping on a cloud and friendly staff. The perfect villa to come back to after exploring beautiful Queenstown."

Located in Dunedin, a 12-minute walk from Taieri Gorge Railway, Ebb-Dunedin provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a garden and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. Guests can use the sauna, or enjoy city views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a closet, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms have an electric tea pot, while selected rooms here will provide you with a kitchenette with a dishwasher, a microwave and a stovetop. At Ebb-Dunedin all rooms come with bed linen and towels. At the accommodation you'll find a restaurant serving Australian and European cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested. Guests at Ebb-Dunedin will be able to enjoy activities in and around Dunedin, like hiking and cycling. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Otago Museum and Forsyth Barr Stadium. The nearest airport is Dunedin Airport, 17 miles from Ebb-Dunedin.

- "We stayed at the Ebb for our daughter's graduation, and could not have chosen a better hotel. The location was fantastic - central for both the university and the Town Hall and restaurants. Also just across the road from a large mall for some retail therapy. The cafe on the ground floor was fantastic - staff were really friendly and helpful and the food and coffees were delicious. Rooms were comfortable and the hotel was quiet. Beds were super-comfy! Would definitely stay here again on our next trip to Dunedin and would recommend highly to others"

The Marlborough Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region and is nestled within 16 acres of secluded park lands. It is located a 10-minute drive from the town of Blenheim and our location provides the opportunity for guests to explore New Zealand's gourmet province. The property features a seasonal outdoor heated pool. The Marlborough features contemporary rooms with air-conditioning and private private bathrooms. The rooms are elegantly designed to ensure your every comfort is met and feature a flat-screen TV, radio, kettle, refrigerator and a seating area in most rooms. There is a 24-hour reception and concierge for guests convenience and a professional housekeeping team to provide daily room and evening turn down service. There is a bar on-site and a restaurant on site where guests can dine on fresh local cuisine from the ala carte menu. The property has large games area garden along with walking trails throughout the property. Marlborough Airport is 5 mi away and Picton Ferry Terminal is 20mins drive from The Marlborough.