Best Boutique Hotels in Southland
This guide to the best luxury, boutique, and design-forward hotels in Southland is manually curated by our editorial team based on first-hand research, verified guest reviews, location analysis, and overall service quality. Each hotel is selected to meet high standards of comfort, authenticity, and guest experience.
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.
Guest Reviews:
- "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 --"
Exceptional
30 reviews
With mountain views, Milford Sound Lodge is located in Milford Sound and has a restaurant, room service, bar and garden. The lodge features both WiFi and private parking free of charge. Milford Sound Lodge offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and shower. Some units include a balcony and/or a patio with river or garden views. If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible nearby. Milford Sound is a 19-minute walk from the accommodation, while Milford Track is 1.1 miles away.
Guest Reviews:
- "Everything." - "The location on the river with the mountain backdrops from the cabin was amazing. Close to the cruise for day two with a short walk. Room was superb with great bed and pillows. Overall a pleasant two days to switch off and enjoy the location and the food was superb in the restaurant and decent serving of fresh produce. The venison, lamb mains ideal, and sorbet and crème brûlée desserts ideal." - "Everything. From the drive in. The spectacular views from our room. The amazingly delicious dinner. And the in room breakfast 👌"
Superb
593 reviews
Lands End is set on the rugged coastline of New Zealand’s southern-most town Bluff. Guests enjoy free WiFi and free continental breakfast. Some rooms boast sea views. There is also an onsite bar. Lands End Hotel is a 3-minute drive from restaurants in Bluff. Bluff Maritime Museum is a 5-minute drive away. Invercargill is a 25-minute drive away. All rooms are heated and offer sea or garden views. They have a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a private bathroom offering bath robes. No onsite bar
Guest Reviews:
- "Classic location" - "Stunning location" - "wonderful location , excellent fixtures and fittings , lots of parking and food etc near by , amazing views out over the ocean . lovely variety of teas etc" - "This was an incredible place to stay. Wasn't what we were expecting but it exceeded expectations. The staff were absolutely wonderful to talk to and couldn't be more helpful. We appreciated the local information they shared about the area and also info on places we were travelling to next. It was just an exceptional experience, thank you so much."
Very Good
348 reviews
Distinction Te Anau Hotels & Villas overlooks the spectacular Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges. It offers elegant rooms with lake and garden views. Guests enjoy a day spa, a sauna, a heated swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Surrounded by colorful gardens, Distinction Te Anau offers accommodations with a fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Guests can relax in the communal lounge area, which offers satellite TV. Te Anau Hotel also offers its own lakefront wedding chapel. Guests who wish to explore the surrounding countryside can make use of the tour guest and packed lunch service. The Mac Kinnon Room Restaurant, which benefits from panoramic views of Lake Te Anau, serves modern New Zealand cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy drinks or an array of cocktails at The Explorer Bar and Lake View Terrace.
Guest Reviews:
- "The hotel was fantastic. Location right on the lake with great views, very very friendly staff and good clean rooms. We were late one morning to breakfast (which is also a huge great buffet) and they let us get a good breakfast anyway. Everyone there is super friendly. Parking is right out the door so that is very easy too. Great value and experience for our family." - "Your staff was more than accommodating. They were friendly, hardworking, helpful and went out of their way to help me with a problem that I created myself with my room assignment."
Good
318 reviews
