Top Resorts in South Island

Picton (Marlborough Sounds)

A collection of affordable rooms and suites for fun, outdoorsy trips to the Sounds. Bright, modern rooms have great views to Kenepuru Sound - some boast private balconies. With an outdoor swimming pool, spa, gardens and two restaurants, this is a relaxed, family-friendly base.

• Value chic - Simple, budget-friendly rooms and suites in a scenic part of the Sounds. The Weka rooms are the most affordable
• Families - Book a two-bedroom Korimako room for a family or group trip, and go kayaking, sailing, hiking and more
• Kayaking - Hire kayaks or stand up paddleboards to explore the crystalline waters of the Sounds
• Fishing - Try your hand at fishing - the resort has rods suitable for children and adults

Wanaka (Wanaka 9381)

A contemporary property boasting an enviable location very close to beautiful Lake Wanaka. Well appointed modern rooms are light and airy and offer fabulous views from the expansive windows. Boasting outdoor hot-pools and an indulgent spa. An ideal base to explore the region from.

• Active Holiday - Close to Lake Wanaka, this hotel is surrounded by nature, a great starting point for outdoor activities on the lake or mountains
• Skiing - Wanaka region's world-renown ski fields include Cardrona & Treble Cone - and the resort boasts its own ski storage facilities
• Mountain biking - Experience beautiful scenery by bike, with relaxed pedals around the lake or an exhilarating downhill forest adventure
• Groups - Families or groups can book the multi-bedroom apartments, with space for 6 people, for additional privacy

Tasman (State Highway 65, Tasman )

A tranquil and rejuvinating experience amid 500 acres of woodland. 7 luxury villas provide the lodgings, each built to exist in harmony with the beautiful natural surroundings. Relax in the sauna and spa with wellness treatments, enjoy guided yoga, and taste dishes created using homegrown produce.

• Back to Nature - Surrounded by beech forest, rugged mountain ranges, gardens and terraces in a resort encouraging guests to reconnect with nature
• Foodies - Seasonal menus will delight lovers of organic produce, grown on-site, served with exquisite locally sourced meat and fish
• Great walks - Traverse through 5 creeks, along the 1.5-km frontage of Maruia River and through beech forest with a nature guide
• Romantic Break - Escape the world in 500 acres of secluded woodland, share a private villa and relax with a couples' massage

Arrowtown (Arrowtown)

A range of cottages and suites situated on the 600-acre Millbrook Resort with two 18-hole golf courses. Decor is contemporary, modern and slick. Cottages come with private verandas and dining areas. Also has a spa, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and choice of three restaurants.

• Mountain biking - Hire a bicycle from the resort's fleet of mountain bikes & e-Bikes to explore Queenstown's trails in the spring, summer & autumn
• Families - Families will love flexible cottage options & child-friendly acitivites, including a playground, duck feeding & garden games
• Golf - Home of the NZ Open, Millbrook Resort has two 18-hole golf courses - The Remarkables and Coronet - perfect for keen golfers
• Active Holiday - Brilliant for active holidays, the resort has tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses & activities for little ones

Picton (Arthur's Bay)

Tranquil and private luxury eco-resort with spacious, elegant rooms & apartments. Outdoor decks & huge picture windows make the most of fantastic views over the bay. With a fine dining restaurant, private jetty, hot tub, outdoor swimming pool and 52 hectares of grounds.

• Active Holiday - With 52 hectares of coastal grounds, the resort is perfect for active travellers of all ages to sail, kayak, swim & birdwatch
• Groups - Families or groups will adore the two- and three-bedroom villas with private terraces and heaps of space
• Birdwatching - Kereru, Tui and Weka emerge at dusk on the grounds, whilst the world's only King Cormorant breeding colony is nearby
• Great walks - Trails wind through the resort's 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds