Accommodation

Qualmark New Zealand is New Zealand tourism’s official quality agency – and it’s not just for high-end accommodation. There are categories for Holiday Parks and Backpackers.

Grades range from one- to five-star. All New Zealand accommodation that has been awarded a Qualmark has undergone a detailed assessment to ensure that it meets a minimum level of requirements in cleanliness, security and comfort.

Throughout NZ you can choose from more than 500 New Zealand hostels offering a range of dorms and private rooms. Many are affiliated to New Zealand hostelling associations and some offer membership discounts so you might want to sign up with them. Take the following websites as a starting point to plan your budget accommodation and make sure you book your bed ahead during busy school and public holidays. 

Holiday Accommodation Parks of New Zealand www.holidayparks.co.nz
Top 10 Holiday Parks www.top10.co.nz
Budget Backpacker Hostels of New Zealand www.bbh.co.nz
Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand www.yha.co.nz

A great option for backpackers travelling in a rental campervan is freedom camping – but be responsible. If your camper has a toilet, you may spend the night in most places (unless there’s a ‘no camping’ sign); if not, you’ll need to find a designated camping site or holiday park. If you are freedom camping, keep the noise down and leave all camping spots tidy and clean. See the Freedom Camping Forum to find out more. www.camping.org.nz