What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in South Island?

A motel is a great option if you're planning to tour around South Island. These getaways are typically found near major roads and airports, offer on-site parking and have basic services and amenities. Book a 3-star hotel and you'll be more centrally located. With a larger choice of rooms and additional conveniences such as a lobby, gym and business facilities, you can expect to pay more for hotel accommodation.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in South Island?

Start your day right with the free breakfast at Le Petit Hotel . This popular pick also features individually decorated rooms and a terrace. Alternatively, pour yourself a cup of coffee and fuel up at Silver Peaks Lodge . These 3-star accommodation in South Island will save you the inconvenience of finding somewhere to eat each morning.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have a pool?

Get some chill time at the pool at Antares Homestay , a sought-after 3-star getaway in South Island. You can also dive in and take it easy poolside at Tussock Peak . Planning a summer getaway? Temperatures are warmest during December, January and February. During January, the warmest month, the mercury sits between 10ºC at night and 18ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in South Island have an on-site restaurant?

Expedia has a range of 3-star hotels with an on-site restaurant in Queenstown, South Island. One place where you can satisfy your hunger before and after touring the sights is Heartland Hotel Queenstown . A lake view and nearby historical attractions are a couple of other handy amenities here. Or check in and order from the menu at Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown , which also includes WiFi and a swimming pool.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have WiFi?

Absolutely, so you'll be able to log in wherever your travels take you in South Island. If you're visiting Queenstown, The Lofts Apartments is a 3-star hotel that comes with WiFi. YHA Queenstown Central - Hostel is another recommendation here. Book one of these getaways and easily browse emails, book or plan other parts of your trip and stay in touch with friends and family while you're away.

What 3-star hotels in South Island have parking?

If you're travelling around South Island, West Meadows Motel has somewhere for your ride. Another 3-star getaway where you won't need to worry about parking logistics is Stopforths Premium Accommodation . From Lyttelton Harbour to New Brighton Beach, your South Island holiday will be packed with awesome experiences around every corner.

Do any 3-star hotels in South Island have rooms with a kitchenette?

The Salisbury Luxury Class is one leading option in Christchurch, South Island that has rooms with a kitchenette. This 3-star escape also features designer toiletries and premium bedding. Or enjoy the flexibility of whipping up your own food at Sumner Bay Motel & Apartments . A nearby beach and free WiFi are two other amenities available here.

Queenstown showing a river or creek and boating

Compare and book 3 Star hotels in South Island, New Zealand

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on South Island 3 Star Hotels

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Top South Island 3 Star Hotels

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Christchurch City Centre

Sheryl

₹4,631 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Dunedin City Centre

Jodye

₹9,408 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

The Godley Hotel

Lake Tekapo

JACEK

Deluxe Double Room | Bed sheets, alarm clocks

Fiordland Hotel

Te Anau

Ruth

₹7,976 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

The Muse Christchurch, Art Hotel

Christchurch City Centre

Loren

₹9,824 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Pinewood Queenstown

Boydtown

Qingyi

₹8,576 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Hypo-allergenic bedding, free minibar items, in-room safe

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge

Burnside

Beryl

₹8,304 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jan - 7 Jan 2026

Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura

Debbie

₹9,356 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Hotel Give

Christchurch City Centre

Shayne

₹5,701 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Dec - 25 Dec

Seasonal outdoor pool, a heated pool, pool loungers

The Hotel Nelson

Nelson South

Tracey

₹7,076 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Te Anau

Vanessa

₹16,892 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Daily buffet breakfast (NZD 29 per person)

ibis Christchurch

Christchurch City Centre

Geoffrey

₹8,524 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Wanaka Hotel

Wanaka

₹11,926 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Dec - 17 Dec

Alpine Motel

Wanaka

Erika

₹13,388 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Edit Picton

Picton

Thommo

₹8,543 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Dec - 17 Dec

Beachfront Hotel

Hokitika

Mike

₹8,621 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Archway Motel & Chalets

Wanaka

Andrew

₹19,366 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Dec - 19 Dec

Quest on Cambridge

Christchurch City Centre

Lyle

₹10,110 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Cardrona Hotel

Cardrona

Jessica

₹8,701 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Hotel St Clair

St. Clair

Karen

₹13,051 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in South Island.

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

123 Princes Street Dunedin

₹7,524

₹8,738 total

14 Dec - 15 Dec

includes taxes & fees

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)

Still don't see what you're looking for?

See all properties in South Island.

You can also use these popular filters to refine your search.

Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Learn more about South Island

Larger, less populated and harder to reach than the northern “Main Island,” this area features New Zealand’s longest glacier, its highest mountain and much more.

See all hotels in South Island

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Pinewood Queenstown

10/10 Excellent

"Nice location with a view. Clean rooms and helpful staff. Parking into those narrow parking slots is not fun. We came back late to some dont care person parked into our parking slot and had to beg the staff to find the idiot who did at 10:30pm. The staff found the person and made them move. So awesome staff !"

Find out more about South Island

Find Your Ideal 3 Star Hotel in South Island

There's a reason the top 3-star hotels in South Island, New Zealand are so incredibly popular: They combine comforting amenities and just-for-you service with some of the best rates and discounts the area has to offer. When you book a stay at a three star hotel in South Island, you'll get affordable rates at these mid-range properties. Check through our listings and you'll find some hotels may even give you access to perfect little perks like on-site restaurants and cocktail bars, well-appointed fitness centres, and spacious rooms.

Search for a cheap deal on a 3 star hotel in South Island for the most elegant experience, or grab a low rate on one of the cheap 3 star hotels in South Island near the local attractions, if you want something a touch more unassuming. Whatever your travelling style, make sure to use the search tools at Expedia to track down prices, read more about amenities, and score a few local discounts.

From business trips to family getaways, the South Island 3 star hotels offer a fantastic economical yet comfortable stay for any type of holiday.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in South Island?

You'll discover a range of 3-star hotels around South Island. Our guests recommend staying at YHA Queenstown Central - Hostel in Queenstown. It comes with a lake view and a nearby beach, and is roughly 0.16 kilometres southwest of downtown. The Lofts Apartments is also popular. Around 0.16 kilometres southwest of the centre of Queenstown, it offers first-run movie services and private winery tours.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in South Island?

Uncover the ideal trifecta of quality, affordability and comfort at a 3-star hotel in South Island with our filter tools. Enter your preferred travel dates and then adjust your search according to the rate you wish to pay per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from ₹8,738

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in South Island?

Book a 3-star hotel and you can look forward to tidy and comfortable rooms and amenities such as WiFi, gyms and tea and coffee makers. These lodgings may also include a bar and restaurant. Upgrade your South Island holiday by choosing a 4-star hotel. With things like a wellness centre, round-the-clock room service and premium toiletries, you'll experience an enhanced level of relaxation and comfort.

Compare and book 3 Star hotels in South Island, New Zealand

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check availability on South Island 3 Star Hotels

Top South Island 3 Star Hotels

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

The Godley Hotel

Fiordland Hotel

The Muse Christchurch, Art Hotel

Pinewood Queenstown

Airport Gateway Motor Lodge

Kaikoura Quality Suites

Hotel Give

The Hotel Nelson

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

ibis Christchurch

Wanaka Hotel

Alpine Motel

Edit Picton

Beachfront Hotel

Archway Motel & Chalets

Quest on Cambridge

Cardrona Hotel

Hotel St Clair

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Learn more about South Island

Top South Island Hotel Reviews

Pinewood Queenstown

Find out more about South Island

Find Your Ideal 3 Star Hotel in South Island

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Hotels in South Island by Star Rating

Areas of South Island

Accommodation near South Island attractions

Choose Your South Island Hotel Style

More accommodation types in South Island

Recommended cities for you

Explore more hotels

Expedia's Latest Trends