New Zealand South Island: 5 Places To Stay for an Authentic Experience

In front of Tekapo 1929

To get the most out of New Zealand, I felt that one of the key things is choosing the right place to stay in. I've spent days looking for the right accommodation so that I'll get the most authentic experience in New Zealand while not compromising my comfort. Authentic is relative, but my perception of an authentic experience in New Zealand comprises of a farm stay, a caravan, and waking up to an awesome scenic view in the morning. Thus, these are the top accommodations that I'll highly recommend for your South Island trip for an authentic New Zealand experience (ranked in descending order)!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

#1 Tekapo 1929 (Lake Tekapo)

Shot at sunrise, Tekapo 1929

I rate this place 11 out of 10 for the private view you get of Lake Tekapo here. If I were to go back in time, I'll choose this place again in a heartbeat. Although the house looks a little old from the outside, everything inside is fully functional. As I was comparing this unit to other accommodations available with the Lake Tekapo view, I could hardly find any that was priced reasonably apart from Tekapo 1929.

As you can see from the map, Tekapo 1929 is literally right in front of Lake Tekapo. Due to its prime location, you'll get a private experience of Lake Tekapo all for yourself (at least I did)! What more can you ask for from this!

#2 Southfiord B&B Fiordland NZ, Kowhai room (Te Anau)

Breakfast served on our stay

Although there are many farm stay options in New Zealand, not all farm stays gives you a chance to be up close and personally with their animals. Also, the comfort that they provide during your stay, which includes the room you sleep in and breakfast. 

Sheep feeding at our stay!

During my trip, I stayed in two farm stays and this was the best out of the two. We got a really nice room which was thoughtfully set up, amazing breakfast, and the host offered to visit her sheep! Our room had all the facilities provided like a hotel would and our breakfast option was very complete, with milk, fruits, and eggs! I'd definitely stay here again if I'm visiting Te Anau.

#3 Caravan (Wanaka)

Source: Airbnb

Got my virgin caravan experience right here in New Zealand. Although a caravan has limited supply of water, space, and electricity, it's certainly something you want to try and give it a shot. I knew right from the get-go that traveling around New Zealand in a caravan wasn't right for me, hence, I chose to get a night stay in one instead.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this blog, this caravan that I stayed in seems to be unavailable. Nevertheless, you can still find other caravans around the same area but do book it much in advance because it can only accommodate one couple per night!

#4 Mountain View (Queenstown)

Source: Airbnb

Waking up next to a mountain isn’t something you get every day unless you actually live next to one (you probably won't be fazed). I found it especially easy to find accommodations with a mountain view in Queenstown, however, their prices do vary very drastically and the popular ones get booked months in advance. I’m glad I managed to stumble upon this room that provided me with an up-close mountain view at a steal!

That said, this is one of the most popular accommodations that is always fully booked months ahead!

#5 House with Jacuzzi (Wanaka)

Source: Airbnb

What is better than getting a spa after a long day? Travelling can be tiring sometimes but coming back to your accommodation can be a delight too. Apart from the jacuzzi, this house was equipped with an exceptional toilet that is extremely spacious and includes a bathtub and modern design. After having a long day, I was excited to soak myself in the jacuzzi and enjoy the beautiful sunset and mountains!


These are the top 5 accommodations that I've tried personally and I would without doubt, highly recommend anyone to stay at Tekapo 1929. During my trip, there are a few places that disappointed me but if any of you are interested in knowing about the rest of the places, do drop me an email!

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