Hotels in Nelson (South Island, New Zealand)

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723 hotels in Nelson

  1. The Hotel Nelson

    3 Stars
    Flames on Forty Restaurant onsite
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$93

  2. The Beachcomber Hotel

    3 Stars
    Solar-heated outdoor swimming pool
    See prices from 6 sites
    from$91

  3. Tides Hotel

    4 Stars
    Riverside Tides Bar and Eatery
    See prices from 10 sites
    from$153

  4. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

    2 Stars
    Helpful On-Site Tour Desk
    See prices from 10 sites
    from$77

  5. Kings Gate Motel

    4 Stars
    Seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool
    See prices from 7 sites
    from$120

  6. Delorenzo Studio Apartments

    5 Stars
    Central Nelson location near shops
    See prices from 9 sites
    from$145

  7. Castles Motel

    4 Stars
    On-site hot tub for relaxation
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$98

  8. Admirals Motor Inn

    4 Stars
    Private balconies with park views
    Select dates to see exact prices

  9. Palazzo Motor Lodge

    5 Stars
    Central Nelson Location Near Restaurants
    See prices from 9 sites
    from$153

  10. Rutherford Hotel Nelson

    4 Stars
    Utilize on-site fitness facilities
    See prices from 8 sites
    from$175

  11. Palms Motel

    4 Stars
    Solar heated outdoor swimming pool
    See prices from 7 sites
    from$145

  12. Harbourside Lodge

    4 Stars
    Adjacent Anchor restaurant dining options
    See prices from 10 sites
    from$153

  13. The Sails Nelson

    5 Stars
    Walk to Nelson city center
    Select dates to see exact prices

  14. Quest Nelson

    4 Stars
    Central Nelson CBD walking access
    See prices from 9 sites
    from$158

  15. Richmond Motel and Holiday Park

    3 Stars
    Outdoor swimming pool for guests
    See prices from 8 sites
    from$88

  16. Riverlodge Motel

    3 Stars
    Walk to Nelson City Center
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$126

  17. Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

    4 Stars
    Waterfront views of Waimea Inlet
    Select dates to see exact prices

  18. Boutique Motel

    5 Stars
    Relax in private spa baths
    Select dates to see exact prices

  19. Balmoral Motel

    4 Stars
    Solar-heated outdoor swimming pool
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$142

  20. The Honest Lawyer, an Ascend Collection Hotel

    4 Stars
    On-site English style gastropub dining
    See prices from 7 sites
    from$148

  21. Tudor Lodge Motel

    4 Stars
    Proximity to Tahunanui Beach
    See prices from 7 sites
    from$105

  22. Century Park Motor Lodge

    5 Stars
    Five minute walk to CBD
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$111

  23. Chelsea Park Motor Lodge

    4 Stars
    Walk 5 minutes to city center
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$138

  24. Saxton Lodge

    4 Stars
    Proximity to Saxton Field complex
    See prices from 8 sites
    from$166

  25. Amber Court Motel Nelson

    4 Stars
    Proximity to Tahunanui Beach area
    See prices from 8 sites
    from$118

  26. The Bug Backpackers

    3 Stars
    Walking distance to Nelson center
    See prices from 4 sites
    from$47

  27. Bridge Backpackers

    2 Stars
    On-site gym for travelers
    See prices from 7 sites
    from$43

  28. Queen Street Studios

    3 Stars
    Eight minute drive to airport
    See prices from 9 sites
    from$149

  29. Parkside Motel

    4 Stars
    Seasonal Heated Outdoor Swimming Pool
    See prices from 11 sites
    from$159

  30. The Sands

    4 Stars
    Enjoy private balcony sea views
    Select dates to see exact prices

  31. Bella Vista Motel Nelson

    4 Stars
    Reach Tahunanui Beach in minutes
    See prices from 9 sites
    from$147

  32. Abelia Motor Lodge

    4 Stars
    Enjoy mountain views from balconies
    See prices from 8 sites
    from$143

  33. Cedar Grove Motor Lodge

    5 Stars
    Relax on your private balcony
    Select dates to see exact prices

  34. YHA Nelson

    2 Stars
    On-site Sauna And Outdoor Terrace
    See prices from 6 sites
    from$85

  35. The Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar

    2 Stars
    Onsite bar and restaurant dining
    Select dates to see exact prices

The prices and availability we receive from booking sites change constantly. This means you may not always find the exact same offer you saw on trivago when you land on the booking site.

Other stays in Nelson

Popular hotel categories in Nelson

Clearly, those Nelson tales have the ring of truth

Nelson, on South Island, is very close to the absolute centre of New Zealand. It also has a number of claims to fame. The town has the largest fishing port in Australasia and the sun always shines here; well it does so more than anywhere else in the country. The One Ring™ which featured in the acclaimed film, The Lord of the Rings was crafted by a Nelson jeweller and you can still purchase replicas at the Nelson-based shop. Finally, the sea water is reputedly clearer here than in any other part of New Zealand. It’s well worth taking a look at Nelson.

Fins ain’t what they used to be in Nelson

Truth takes a battering in Nelson where signs outside many restaurants and hotels proclaim the finest shark and tatties in the area. Tourists are drawn in by the prospect of a new dining adventure, only to be disappointed when served with a portion of cod-fish and chips. It’s delicious, of course, but not what the menu led them to believe. In Nelson, there is an array of restaurants, bars, cafes, fast-food emporiums and even hotels, where great food is served. Some are located on the spectacular coastal highway; thus adding a further dimension to the dining experience. Wherever you choose to eat, the menu will reflect the abundance of produce from the surrounding farmlands and similar proportions of fish and seafood from the ocean. Supplemented by a choice of local beers and wines, the result is a sunny smile on the diner’s face in this, New Zealand’s sunniest town. It’s a pity about the shark, though.

Getting away from it all - and a Farewell Spit

From your Nelson hotel, it’s an easy trip and one well worth taking, to Kahurangi National Park. This is New Zealand’s second largest national park and one where wilderness takes on a new meaning. Hiking, camping and mountain biking are popular pursuits here. Fired by enthusiasm for this once in a lifetime sense of desolation; press on to Collingwood. From here there are excursions to Farewell Spit - and Lighthouse – at the most northerly tip of South Island. At Cape Farewell and throughout the year, you can see seals and their pups just basking in the sunshine. There are organised safaris too, so you can explore the region thoroughly and safely. Those senses of peace, quiet and desolation are inspirational, but you’ll surely appreciate returning to your Nelson hotel for a convivial meal and drink. If, though, you love what the world of nature has to offer, you should also put a trip to the gannet colony in your diary.

Transported by the beauty of New Zealand

There are many places in the Nelson area that are unreachable by road. You won’t be taking the train either. The railway has yet to reach Nelson. Much of the transport – and the finest way to appreciate the area’s scenic features – is to take a ferry or water taxi from Nelson to the outlying islands. One of a number of sea-based excursions is to take a sea shuttle to Abel Tasman National Park. These trips are supervised and are via catamaran water taxis. One such excursion leaves from nearby Kaiteriteri which, itself, has a fabulous beach. There is, incidentally, a free bus link to Kaiteriteri from Nelson. Looking further afield, there are hourly flights from Nelson Airport to North Island. However, from nearby Picton you can take the more leisurely three hour ferry trip. North Island is approximately 60 miles away. This has been rated as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world and on return to your hotel; it will surely become an experience to be remembered for many years ahead.

Nelson is still being invaded to this day

The Maoris first settled in this region, long before the current plethora of restaurants, hotels – and even tourists – were thought of. The town’s Maori name is Te Tau Ihu. The Maoris from North Island vanquished many Maori settlers here, in the 1820s. Nelson is South Island’s oldest city and it is the second oldest in New Zealand. It is located on the eastern shore of Tasman Bay. The only invaders of Nelson, these days, are in the form of tourists. With accommodation including luxury-end hotels, palatial apartments, backpacking hostels and guest houses, there are plenty of places to stay in Nelson. Motor Camps, with tent and cabin accommodation are also hugely popular and can include a lounge, games room and pool. Things have moved on in Nelson since the 1800s … but the town still keeps getting invaded.

When to book a hotel in Nelson

  • Cheapest month: October
    $110 per night
  • Yearly typical price
    $157 per night
  • Peak month: March
    $168 per night

Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson

  • When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Nelson?

    October is usually the cheapest month to book a hotel in Nelson, with typical prices around $110 per night based on 71 price comparisons.

  • When are hotel prices highest in Nelson?

    Hotel prices in Nelson are usually highest during March, with typical prices around $168 per night.

  • How much does a hotel in Nelson cost per night?

    Hotel prices in Nelson usually range from $90 per night to $242 per night, with typical prices around $157 per night.

  • How do hotel prices in Nelson change throughout the year?

    Hotel prices in Nelson are typically lowest in October at around $110 per night, rising to around $168 per night in March.

  • November

    2026

    $136
    $94 — $232

  • December

    2026

    $150
    $99 — $289

  • January

    2027

    $165
    $119 — $413

  • February

    2027

    $164
    $92 — $328

  • March

    2027

    $168
    $100 — $242

  • April

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • May

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • June

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • July

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • August

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • September

    2027

    Select dates to see exact prices

  • October

    2027

    $110
    $90 — $147

Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson

Hotels in Nelson

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