nz accommodation jargon

Choosing accommodation in New Zealand can present a conundrum especially when you are not familiar with the terms used to describe what is available. To assist we have provided a brief outline below.

If you are holidaying in New Zealand during the height of summer, from December through to February, we strongly recommend that you pre-book your accommodation at least two weeks in advance.

Campgrounds and Holiday Parks
Campgrounds and holiday parks provide facilities for campers and those travelling in motorhomes. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. The majority provide additional features which may include a TV room, games room, a children's playground and dump stations. Most are in scenic and convenient locations and some also offer cabins and tourist flats.

Cabins
This basic, but affordable accommodation is available at many campgrounds and holiday parks. In their simplest form they consist of a bed in a room and guests are required to make use of the campground's communal facilities. You may use your own sleeping bags or hire linen if required.

Tourist Flats
Tourist Flats are also usually located in campgrounds and holiday parks. They provide a step up from cabins and come with their own bathroom and toilet facilities. Linen is also provided.

Backpackers and Hostels
Backpacker accommodation provides a mixture of shared accommodation from dormitory rooms through to double and twin rooms. Most backpackers and hostels also have a limited number of single rooms. Some provide linen, or it is available for hire. The bathroom, toilet, living room, dining room and kitchen facilities are shared.

Tourist Flats
Tourist Flats are also usually located in campgrounds and holiday parks. They provide a step up from cabins and come with their own bathroom and toilet facilities. Linen is also provided.

Motel and Apartments
Motels are also commonly known as motor lodges or motor inns and suit both independent and group travellers. The majority offer fully equipped self-catering facilities with kitchens and bathrooms and are conveniently located for those travelling by car. Parking is usually provided right outside your door. Some motel units are able to accommodate up to six people, although most cater for two adults or a family of four. Accommodation options at the top end of this category are frequently referred to as Apartments.

Hotels
Hotels range from larger central city hotels which provide full conference and recreation facilities to smaller family owned and operated boutique hotels. Most offer at least one licensed bar and restaurant with facilities to charge-back to your room. Breakfast is eaten in the restaurant, or ordered through room service.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
B&Bs offer homely accommodation with lots of personal care and attention. It's the perfect choice for those who wish to discover more about the kiwi lifestyle. Rooms are usually provided in your host's own home and come with an en suite or private bathroom facilities. Some have their own separate entrance so you may come and go as you please.

Self contained Bed and Breakfast
This type of accommodation offers greater flexibility and freedom yet allows guests to mingle with hosts, or not, as they wish. All come with their own private bathroom or en suite and most offer a fully equipped kitchenette.

Self contained cottages
This type of accommodation can be found at B&Bs or on private properties or farms. Most offer fully equipped self-catering facilities with kitchens and bathrooms. Breakfast is usually provided on request.

Boutique Accommodation
Boutique accommodations are those which provide several unique features or have a special ambience and warmth. They may be housed in a historical building, offer outstanding views, or be superior and memorable in other ways. Boutique accommodation can include B&Bs, self contained B&Bs, lodges and self contained cottages.

Farmstays and Homestays
This type of accommodation provides a unique opportunity to experience a slice of life in New Zealand's rural towns and on isolated high country stations. Although guests have their own rooms, usually with an en suite or private bathroom, they share home cooked meals with their hosts and have the opportunity to take part in sheep shearing, lambing, milking cows, working dogs and moving stock, or harvesting produce - whatever is happening on the farm at the time.

Lodges
Lodges tend to provide accommodation at the highest end of the market and are exclusive establishments with the finest facilities, locations, activities and standard of service to be found in New Zealand. Rooms of the highest standard come with en suite bathrooms. Dinner, which is usually included in the tariff, is served with other guests.