SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella Windproof Automatic Umbrellas-Factory Outlet umbrella
$11.99 (as of September 15, 2024 12:30 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Ever found yourself pondering where to stay during your next trip to New Zealand? The challenge lies in narrowing down not only what attractions you have time to see but also deciding on the best places to stay. In this guide, we’ll go through our experiences at various accommodations across New Zealand, sharing what we liked, what we didn’t, and whether we’d return for another stay.
Silver Fern, Rotorua
Location and First Impressions
Silver Fern is situated on Fenton Street, just a short drive from Rotorua’s primary attractions. It offers a decent base for exploring the surrounding area, though it’s not within walking distance to main downtown amenities.
Our Experience
Originally, we had reservations at Aura Accommodation, but due to unforeseen geothermal issues, we had to switch to Silver Fern. The accommodation at Silver Fern includes rooms with spa tubs, a well-equipped kitchenette, and spacious rooms.
What We Liked About Silver Fern
- Spacious Room and Bathroom: Plenty of space to move around.
- Well-equipped Kitchenette: Handy for preparing simple meals.
- Top-floor Room Request Honored
- Free Parking: Convenient.
- Kind and Helpful Staff: Made our stay even more pleasant.
Downsides
- Thin Walls: We could hear everything happening in the next room.
- Sliding Glass Door: Felt less secure and resulted in drawn curtains throughout our stay.
Conclusion: Will We Return?
While our stay at Silver Fern was comfortable, if we ever find ourselves back in Rotorua, Aura Accommodation would be our first choice.
Other Popular Accommodations in Rotorua
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Aura Accommodation | Highly rated, centrally located. |
| Ripple Rotorua | Offers an on-site restaurant and a quieter location. |
| Lake Lodge Rotorua | Close to attractions like Government Gardens. |
Rocky Mountain Chalets, Ohakune
Location and First Impressions
This stopover was chosen for its proximity to Tongariro National Park. Rocky Mountain Chalets offer spacious and well-equipped chalets, with on-site amenities like hot tubs and a sauna.
Our Experience
Our chalet included a seating area with a large TV, a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a dining area, making it perfect for groups or families.
What We Liked About Rocky Mountain Chalets
- Full Kitchen: Including an oven.
- Laundry Facilities: Complete with detergent.
- Ample Space: Ideal for spreading out.
Downsides
- Tight Carport Space: Difficult to maneuver even a compact SUV.
- Basic Amenities: No shampoo provided, and the bedroom décor was barebones.
Conclusion: Will We Return?
The chalets were comfortable and offered good amenities, but for a one-night stay, the large space was a bit much. I’d consider a smaller accommodation for a shorter stop next time.
Other Popular Accommodations in the Area
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Parkview Apartments | Located closer to short hikes in the national park. |
| The Powderhorn Chateau | Near Mangawhero Falls, in the same town of Ohakune. |
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Boulcott Suites, Wellington
Location and First Impressions
Situated centrally in Wellington, Boulcott Suites offers plenty of space and reasonable pricing. We stayed in a two-bedroom suite featuring a full kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities.
Our Experience
The suite offered a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and plenty of space to relax. The hotel made it easy to walk to many Wellington attractions. However, parking required a reservation and was not free.
What We Loved About Boulcott Suites
- Spacious Rooms: Ample space for a comfortable stay.
- In-room Laundry Facilities: Very convenient.
- Full Kitchen: Ideal for cooking meals.
- Great Location: Close to groceries and major attractions.
- Friendly Staff: Made the visit more enjoyable.
- Heated Towel Racks and Comfortable Beds: Added luxury.
Downsides
- Tricky Parking Garage Access: Getting the car in and out was a bit challenging.
Conclusion: Will We Return?
Yes, I’d stay here again. While there are many great places to stay in Wellington, the comfort and amenities at Boulcott Suites make it a strong contender for future visits.
Other Popular Accommodations in Wellington
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
| TRYP by Wyndham Wellington | Highly rated and near Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street. |
Rotorua
Flexibility in Travel Plans
While our planned booking at Aura Accommodation fell through, Silver Fern turned out to be a comfortable alternative, highlighting the importance of flexible planning. The amenities were generally good, and the staff were attentive, though we had some minor inconveniences.
Recommended Accommodations
- Silver Fern: Offers good amenities and attentive service.
- Aura Accommodation: Centrally located and highly rated.
Ohakune
Making the Most of Your Stay
Rocky Mountain Chalets provided fantastic amenities like a full kitchen and laundry facilities, but it was perhaps more than we needed for a short stop. Timing and the length of stay can significantly affect whether an accommodation suits your needs.
Recommended Accommodations
- Rocky Mountain Chalets: Spacious and fully equipped.
- Parkview Apartments: Ideal for those planning to explore Tongariro National Park.
Wellington
Exploring Central Wellington
Boulcott Suites was a convenient home base for exploring Wellington. Its location and full amenities made it a great stop for families or longer stays.
Recommended Accommodations
- Boulcott Suites: Spacious and well-equipped.
- TRYP by Wyndham: Centrally located and highly rated.
Travel Planning Tips
Ensuring Good Accommodations
Whether you’re a planner or more spontaneous, having a few backup options can make a world of difference. New Zealand has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxurious, making it easy to find something that fits your needs.
Stay Organized
A digital travel planner can assist you in keeping track of bookings, itineraries, and other vital information, ensuring a smoother trip.
With so many unique and exciting places to stay, use this guide to find the best accommodations for your New Zealand adventure. Happy travels!
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