Hotels

Nelson isn't short of beds, but if you're visiting over the December-to-January period, you'll be competing with thousands of New Zealanders who descend upon the area. Book early! There is a wide range of accommodations -- including lots of smart B&Bs and excellent backpacker offerings -- and with one or two exceptions, most are incredibly well priced. The rates given below include 12.5% GST and free parking.

In Nelson

At Te Puna Wai Lodge, 24 Richardson St. (tel. 03/548-7621; www.tepunawai.co.nz), every comfort is attended to in two rooms and an apartment for NZ$250 to NZ$355 (US$178-US$252/£90-£128).

Backpacker Beds -- Nelson is blessed with quality accommodations at affordable prices -- there are at least 10 backpacker establishments in the town. In addition to Paradiso , you'll find good value at Nelson City YHA, 59 Rutherford St. (tel. 03/545-9988; www.yha.co.nz); and The Green Monkey, 129 Milton St. (tel. 03/545-7421; www.thegreenmonkey.co.nz). Club Nelson, 18 Mount St. (tel. 03/548-3466; www.nelsonbackpackers.co.nz), is in a sunny, quiet street and a swimming pool is among its excellent facilities.

In Tahunanui-Richmond

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, 70 Beach Rd., Tahunanui (tel. 0800/500-501 in NZ, or 03/548-5159; www.tahunabeachholidaypark.co.nz), is the largest motor camp in New Zealand, accommodating several thousand travelers a night during the summer months. It has motel units, tourist and standard cabins, and tent sites -- not to mention a fabulous atmosphere. A good motel in this area is Tuscany Gardens Motor Lodge, 80 Tahunanui Dr., Tahunanui (tel. 03/548-5522; www.tuscanygardens.co.nz).

In Motueka/Mapua

Motueka township itself doesn't contain an abundance of nice accommodations, but outlying areas have rich pickings for those wanting a peaceful country stay. Bronte Lodge, Bronte Road East, near Mapua (tel. 03/540-2422; www.brontelodge.co.nz), is one such place, with two luxury suites and three villas ranging from NZ$480 to NZ$595 (US$340-US$422/£173-£214). Kimeret Place, Bronte Road East, Mapua (tel. 03/540-2727; www.kimeretplace.co.nz), has two B&B rooms and two apartments that are bound to please at NZ$200 to NZ$350 (US$142-US$249/£72-£126).

Inexpensive -- Bakers Lodge, 4 Poole St., Motueka (tel. 03/528-0102; www.bakerslodge.co.nz), has 74 beds in 16 rooms priced from NZ$20 to NZ$28 (US$14-US$20/£7-£10) for dorms and NZ$66 to NZ$110 (US$47-US$78/£24-£40) for doubles and rooms with en-suite baths.