Hotels in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka

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 include 15% GST and free parking.

In Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Trafalgar Square (www.heritagehotels.co.nz; tel. 0800/368-888 in NZ, or 03/548-2299), is a good, centrally located spot that always has good deals. Its 113 rooms are priced from NZ$205 to NZ$460. You'll also find seven B&B rooms in a large, character homestead behind the cathedral at Cathedral Inn, 369 Trafalgar St. (www.cathedralinn.co.nz; tel. 03/548-7369); they're priced from NZ$195 to NZ$310.

There are modest but comfortable self-contained and B&B rooms at Joya Villa & Garden Studios, 49 Brougham St. (www.joya.co.nz; tel. 03/539-1350); four rooms go for NZ$95 to NZ$185.

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. (www.yha.co.nz; tel. 03/545-9988); and the Green Monkey, 129 Milton St. (www.thegreenmonkey.co.nz; tel. 03/545-7421). Club Nelson, 18 Mount St. (www.nelsonbackpackers.co.nz; tel. 03/548-3466), 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 (www.tahunabeach.co.nz; tel. 0800/500-501 in NZ, or 03/548-5159), 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. Just make sure you book early because this is a favorite camp for New Zealanders. For a more contemporary stay, you'll have every comfort at hand at The Sands, 623 Rocks Rd., Tahunanui (www.thesandsnelson.co.nz; tel. 0800/635-766 in NZ, or 03/539-6030). Modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments overlook pretty Tahunanui Beach, just 5 minutes from central Nelson; from NZ$175.

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 Country Estate, Bronte Road East, near Mapua (tel. 03/540-2422; www.brontecountryestate.co.nz), is one such place, with two luxury suites (NZ$585) and three villas ranging from NZ$720 to NZ$1,230 (NZ$155 for each additional person). Private dinners cost NZ$200 per person.

A lovely discovery in this area is Neudorf Hall, 252 Neudorf Rd., Upper Moutere (www.neudorfhall.co.nz; tel. 03/543-2252), which is just a short stroll from nearby Neudorf Vineyard; two rooms are priced NZ$195 to NZ$315. Nautilus Lodge Motel, 67 High St., Motueka (www.nautiluslodge.co.nz; tel. 0800/628-845 in NZ, or 03/528-4658), is a good motel with simple rooms (NZ$115-NZ$225).