Where to stay in New Zealand?

On Wellesley Street West, 200 m from the centre, just above Queen Street: buses, cafés and the harbour are within walking distance. A hostel for those arriving late and leaving early for Rotorua.

On Halsey Street, at North Wharf, in the Wynyard Quarter, 800 m from the centre, on the waterfront: the Viaduct and the ferries are within walking distance. A large hotel for those who want the harbour and the calm of the redeveloped wharves.

On Viaduct Harbour Avenue, 700 m from the centre, facing the marina: the Viaduct's restaurants are below, the ferry terminal ten minutes away. For those who want a waterfront chain hotel.

On Quay Street, at the end of Princes Wharf, 1 km from the centre, surrounded by water on three sides: ferries to Waiheke leave from the neighbouring wharf. For those who want the harbour without even going out.

Built at the end of Princes Wharf, the hotel juts into the harbour like an ocean liner; ferries to Waiheke leave next door.

On Hinemoa Street, 300 m from the centre, in the shopping streets: buses to Wai-O-Tapu and the restaurants are within walking distance. A hostel for those who want to do everything without a car.

A luxury lodge in the forest, away from Rotorua, for those who come for nature and the trails more than the town. It suits couples who want silence and guided excursions.

On Kawaha Point Road, 3.2 km from the centre, on a point on the shore of Lake Rotorua: you sleep facing the water, far from the sulphur smell of the centre. For those with a car who want peace and quiet.

On Arawa Street, between the main street and the Government Gardens: the lake is ten minutes' walk away. A chain hotel for those who want a good standard right in the centre.

On Athol Street, 100 m from the centre: the lake, the bars and the activity booking desks are on the doorstep. A hostel for those who book their bungee jump in the morning and go out at night.

On Church Street, 200 m from the centre, between the main street and the lakefront. A big hostel for those who want a group atmosphere and the jet boats five minutes' walk away.

On Marine Parade, 200 m from the centre, right on the lakefront: the pier and the steamboats are opposite. A top-luxury hotel for those who want historic Queenstown.

An 1860s house born of the gold rush; its lakefront bar is open to passers-by.

On Duke Street, 300 m from the centre, in the central streets a stone's throw from the lake. A hotel with a spa for those who want to recover from their hikes and walk out to dinner.

On Frankton Road, 2 km from the centre, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, away from the bustle: town is reached by shuttle or water taxi. For those who want the lake to themselves and spacious suites.

On State Highway 94, inside the fiord itself: you sleep where the coaches only pass through. For those who want Milford Sound in the early morning, before everyone else.

The only accommodation at Milford Sound itself: you are at the fiord before the coaches from Queenstown and Te Anau.