It was actually New Zealand that prompted me to start this blog. With so many options, on the rustic and upscale ends of the scale, I didn't know where to start when researching my spectrum. So here are my pearls of wisdom after hours of web time and actual travel:
1) Centerpoint on Colombo, Christchurch: Centrally located at a ten minute's walk from the city center, but pretty basic amenities. I think we were in a "deluxe" room which made me wonder how bad the standard rooms would be. We had a kitchenette that functioned ok, a travel cot provided by the inn and sheets I would not use on Karam. The innkeepers were gracious hosts though, so to their credit we probably didn't give their hospitality a fair shot. I would stay here if you're desperate: you and your child will survive.
2) Anchor Inn, Kaikoura: This place is known for its view but the one-bedroom we got is the only room without a view! Talk about discrimination! The place in general was clean and tidy, with bright colors and lighting making it cozy and comfortable. They don't have any dining room so you need to cook for you and bub or try some of the restaurants a few minutes away (all great food and very baby-friendly places!).
3) Vintner's Retreat, Blenheim: I may be a bit biased because I believe that wineries are amongst the most baby-friendly places in the world: open spaces, crisp air, fresh produce and mum just a little bit tipsy! The Vintner's Retreat in Blenheim was an amazing place from which to explore the Marlborough region. Each two-bedroom villa has a huge living room, washer/dryer, private patio with bbq and large gardens overlooking the wineries. Mind you, you pay the price (NZ 400 as opposed to the above places which were closer to NZ 150), but then again, you get more space and more quality. Highly recommended for larger families!
4) Pounamu Apartments, Queenstown:The Pounamu apartments provide you with sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the sight is so mesmerizing that you tend to overlook all the small, impractical things about this place. For instance, it is right on a busy main road with a long, windy driveway that is practically impossible to walk, let alone push a pram up. The apartments are also located either up or down a flight of steps. Further, the fairly steep price does not include room cleaning or room service. (Most food places in QT will deliver to Pounamu, however). Finally, it's a windy walk down to the town center, as opposed to many of the other staying options that are in downtown QT.
All these negatives aside, we enjoyed our stay so much, we extended for a night! The studio apartment was modern and beautifully designed, so that the bedroom located on the mezzanine overlooked the living room and huge bay windows. I would nurse Karam to bed every night watching the sun set behind the snow-clad Southern hemisphere mountains and then settle down to a bottle of local wine by the fireplace with my husband. Highly recommended, especially if you have been forewarned of its shortcomings!
Other posts in the South Island, New Zealand series:
New Zealand - General Travel Tips
South Island, New Zealand - Other Flights We Could Have Avoided
South Island, New Zealand - Mapping the Route
