We booked this apartment through VRBO and immediately received a confirmation email. Before the…read morefree-cancellation deadline, we also got a reminder, which was a thoughtful touch. All of the instructions provided were clear. The loft apartment is only a few minutes' drive from the hot springs which was the main reason we chose this place. There are 4 units: 3 townhomes and 1 one story. There was assigned parking spaces. The hosts were able to configure the second bedroom into a king bed. The space was clean, bright, and comfortable. The kitchenette is equipped with a hot plate, perfect for simple meals. I used it to make eggs in the morning, and it worked just fine for light cooking. There is a toaster oven and fridge. We love their huge shared backyard! The bed was a bit softer than we prefer, but that's just personal preference since we usually like firmer mattresses. The TV offered Netflix and Amazon Prime, which was a nice bonus. The couch was slightly soft in the center, possibly due to age, but it wasn't a major issue. Overall, we had a great two-night stay. We also learned that booking directly with them offers the lowest rate, and returning guests even receive a complimentary bottle of wine. The owners, Amy and Shane, were incredibly friendly and resourceful as they gave us helpful tips for our next stop in Christchurch.

Hanmer Apartments Accommodation was one of our favorite stays in New Zealand. We booked through…read moreVRBO, and owners Shane and Amy were absolutely wonderful. They greeted us when we arrived, were incredibly welcoming, and even spent over half an hour chatting with us. They shared great recommendations for things to do in Hanmer Springs--like nearby walking trails--and tips for Christchurch, where we were headed next. There are four total units on the property, each set up in a loft style with one bedroom on the ground floor, another bed in the loft, and one bathroom downstairs. The kitchen is fully furnished with pots, pans, utensils, and a full-size fridge, making it easy to cook meals. The property has on-site parking and is only a quick 5-minute drive from downtown Hanmer Springs and the thermal pools. There's also a small shared backyard area, and the views from the back of the property are beautiful. Between the lovely hosts, comfortable setup, and great location, I highly recommend staying here.

This place just opened this year. It has two incredible units right on the bluff overlooking the…read moreHapuka beach. It has a wonderful location far away from anything. There are two units here and it is very private. The units just opened last year so they are sparkling new and beautiful. The bedroom faces the ocean and there is an incredible vista. To the rear are lovely paddocks and then the snow capped sea crest mountains. You literally don't know where to look it's that pretty. Each unit gets a nice kitchen and also a front and back porch. There is a wonderful decorated living room with a flat screen and a nice gas fireplace that keeps the place warm. It's very cozy at night but make sure to turn out all the lights and go outside. The stars are incredible. And if you don't know the southern skies quite an education. We loved seeing Sirius up high and majestic. A special treat is to use the massive soaking tub and turn out the lights and admire the stars and the view. There is even a door out. (It's very private so no one is going to be looking in so you feel like you are part of nature. The hosts are super friendly. It's their personal property and it shows. Amazing place. And amazing town

EXCELLENT! The hosts…read morerunning it are warm and wonderful, helpful with reservations and very knowledgeable about the area. We stayed in the larger rooms in the main building, which are clearly larger and better equipped than the single studio rooms on the outside perimeter. Breakfast options were not as extensive as we would have hoped and the rooms lack HVAC (which rarely would be an issue, except we happened to be in town during the recent heat wave...) but otherwise it appears to CLEARLY be the best option when staying in Kaikoura. Don't hesitate to stay here, it's the best thing going in the area!

This hotel is such a gem! We loved that it was located on the Esplanade, yet away from the noise…read moreand hustle of the 'hip' bar area of town (by only a few short blocks). I found this hotel on the internet, and was pleased that the pictures posted totally did justice to the reality. Located in an historic building that had been completely renovated, the effect is absolutely quaint and charming. Robin and Peter, the hosts, were extremely helpful as well as being very friendly. Hubby and I felt we would have liked get to know them each better. When we tried to book at a local restaurant, but had difficulties over the internet, Robin stepped in and called the restaurant direct and arranged a reservation at the exact time we wanted at a table with a perfect view. We had a room on the courtyard, off the back of the main building, and my only complaint, if any, was that the rooms were quite small. The rooms inside the main hotel itself, have the panoramic view of the Esplanade and the coastline, if you are willing to pay the extra. The courtyard, however, was quite lovely and charming, and once the hedges grow to full height, will be private for guests, as well. It was very chilly the night we stayed, and it would have also been nice to have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to huddle around with our wine. Other things we appreciated were the use of common areas, as well as the free WIFI for guests. We were only sorry we couldn't stay longer. Next time...