Find hotels in Waiau from $49

Top reasons to visit Waiau

• Outdoor Adventures: Waiau is a paradise for adventure seekers, offering activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing in breathtaking mountain landscapes.
• Scenic Waiau River: Relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the Waiau River, perfect for leisurely floats and fishing.
• Iconic Waiau Ferry Bridge: Visit the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge, a picturesque landmark that offers stunning views.
• Charming Accommodations: Enjoy a comfortable stay in local motels and lodges, like the popular Waiau Tavern.
• Vibrant Local Culture: Explore local galleries and immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of Waiau.

Find great hotels near Waiau

Discover the charming accommodations in Waiau, Canterbury, where a variety of motels and lodges await to enhance your stay. Whether you're seeking adventure, a family getaway, or a business retreat, Waiau offers a selection of hotels tailored to meet your needs. With options like the popular Waiau Tavern, you can find comfortable hotel rooms perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. Experience the best of Waiau’s hospitality during your vacation in this picturesque destination.

• Braemar Lodge And Spa: This 4.5-star hotel offers a luxurious spa-themed experience, perfect for adventure seekers and pet lovers alike. Located 13 miles from Waiau, Braemar Lodge And Spa features a variety of onsite and nearby activities, including mountain biking, skiing lessons, and helicopter tours. The property is pet-friendly with specific policies for dogs and cats, ensuring your furry friends are welcomed. Guests can unwind in the full-service spa, which includes body treatments and couples treatment rooms, or enjoy a relaxing day by the pool. This lodge is an ideal choice for travelers looking for both relaxation and adventure.
• Settlers Boutique Motel: As a charming 4-star guesthouse located 14 miles from Waiau, Settlers Boutique Motel is perfect for those seeking a cozy retreat. The property offers a range of recreational activities nearby, including horse riding, fishing, and skiing. Guests can enjoy entertainment options such as a DVD player, LCD TV, and premium channels. The warm atmosphere and personalized service make this motel a standout choice for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
• Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park: This 3.5-star holiday park, situated 14 miles from Waiau, is a family-friendly destination that emphasizes adventure and outdoor fun. With activities such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking available both onsite and nearby, there's something for everyone in the family. The park features a playground and arcade game room, ensuring that children have plenty of entertainment. Ideal for families looking to bond over exciting experiences, Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park combines comfort with a spirit of adventure.

Where to stay near Waiau

Waiau, nestled in the stunning Canterbury region, offers an idyllic escape for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore the serene Waiau River, perfect for fishing and relaxation, or venture into nearby landscapes for breathtaking scenery. Whether you're seeking a peaceful break or thrilling outdoor activities, Waiau's charm and better location make it an ideal base for your New Zealand adventure. Don't miss the chance to experience the area's scenic beauty and vibrant outdoor spaces.

• Emu Plain: Located a mere 6 miles from Waiau, Emu Plain is a charming suburb perfect for those seeking a mix of beach and outdoor adventures. While traveler arrivals are quite steady throughout the year, January to February and July see the highest visitor numbers. This area is celebrated for its stunning scenery and activities such as body treatments and access to ski fields. Nearby attractions include a picturesque beach, a local hotspring for relaxation, and a notable monument that adds character to the landscape. Emu Plain is ideal for visitors looking to unwind and immerse themselves in nature.
• Rotherham: Also situated 6 miles from Waiau, Rotherham is a vibrant suburb that draws travelers primarily for its beach and skiing opportunities. The town experiences moderate seasonal traveler traffic, peaking in January, April, and September. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including body treatments and skiing, making it a great destination for sports enthusiasts. Key local landmarks include a captivating cape, an art gallery, and a monument that reflects the area’s history. Rotherham is perfect for those looking to balance relaxation with adventure.
• Leslie Hills: Just 9 miles away from Waiau, Leslie Hills offers a serene retreat, especially appealing to those who appreciate outdoor scenery and beach experiences. Like Emu Plain, this suburb sees consistent visitor numbers, peaking in January to February and July. Popular activities include rejuvenating body treatments, with nearby attractions such as a hotspring and beautiful beaches adding to its allure. The area is also home to a striking monument, making Leslie Hills a delightful spot for exploration and relaxation amidst nature.

Things to do near Waiau

Waiau offers a picturesque backdrop for outdoor and adventure vacations, perfect for tourists seeking scenic beauty. Enjoy activities such as visiting the ski field for winter sports or indulging in rejuvenating body treatments. Take a leisurely float down the lazy river and soak in the stunning sights that Waiau has to offer, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Shopping

In Waiau, enjoy local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs. For a broader selection, if you're up for a drive, visit the Rangiora Town Centre, about 20 miles away, featuring a variety of retail stores, cafes, and artisan shops perfect for finding that special keepsake.

Recreation

Experience fun at A Maze N Golf, a mini-golf course 14 miles from Waiau, perfect for family outings and friendly competition. For a more traditional experience, head to Hawarden Golf Club, located 27 miles away, where you can enjoy a scenic round of golf surrounded by nature.

Adventure

Embark on the Mount Isobel Track, a stunning 15-mile hike offering breathtaking scenery. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Hanmer Springs Ski Area, located 22 miles away, and Mount Lyford Ski Field, 14 miles from Waiau, provide thrilling ski experiences in a picturesque alpine setting.

Nightlife

Experience the cozy vibe at the Waiau Hotel, where you can enjoy a cold beer and mingle with locals. For a more laid-back evening, visit the Waiau Tavern, offering a great selection of wines and friendly conversation, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waiau

To save money during your trip to Waiau, consider visiting in May or August to September, as these months offer lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals. Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices and filter by budget, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash-back opportunities.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Waiau are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Waiau is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Waiau is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Waiau is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Waiau hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions near Waiau

Waiau, nestled in Canterbury, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor and adventure seekers. Explore breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and local galleries. Don't miss the iconic Waiau Ferry Bridge and other nearby attractions. For a relaxing stay, consider the best resorts in the area. Whether you're hiking or simply soaking in the scenery, Waiau offers a memorable escape for every traveler.

• Hanmer Heritage Forest: Located 14 miles from Waiau, this enchanting forest offers outdoor adventure vibes with its extensive network of walking and biking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in lush greenery and native wildlife.
• Culverden Gallery: Just 13 miles away from Waiau, this charming gallery showcases local culture through captivating exhibitions and artworks, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts to appreciate the creativity of the region.
• Mount Cookson: Only 9 miles from Waiau, Mount Cookson features stunning scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities, including hiking trails that reward trekkers with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Waiau

The best time to visit Waiau can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Waiau falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Waiau falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	60.3°F (15.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High