You have set your travel budget to go on a organized tour to New Zealand and it is a bit flexible in regards to the topic 'accommodation'. Some hard questions are coming to you now:

How much to pay for a motel?

What's the main difference between a motel and a 3-star hotel?

Shall I pay a bit more and stay in a 4-star hotel?
The answers to the above 3 questions are directly related to when you are coming to New Zealand to spend your holidays. Let's say that you are coming in the high season, December to March, and arriving in Auckland.

You would be paying to stay for 1 night in a motel about NZ$ 90.00 (Auckland price, which is the dearest). The main difference between this motel and a 3-star hotel is that the first is located out of the city centre as opposed to the hotels which are, almost all of them, located in the city.

Usually would take you 15 minutes by taxi from your motel to the city centre if it is, let's say, in Newmarket. The other very noticeable difference is the fact that the motels are not as modern and well furnished as are the 3-star hotels.

If you are looking for more comfortable accommodation, you should indeed pay about 30% more and stay in a nice 4-star hotel. Auckland has a wide range of very good 4-star hotels, without mention the 5-stars!

The main difference is that the 5-star hotels have a swimming pool available among the inumerous facilities available for its guests.

Whatever you decide, make sure you check the pictures first. Nowadays they all have them displayed on their sites. And if you are still not convinced, send an email to make sure you are getting the best possible accommodation within your budget!

Flavio is a tour operator based in Auckland, New Zealand, and has been providing Tours in New Zealand http://www.nzbrtours.com/ since 2002.