The South Island of New Zealand is extremely isolated with long distances between towns with hotels for the weary truck driver to rest in comfort for the night. The city of Christchurch caters to this market well, offering a reasonable selection of mid-range hotels with free truck and/or RV parking on-site. Most are located nearby main highways so are easily accessible for truck drivers. Truckies should book to ensure a parking space.
The Comfort Hotel Carlton Mill has 3 1/2 stars and is just 20 minutes walk from the city center, on a main ring road with several lanes going in either direction. Negotiating a truck into its parking lot is easier than for most hotels this close to the city. The hotel is next to the city's famous Hagley Park. Its botanical gardens, casino, art gallery, museum and arts center are all within walking distance. Guests may choose from a wide range of rooms, including economy rooms, standard rooms, one or two bedroom family rooms, executive suites and fully serviced studio apartments. Children under 12 stay free. If arriving after 10 p.m. contact the hotel to arrange check in. An on-site restaurant is only open for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.
Latimer Hotel is a four-star rated facility located on Latimer Square, just two minutes walk from the center of the city. The hotel has a big car park that is free for guests including RV and truck drivers. Surroudning streets are fairly wide so maneuvering into the hotel should not be a problem, unless your truck is very large. The hotel offers a good selection of rooms, studios and apartments. The largest of these is two bedrooms. Reception and check in is 24 hours, there is a sauna and gym on site, as well as a restaurant, cafe and bar. The hotel is just two blocks walk away from Cathedral Square, main shopping areas and the casino. It has direct access in and out of the city.
The Copthorne Hotel Commodore is a well known, family-run, four-star business hotel located nearby Christchurch's international airport on a busy dual-carriageway. It offers a large car park where trucks and RVs can park for free. It is located ten minutes from the central city by taxi. The hotel's standard rooms are practical and spacious. Family rooms are available, as are "business-class" rooms which the hotel claims provide five-star service and facilities. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, gym, sauna and spa as well as a restaurant. It is just a five minutes from the International Antarctic Centre and 15 minutes from Orana Wildlife Park.
Highway Inn is a budget, two-star rated property located in Harewood, Christchurch, four minutes drive from the airport, with single and twin rooms. The hotel is not suitable for children. While rooms have small televisions and washbasins, and bed linen and electric blankets are provided, you will have to share shower and bathroom facilities with other guests on your floor. The hotel is described as a "truck stop" by former guests. It has a casual, café-style restaurant and a bar and is famous for its "big breakfasts."
