Richmond is the cutest little town outside of Nelson in the South Island of New Zealand. You can spend the winter wine tasting and picking out the perfect berries to eat and the summer biking in the cool wind.
Sounds dreamy, right? All that’s left to figure out is where to stay in Richmond.
Richmond is often overlooked by the bigger, more popular city of Nelson, but it has its own charm and feels more like a small town rather than a city. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway or as your home base while exploring the Nelson region.
Whether you’re looking for a getaway with your honey or you’re on a family vacay, you’ll find everything from cute B&Bs to large campgrounds in Richmond. So, let’s hop to it and jump into my guide on where to stay in Richmond.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Richmond?
Planning a relaxing stay in Richmond? Or maybe you’re just passing by as part of an epic backpacking trip across New Zealand. I’ve listed my top three recommendations for where to stay! Take a look below.
Parkside Motel | Best Motel in Richmond
For an epic stay in Richmond Center, head to the Parkside Motel. It’s the perfect mix of gorgeous NZ nature with the distance to the city.
The motel is situated in a quiet, park-like setting and offers clean, spacious rooms with modern amenities.
You can spend hot afternoons by the pool or rent bikes to explore the nearby wineries. They offer loads of different apartment styles, making it perfect for all types of travelers.
Riverlodge Motel | Best Motel in Richmond
This River Lodge Motel is a great budget stay in Richmond. Located right outside of town in Nelson, this riverfront lodge offers spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
You can borrow their free bikes to visit the different wineries and take home your goods to enjoy a glass of wine in the garden.
They have space for up to 13 people, making this an excellent group getaway in Richmond.
The Pear Orchard Lodge | Best Lodge in Richmond
With a touch of luxury, this lodge is perfect for those looking to splurge a little without breaking the bank.
The Pear Orchard Lodge offers boutique-style rooms with soaking tubs and gorgeous verandas for enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding apple orchards.
Cook in the communal kitchen and enjoy the New Zealand farm life.
Richmond Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Richmond
Richmond Center
You can head out for a morning stroll to the cute cafes or snag a bike from your accommodation and follow the Tasman’s great taste trail.
Nelson
Nelson is the biggest city in the region and is known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities.
Hope
Hope is located right down the road from Richmond, and it’s perfect for a few days of getting the full outdoor experience with the family.
Richmond is not on everyone’s “must-see” list for New Zealand, but those who do find it are in for an absolute treat. In the winter, it feels like a step into a hallmark movie with picturesque vineyards and cozy cafes, and in the summer, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise.
It’s located in the sizzling Tasman Region, which is home to some of the best beaches in New Zealand and bordered by the stunning Richmond Ranges. It’s also surrounded by famous wineries like Seifried Estate, making it a great place to stay in New Zealand.
Central Richmond has everything you need when visiting the quaint town. You’ll be right in the middle of everything, making it perfect for timers who want to see and do it all. You can spend the evenings at a local brewery or take a stroll through Sundial Square to experience the charm of this small town.
Hope is located just a short drive from Central Richmond and offers a more rural setting for those who want to spread out and really enjoy the nature of the Tasman region. This is my favorite area for families as the hotels and lodges are a bit bigger, and every day is filled with outdoor activities.
For those who crave a little more action, Nelson is just a 15-minute drive from Richmond and offers a bustling city vibe with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
You can easily spend the day exploring the sick arts scene or lounging on Tahunanui Beach (one of the most popular beaches in NZ) and take a day trip to Richmond to check out the wineries and the small village vibes.
Richmond’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Okay, now that we have the briefest of overviews, let’s actually dig into all the best places to stay in Richmond. I’ve got a little bit of everything for every type of traveler, whether you’re all about the budget life or prefer a bit of luxury on your vacation.
1. Richmond Center – Best Place to Stay in Richmond for your First Time
Ideally, I would recommend anyone to stay in Richmond Center. It is the perfect blend of Kiwi charm and urban vibes.
You can head out for a morning stroll to the cute cafes or snag a bike from your accommodation and follow the Tasman’s great taste trail. It will take you by the different wineries, some breweries, and even some art studios.
Staying in the center makes everything accessible at pretty much any time while still having that quaint small-town feel.
You can stop by the farmer’s markets and artisan stalls to get the local taste of the region or explore the local museums and galleries for a cultural experience. And when it’s time to wind down, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Room for Two | Best Holiday Home in Richmond
Luxe living is meant to be had at this holiday home in Richmond. With its modern and boutique design, you’ll feel like you’re staying at your own private villa.
The spacious room for two is complete with all the amenities one could need.
It includes a kitchen, private bathroom, living area, and an outdoor patio to take in the incredible views of the outdoor pool and garden.
Parkside Motel | Best Motel in Richmond
The Parkside Motel apartments are the perfect option for solo travelers in New Zealand looking for a comfortable stay in Richmond.
The modern, spacious rooms are designed with style and comfort in mind.
The green spaces around the property make it feel like you’re out in nature while close to the city center, and the pool and BBQ facilities add an extra level of luxury to your stay.
Richmond Motel and Holiday Park | Best Holiday Park in Richmond
The Richmond motel is a budget-friendly option right in the center of town.
They offer suites and apartments that are perfect for budget backpackers who still want the convenience of being close to all the main attractions.
The rooms are clean and spacious, and the outdoor pool is the perfect touch to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.
Things to See and Do in Richmond Center
- Go on a wine-tasting tour at Richmond Plains Wines
- Take a walk or bike ride along the Great Taste Trail
- Visit the Nelson Lakes National Park, one of the best New Zealand National Parks for scenic hikes and water activities
- Explore the local shops and markets for unique souvenirs and products
- Relax at the beach or go surfing at Rabbit Island Beach
- Get hopped up on beer at Sprig & Fern
2. Nelson – Best Place to Stay in Richmond on a Budget
Nelson is the biggest city in the region and is known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget but still want to be able to visit Richmond.
There’s a variety of hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses in the area. You can also find affordable New Zealand Airbnbs and camping options if you’re looking for a more unique experience.
The town is perfect for a few days of exploring, with plenty of free activities and affordable dining options. Just make sure to at least spend a day exploring Richmond for a change of scenery and experience the village life.
Riverlodge Motel | Best Motel in Nelson
The Riverlodge Motel is the perfect stay for any type of traveler. They offer a holiday home that can hold up to 13 people. They also have suites and studios for couples or small families.
The motel is located in a peaceful area next to the Maitai River, providing beautiful nature views and a relaxing atmosphere. Borrow one of their free bikes and go cruising around town.
Tasman Bay Backpackers | Best Hostel in Nelson
For a chilled-out few days, it doesn’t get better than this hostel in Nelson. The common areas provide a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
You can warm up by the fire and enjoy free hot chocolate pudding and ice cream every night. It’s a great way to meet some travelers, and they offer both budget-friendly dorms and single rooms.
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park | Best Camping in Nelson
Families on a budget will absolutely love this holiday park.
Located just 5 minutes from the town, you and your family can get the full Nelson experience without breaking the bank.
The park offers different-sized cabins that all have gorgeous log interiors to give you the full camping experience in New Zealand. Enjoy the free bikes, playground, and BBQ area while surrounded by nature.
Things to See and Do in Nelson
- Visit the Nelson Provincial Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
- Enjoy sailing through Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline before setting off on one of New Zealand’s best hikes.
- Take a hike in Nelson Lakes National Park and explore the mountains, lakes, and forests.
- Head to Tahunanui Beach for some swimming and sunbathing
- Book a skywire experience and see the rolling Nelson countryside from the skies.
- Pick up some local fruit and veg at the Saturday Market
3. Hope – Best Place to Stay in Richmond for Families
Hope is located right down the road from Richmond, and it’s perfect for a few days of getting the full outdoor experience with the family. This neighborhood is super small and engulfed by lush greenery making it the perfect escape from the city.
Photo: itravelNZ® (Flickr)
A lot of the accommodations in Hope are large holiday homes that can comfortably fit families of all sizes. Placed on orchards and farms, you can really get a taste of rural New Zealand while still being close to the cities.
The Pear Orchard Lodge | Best Lodge in Lake Hope
The Pear Orchard Lodge is one of the best stays in Richmond. The red farmhouse is exactly what you need when staying in New Zealand – a warm and rustic home.
The lodge is located on a gorgeous pear orchard and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There are a lot of different room options with en-suites and private terraces. There is a shared kitchen area with free tea and coffee every morning.
Country Retreats On Ranzau 0 | Best Apartment in Hope
This country retreat is everything you and your family need to spread out while still feeling at home.
The properties are secluded, and the area is quiet, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
There is a gate to the front yard to keep little kids safe while they run around, and they’ll love swimming in the back pool while you enjoy a drink on the deck.
Sanctuary Cottage | Best Guesthouse in Hope
This Airbnb in Richmond is a true sanctuary tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Hope.
The cottage itself is very charming, perfect for a relaxing getaway. With goats, ducks, and chickens roaming the property, your family will have a great time getting in touch with nature.
You can also soak in the outdoor jacuzzi after a day of hiking, or get warm by the fireplace.
Things to See and Do in Hope
Photo: itravelNZ® (Flickr)
- Spend your afternoon picking berries at one of the popular orchards.
- Stroll through the picturesque downtown area and check out local shops and cafes.
- Enjoy a scenic picnic at Gardens of the World.
- Embark on an adventurous hike to one of the nearby waterfalls or mountain peaks.
- Reel in some fish at the Waimea Park Fishing Ponds.
- Watch the sunset from Noeline’s Walkway.
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Hide Yo’ Money!Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Richmond
You can spend days researching safety statistics, travel only to the safest destinations, or pay extra money to fly with the best of the best airlines. Still, you’re never totally safe from the unexpected.
Even though Richmond is by and large a very safe place to stay, you should consider purchasing good travel insurance.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Richmond
Curious about Richmond? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have any of your own, feel free to drop it in the comments below!
What To Pack For Richmond
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Richmond
If you’re a lover of fresh fruit, good wine, and the big beautiful outdoors, then I think any place in Richmond will be perfect for you! If it’s your first time, staying in the center of Richmond is never a bad idea.
From the spacious holiday home to the warm bed & breakfast, there is something for every type of traveler in Richmond. Spend your days in the sunshine and your evenings enjoying New Zealand’s chill vibes.
Whether you have one day or a full week, I hope this guide on where to stay in Richmond has helped you find a home away.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New Zealand for a wealth of info!
- Check out all the epic things to do in New Zealand while you’re visiting.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of New Zealand.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
