The 10 best hotels in The Catlins, New Zealand

December 20, 2022 Stefan Strunk

Discover the best hotels in The Catlins, South Island including Owaka Lodge Motel, Mike & Jennys Kaka Point Accommodation, Nugget Point Motels, Catlins Inn, Molyneux House, Kaka Point Views, Hilltop Accommodation Catlins, The Whistling Frog Resort, Catlins Retreat Guest House, Catlins Mohua Park.
Things to do in The Catlins

1. Owaka Lodge Motel

12 Ryley Street, Owaka 9535 New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 89 reviews

Owaka Lodge Motel

Four light and airy units set in a country garden setting. These motels are situated 50 metres from the local supermarket, three restaurants, an Inn, and across the road from Owaka's famous museum and information centre.This is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the natural wonders of the Catlins...from the sealions and penguins on the beaches, to the superb waterfalls and the bush walks and birdlife to delight any travelling photographer.Breakfast is available to be served in your room and Gaynor is the only staff member so personal service is the order of the day.

Lovely little motel with an even nicer host

Reviewed By lollypoplady

We stayed here in January with our toddler and the host could not be nicer. Greeted with muffins and a mini one for our daughter. Her cot made up beautifully in the room (often find hotels forget this request)Motel is not modern but very clean and comfortable and in a good location for food if doing a road trip in the Catlins. Would recommend.

2. Mike & Jennys Kaka Point Accommodation

7 Marine Terrace 1 Rd, Kaka Point 9271 New Zealand
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 58 reviews

Mike & Jennys Kaka Point Accommodation

UNIT 1: We have a large single room self-contained private unit,that sleeps up to 4 (one Queen bed and one single bed). Kaka Point is a lovely place with yellow-eyed penguins seals, native birds and much more wildlife; bush walks, lighthouse, surfing, diving, snorkeling and lovely locals, playgrounds, beach walks, restaurant, bar and shop, we offer you a taste of the local seafood!! UNIT 2: We now have another unit with queen bed and ensuite,microwave,toaster,jug,fridge and flat screen tv with freeview.With a view of the sea from your breakfast table.

Delightful

Reviewed By katiekitten12

We had a fabulous night here during our Catlins adventure. We stayed in unit 2 upstairs which was quite small, but just perfect. Room was clean and comfortable with everything we could need. Stunning views from the balcony. Jenny was an amazing host. Super friendly and helpful. Even bought me freshly caught paua fritters for breakfast which was so appreciated. They were Devine!! I would highly recommend staying here to anyone. Super pub a couple of minutes walk away which was great. Kaka point was the perfect place to stay. We can't wait to return.

3. Nugget Point Motels

24 Rata Street, Kaka Point 9271 New Zealand
Excellent
40%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 123 reviews

Nugget Point Motels

Karen and Blair welcome you to The Nugget View Kaka Point Motel, where our aim is to ensure you enjoy your stay in The Catlins. Situated at 24 Rata Street, Kaka Point, this is at the start of the Southern Scenic Route and is just 2km from the Nugget Point Lighthouse coast. ​ With spectacular coastal views, our motel can accommodate you with 1 and 2-bedroom units, studio/hotel units. The Kaka Point Motel is only a 5-minute walk to the swimming and surfing beach, The Point Café & Bar, a takeaway shop, and a 30-minute bush walk. Wildlife surrounds us, from penguins to seals, and nearby there are beaches with their own unique eco-environments and magnificent waterfalls. ​ Being just one hour from Dunedin Airport, this is an ideal start to your Catlins holiday, so book your Kaka Point Accomodation today! Free WiFi is available during your stay. Long stays welcome and tariffs adjusted accordingly. ​

Excellent location and base for exploring the Catlins

Reviewed By kevinsG3305ZJ

Nice motel, clean and tidy, with friendly staff. Great view of the beach to the Nugget Point lighthouse from our room. All the things you need for this type of holiday, IE not doing city stuff! Get a room with kitchen facilities. Very few places to eat/drink in the area, and none if you're there on the wrong nights ;-) Definitely recommended.

4. Catlins Inn

21 Ryley Street, Owaka 9535 New Zealand
Excellent
31%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 16 reviews

Catlins Inn

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Owaka, Catlins Inn is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to great restaurants and attractions, Catlins Inn makes it easy to enjoy the best of Owaka. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV and a dining area, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the small hotel. Catlins Inn features outdoor furniture, a picnic area, and a sun terrace, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts an on-site restaurant. If you are driving to Catlins Inn, free parking is available. While staying at Catlins Inn, you may want to check out Catlins Cafe (0.1 mi) which is a short walk away. There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular waterfalls such as Matai Falls Walk. Catlins Inn is sure to make your visit to Owaka one worth remembering.

BEST nachos in the country!

Reviewed By JacquiD332

To the two ladies behind the bar (sorry we didn’t get your names) THANK YOU for your immaculate vibes and amazing service! The beef nachos were THE BEST I’ve ever eaten, and that’s no joke coming from a nacho connoisseur! You have the BEST aioli also ❤️ Thank you so so so much! If you visit this place- get some food. I’m sure whatever they make they will go above and beyond to make it delicious. But I recommend the nachos. Thanks team!

5. Molyneux House

2 Rimu Street, Kaka Point 9271 New Zealand
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 61 reviews

Molyneux House

If you’re looking for a romantic bed and breakfast in Kaka Point, look no further than Molyneux House Bed & Breakfast. Rooms at Molyneux House Bed & Breakfast provide a refrigerator and a kitchenette, and guests can stay connected with free wifi. Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Molyneux House Bed & Breakfast. Travelers looking to enjoy some fish and chips can head to The Point Cafe. Otherwise, you may want to check out a seafood restaurant such as The Point Cafe. If you are interested in exploring Kaka Point, check out a historic site, such as Kaka Point Scenic View Point & Picnic Area. The staff at Molyneux House Bed & Breakfast looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

A real treat

Reviewed By keryns_13

What a lovely apartment with a great view of the bay. We were greeted warmly and given a suggestion for dinner. Our host even phoned through and booked us a table. Everything in the apartment was pretty and so very clean. Lots of little extra touches which made our one night stay perfect. The bed was very comfortable and the breakfast delicious. It was a plus to have the wee mini bar as a wine to enjoy while relaxing and taking in the view was just lovely.

6. Kaka Point Views

1 Totara Street, Kaka Point 9271 New Zealand
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Kaka Point Views

Recently built in 2019, Kaka Point Views have everything you need for your stay in Kaka Point, the gateway to The Catlins. The apartments have magnificent views of the main beach and Wilsher Bay, across to the Nugget Point Lighthouse. They are just a short 1 minute walk to the The Point Cafe and Bar, beach and playground. Rooms we offer: Apartment 1 - Two bedroom apartment(one with a queen bed and one with two king singles) complete with kitchen and bathroom. Apartment 2- Studio unit with a queen bed, kitchenette and bathroom.

outstanding place to stay

Reviewed By 67Kezza27

my wife and I were lucky enough to find this real gem when we stayed in kaka point earlier this week. Lyndsay is an exceptional host and the unit we stayed in is extremely well presented with lovely beach views, very clean and modern, well appointed with what you would need for a comfortable stay. it's central and easy to find yet so quiet and relaxing. we highly recommend kaka point views and will definitely stay again when we are back in the lovely catlins area.

7. Hilltop Accommodation Catlins

77 Tahakopa Valley Rd, Papatowai New Zealand
Excellent
50%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 36 reviews

Hilltop Accommodation Catlins

Peaceful country accommodation in the heart of the Catlins, overlooking the Southern Scenic route.

Serene

Reviewed By E1Y5E

I was lucky enough to have the place to myself for the night I stayed in the Catlins. The fire was set for me when I arrived and there were easy to follow instructions for use of the many amenities offered. I was alone but there is a foosball table and pool table so would be great to rent for a weekend away with friends. The Catlins itself is a beautiful place if you're wanting to get away for a while. Papatowai is a great location near the Lost Gypsy Caravan, Cathedral Caves, and a number of beautiful beaches and waterfall walks, with the option to hire kayaks from the little Paptowai township. The hosts were very accommodating and responsive and told me in advance about the limited township facilities so I came with everything I needed, but they do helpfully provide food for cash purchase at the accommodation. The driveway much like driving the rest of the Catlins is an adventure in itself. Check in and check out were easy. Stayed in room 2, bed was soft and warm.

8. The Whistling Frog Resort

9 Rewcastle Road Chaslands Highway, Chaslands 9586 New Zealand
Excellent
38%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 209 reviews

The Whistling Frog Resort

Great customer service

Reviewed By barnel74

We only stayed on night in a motorhome and although the facility has struggled due to low customer numbers (thanks Covid) the service and friendly atmosphere was still top notch. Stayed here in a cabin 6-years ago and the facilities now are still as clean and tidy as back then. An oasis in the middle of the Catlins.

9. Catlins Retreat Guest House

27 Main Road, Owaka 9546 New Zealand
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 112 reviews

Catlins Retreat Guest House

Enjoy the Catlins in style. Stay at the Catlins Retreat an historic villa in Owaka, the main town for the North Catlins Area and only 1 hours drive from Dunedin airport. This historic building was built by the community to attract a doctor to the area over 100 years ago. The result is a beautiful character villa in central Owaka within walking distance to shops, cafes and the pub and only a short drive to beaches, bush walks, waterfalls, wildlife and the many attractions the Catlins has to offer. Guests will stay in either one of the two grander rooms at the front, or what used to be the Doctors surgery. Each room has a queen and a single bed, a private bathroom, a fridge, TV and tea and coffee. Continental breakfast is available on request.

A gem

Reviewed By riponcitygirl

If you want perfect peace and quiet this is the place. Nothing to disturb you apart from the bird song. The cabins are comfortable and well equipped. Fabulous views from the deck. Although eco cabins, no tv, there is very good internet and a good range of music cds if you wish to connect with the world. However it is nice just to leave it behind for a while and enjoy the break

10. Catlins Mohua Park

744 Catlins Valley Road Rd 2, Tawanui, Owaka 9586 New Zealand
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 88 reviews

Catlins Mohua Park

Take your pick from four spacious king studio eco cottages, all offering privacy in a natural bush setting. Each cottage has incredible views overlooking lush rolling farmland and the stunning bush of the Morris Saddle. Self-cater with a fully equipped kitchen or book a catered stay with breakfasts (at an additional cost).

Great stay in Catlins countryside

Reviewed By John B

A great experience. Excellent room with great views over farmland. Lyndon was a great host who made sure we had everything that we needed and took us on a very exciting adventure tour on an ATV. Quite scary but all in a days work for to octogenarians.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.