Top 10 Motels in Kaikoura, New Zealand

May 1, 2023 Elouise Mccaul

In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.
Restaurants in Kaikoura

1. Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park

34 Beach Road, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 941 reviews

Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park

Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park is located in the center of Kaikoura, just a 5 min walk to the town center with bars, restaurants and shops. Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park has a wide range of accommodation types suited for a variety of budgets. We pride ourselves on having plenty of activities for kids, which include a games room, jumping pillow, playground, heated pool as well as a TV lounge. Relax in park-like settings with mountain vistas at our award-winning Kaikoura accommodation. Whatever your budget, we offer an excellent range of accommodation for families, couples, backpackers, tourists, singles and other travelers. Choose from our range of Camping sites, Motels or Units and Cabins, there is something to suit everyone.

Very pleasant stay

Reviewed By 51graemea

We spent two nights here, the weather was cool and the scenery with snow on the nearby mountains spectacular. The facilities were clean, we used the bathrooms and the camp kitchen including the bbq’s.

2. The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel Kaikoura

208 Esplanade Cnr Margate Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 667 reviews

The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel Kaikoura

The Anchor Inn is a modern and stylish motel superbly situated on the Kaikoura Waterfront with most rooms enjoying magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the stunning Kaikoura Ranges. Our award-winning motel offers a range of studios and family units which are spacious and well-appointed, fully self-contained, climate controlled and double-glazed for your total comfort and enjoyment. The Anchor Inn holds a 4+ Qualmark star rating and a Tripadvisor certificate of excellence. We provide a guest laundry, wireless Fibre internet, Sky's 50+ channels and an extensive DVD movie library. Secure off-street parking is provided in our enclosed courtyard.

Million dollar view

Reviewed By GoBrownie

Spent 2 days in lush accommodation with fabulous view on our doorstep and a gorgeous little town to explore. Spacious room, great heating, comfy bed and good shower. Kitchen set up perfect for our short stay. Will definitely be back when next over from Australia, thanks Lyn!

3. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

16-18 Churchill Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 293 reviews

Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

Finding an ideal family-friendly motel in Kaikoura does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge, a nice option for travelers like you. Rooms at Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator providing exceptional comfort and convenience, and guests can go online with free wifi. Baggage storage and outdoor furniture are some of the conveniences offered at this motel. A pool and barbeque facilities will also help to make your stay even more special. If you are driving to Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge, free parking is available. Close to some of Kaikoura's most popular landmarks, such as Fyffe House (1.6 mi) and The Point Sheep Shearing Show (2.0 mi), Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge is a great destination for tourists. If you’re looking for a sushi restaurant, consider a visit to Sakim Bento Sushi Kaikoura, which is not far from Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge. If you’re looking for things to do, you can check out Ohau Point Seal Colony (0.6 mi), which is a popular attraction amongst tourists, and it is within walking distance. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge puts the best of Kaikoura at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

Very pleasant place to stay

Reviewed By sandygP2771KH

The Gateway has really good sized rooms with a kitchenette with microwave and cook top. Would have liked a cooking pan to cook our breakfast eggs. Also a variety of teas would be nice (at least green tea.) The bed was a tad firm for our liking though we slept okay. Good off street parking and extremely quiet!

4. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura

45 - 47 Churchill Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
39%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 262 reviews

Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura

The Bella Vista Motel in Kaikoura has 18 units. Compact studios with tea and coffee making facilities, accessible units with microwaves, standard queen studios with kitchenettes, king studios with kitchenettes, Spa bath studio with a king bed and kitchenette through to 1 bedroom units with spa baths and cooking facilities.

Excellent value for money in a clean and modern motel

Reviewed By Emma S

I have rated this motel as 5 because of the value for money it offers and the standard of facility provided for the cost paid. The room (11 - an upper room) was a good size, very clean and had an excellent, powerful shower. The views from the upper floor of the mountains are beautiful. It is a bit further away from town but this wasn't an issue for us. You receive 300ml complimentary milk ok check in. There is a cafetiere provided, we brought our own coffee not sure if there was anything provided. The noise from the road did not disturb us, and we couldn't hear any noise coming from other rooms. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

5. Panorama Motel

266 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
31%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 233 reviews

Panorama Motel

Welcome to Panorama Motel, your Kaikoura “home away from home.” Panorama Motel aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. Close to The Point Sheep Shearing Show (0.8 mi), a popular Kaikoura landmark, Panorama Motel is a great destination for tourists. Free wifi is offered to guests, and rooms at Panorama Motel offer a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a kitchenette. Guests of Panorama Motel are also welcome to enjoy barbeque facilities, located on site. For travelers arriving by car, free parking is available. While in Kaikoura be sure to experience local lobster favorites at Kaikoura Seafood BBQ, Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar, or Lobster Inn Motor Lodge. During your visit, be sure to check out Ohau Point Seal Colony (1.1 mi), which is a popular attraction within walking distance of the motel. Panorama Motel puts the best of Kaikoura at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

Would stay again

Reviewed By Erin O

Stayed in a 1 bedroomed motel. Good sized rooms with modern decor. Very clean and well maintained. Views across the bay to wake up to. The motel is away from the very centre of town which made it a peaceful location, but still close enough that restaurants and shops were easily accessible. Friendly hosts and would stay again.

6. Sails Motel

134 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Sails Motel

If you’re looking for a quaint motel in Kaikoura, look no further than Sails Motel. While staying at Sails Motel, visitors can check out The Point Sheep Shearing Show (1.4 mi), which is a popular Kaikoura attraction. Rooms at Sails Motel provide a refrigerator and a kitchenette. In addition, Sails Motel offers a lounge, which will help make your Kaikoura trip additionally gratifying. And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests. While in Kaikoura, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Sails Motel, including Coopers Catch Kaikoura (0.8 mi), The Pier Hotel Restaurant (0.8 mi), and Kaikoura Seafood BBQ (1.2 mi). Best of all, Sails Motel makes it easy to experience some great Kaikoura attractions like Fyffe House, which is a popular historic site. The staff at Sails Motel looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

Helpful Staff

Reviewed By russlo

We needed a night in Kaikoura where we were allowed to have a dog. The unit we were given was a small compact studio. It was clean and tidy and had everything we needed. There is a microwave but no stove. The bed was nice and comfortable. There is a little patio and a nice little garden outside. There is no sea view but a short 5 min walk down the drive and you were at the sea. The driveway is a little on the narrow side so I'm not sure if a large camper van would make it up. We were quite comfortable there and would happily return if the occasion arose.

7. Sierra Beachfront Motel

160 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
20%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
10%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 87 reviews

Sierra Beachfront Motel

13 Quiet ground floor studio and 2 large 2 bedroom units ,2 Access units. Photo is of the Newer Studio units we have 6 older units which are clean and comfortable. The other 7 units are approx 8 years old . We are along the Esplanade through the main town centre .away from the busy highway.

Great Hotel

Reviewed By Kimstemp

Great place, excellent value for money, the room was clean and tidy, a bit dated. Staff/owner was very happy and pleasant. I will certainly will be back. Handy to town, beach across just across the road.

8. Admiral Court Motel

16 Avoca Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Admiral Court Motel

Looking for a place to stay in Kaikoura? Then look no further than Admiral Court Motel, a family-friendly motel that brings the best of Kaikoura to your doorstep. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a refrigerator, a kitchenette, and a seating area, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the motel. Admiral Court Motel features baggage storage, a picnic area, and outdoor furniture, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts barbeque facilities. If you are driving to Admiral Court Motel, free parking is available. Given the close proximity to Ohau Point Seal Colony (1.4 mi), guests of Admiral Court Motel can easily experience one of Kaikoura's most popular landmarks. During your visit, be sure to check out one of Kaikoura's popular ribs restaurants such as The Pier Hotel Restaurant, Thai Siam Kaikoura, and The Whaler, all a short distance from Admiral Court Motel. Should time allow, The Point Sheep Shearing Show and Fyffe House are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Admiral Court Motel as you experience everything Kaikoura has to offer.

Needs soundproofing

Reviewed By 268craigd

The room and location was actually really nice. Lovely outlook and quiet area. However our unit (number 9) was directly underneath the living quarters of the owners/operators. There were signs everywhere telling us what type of parties were not allowed the irony being that we were kept away ourselves but what was happening upstairs. We have been on the road for a month touring and working every night and sleep is paramount. Despite the lovely room none of us got a good sleep. They were up late talking and all walking above could be heard loudly in our rooms. Then they were making noise from 7:45 am and we were all woken early. Terrible sleep. Lovely spot but either sound proof it, don’t make noise when people are in it or don’t rent it out. Disappointed and fatigued as a result of staying here. Sure the other rooms are great.

9. Alpine View Motel

146 Beach Road State Highway 1, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
27%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
8%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 110 reviews

Alpine View Motel

We warmly welcome you to Alpine View Motel situated in a lovely garden setting situated next to the beach with our very own beach access ― ideal for a lovely evening walk or if you want to try your hand at surf casting. Our desire is to ensure your stay is both comfortable and memorable. All 12 apartments are ground-floor, with parking outside your door. We have a range of apartments from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom family apartments. All are fully self-contained and serviced daily. All are spacious and away from the road in a lawn and garden setting.We proudly received 3rd Place in (November's 2011) the Commercial Section of the Kaikoura Garden Competition.

Functional and clean, good if you want a good sleep and workable bathroom. Look closer to town for a holiday stop

Reviewed By raymondf357

Location, amenities, room setup is good and functional. They took my booking and assisted with a very late checkin (after 8pm when the office closes). You can park close to the roon which is handy. Downsides are view from kitchen and bathroom uis terrible, petrol station and public bathrooms, price is high for holiday stop, I suggest to choose something on the Esplanade if holidaying. Beds are too soft for us as a couple (Im a 120kgs, my wife is 50kgs) but thats a personal preference. In a nutshell, good for a stop if passing thru, but spend more time looking if you want an experiance.

10. Heritage Court Motor Lodge

205 Beach Road, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
30%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
9%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 175 reviews

Heritage Court Motor Lodge

All our units are on the ground floor and set in very sunny, spacious surroundings with spectacular mountain views. We are only minutes from Whale Watching, Dolphin and Seal Swimming, a great Surf Casting beach.

Excellent stay. Would stay here again if in Kaikoura and would recommend (already have) to others

Reviewed By Richard_Chris_Jones

Nice rooms with all that was required. Very clean. Pet (dog) friendly subject to approval and conditions (all understandable) from owner, Donald. Donald and staff very friendly and helpful with local information.

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