20 Best Motels in the Bay of Islands 🏘️ [2024]

The Best Motels in Kerikeri, Russell, Paihia and the Bay of Islands

Welcome to the subtropical oasis of the Bay of Islands where the motels are a little different than what you might be used to when travelling around New Zealand. Almost all motels benefit from the warm climate, featuring outdoor swimming pools and more often than not, they are set on the grounds of subtropical gardens awash in fruit trees. Motels will almost always have self-catering facilities to help stick to your budget, so all you need to do is choose a motel to suit your style, budget and your group’s needs. Start comparing with this list of the best motels in the Bay of Islands!

While you’re here, don’t miss the advice given in The Complete Guide to the Bay of Islands and the 15 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands.

1. Averill Court Motel (Paihia)

Make the easy transition into holiday mode at Averill Court Motel, a resort-style motel in the Bay of Islands set around a swimming pool, spa pool and barbecue area. The four-star motel in central Paihia offers an expansive range of studios and apartments for one to six people, so finding something to suit your group is a breeze. Almost all studios and apartments have self-catering facilities with a separate bathroom, bedroom and open-plan lounge area. See more motels in the area in the 15 Best Motels in Paihia.

Check Averill Court Motel out:

2. Kauri Park Motel (Kerikeri)

It’s all about location at the Kauri Park Motel in Kerikeri. Located next door to the Makana Confections chocolate factory and within short driving distance of the Bay of Islands’ wineries, you’re in a foodie paradise. Despite being so close to town, you’ll feel a world away in the subtropical gardens of this 2-acre (0.8 ha) property complete with a swimming pool. Your choice of studios and two-bedroom apartments include free WiFi, Sky TV, cooking facilities and most have a spa bath. Discover more motels in Kerikeri that are ideal for groups in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Kerikeri.

Check Kauri Park Motel out:

3. Breakwater Motel (Paihia)

A motel that offers hotel-style rooms, Breakwater Motel is an ideal choice for the discerning traveller. Choose your location in the motel: either on the waterfront, with a lower sea view, an upper sea view or in the gardens. Either way, your suite will be kitted out with some of the most spacious kitchens found in Paihia’s motels, along with free WiFi, Sky TV, a heated towel rail and air-conditioning/heat pump. See more recommendations like this in 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Paihia.

Check Breakwater Motel out:

4. Kerikeri Homestead Motel & Apartments (Kerikeri)

A four-star boutique motel in the centre of Kerikeri, the Kerikeri Homestead Motel & Apartments offers a range of appealing modern units to enjoy a home-away-from-home experience in the Bay of Islands. From cosy timber-lined studios to premium two-bedroom apartments, the room choices are vast and varied. Rooms are modernly decorated and have unique features like double-glazing, air-conditioning, soundproofed walls, a Smart TV and other little features to make your stay as comfortable as can be. Choose from more “apartment” options in our 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

Check Kerikeri Homestead Motel & Apartments out:

5. Aloha Seaview Resort Motel (Paihia)

Another fantastic motel in Paihia with resort-style facilities, the Aloha Seaview Resort Motel offers a tranquil retreat and amazing views. While a little out of town, the outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and unbeatable ocean views more than make up for it. Choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with your choice of being by the poolside, in the gardens or where the best sea views are. Apartments include an ensuite bathroom, as well as a full kitchen. This is also one of our favourites for the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Paihia.

Check Aloha Seaview Resort out:

6. Anchorage Motel (Paihia)

Your getaway to Paihia is made just too easy at the Anchorage Motel thanks to its waterfront and town centre position. The large saltwater pool, spa pool, barbecue facilities, car wash, parking, complimentary beach towels, fish filleting facilities, recycling, boat parking and other facilities are also good reasons to choose this motel. Meanwhile, in your room, with options ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, you can have breakfast delivered straight to your door, as well as in-room facilities like Sky TV, free WiFi and filtered water. Discover more upscale stays like this one in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

Check Anchorage Motel out:

7. Russell Motel (Russell)

An affordable place to stay in an alternative location, the Russell Motel is well worth considering. Stay in one of the motel’s studios, one-bedroom units and two-bedroom apartments with access to free WiFi, a swimming pool and more. The motel is just a short stroll from Russell town centre, set among subtropical gardens. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

Check Russell Motel out:

8. Dolphin Motel (Paihia)

Stay in the heart of Paihia and the Bay of Islands at the apartment-style motel, the Dolphin Motel. Their “One-Bedroom Apartment” sleeps up to three people, while the “Two-Bedroom Apartment” is the best option for families of four. Either way, they are well-appointed with perhaps slightly old-fashioned amenities but upgraded decor that you would expect in a hotel. The motel provides excellent value for budgeting travellers and also has free parking on-site and free WiFi. See more cheap options nearby in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Paihia.

Check Dolphin Motel out:

9. Colonial House Motel (Kerikeri)

A motel with character, the Colonial House Motel features eight chalets and two cottages nestled in gardens. On arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your hosts, as well as from the fresh milk, cookies, plunger coffee, teas, etc. waiting in your room. Stay in one of the “tiny houses” or opt for a larger studio, suite or cottage. All have Sky TV, Netflix and YouTube on every TV, free WiFi, and a kitchenette or kitchen.

Check Colonial House Motel out:

10. Commodores Lodge (Russell)

Lining the waterfront of Russell, Commodores Lodge offers another fantastic alternative location for your motel stay in the Bay of Islands. With a swimming pool and spa pool, as well as free use of kayaks, bicycles and a barbecue, this motel effortlessly puts you into holiday mode. As for the rooms, you have elegantly furnished suites, family units and self-contained units to choose from.

Check Commodores Lodge out:

10 Best Motels in the Bay of Islands 🏘️ [2023]

11. Opua Boutique Seaview Motel (Opua)

Perched among gardens on the hills of historical Opua, Opua Boutique Seaview Motel offers another alternative location that is well worth considering. The Bay of Islands motel boasts proximity to the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and the car ferry to Russell. Plus, with only four spacious rooms available, sleeping up to three to four guests each, you’ll certainly have a more tranquil stay here. For more boutique stays, check out the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

Check Opua Boutique Seaview Motel out:

12. Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel (Kerikeri)

Stay among the fruit trees as a reminder that you’re in a famous growing region at the Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel. The boutique motel in Kerikeri has 10 one-bedroom chalets, three of which come with a bunk bed in the living room, ideal for families. Aside from having your own space with self-catering facilities, a bathroom with shower, free WiFi and more in your chalet, the complex also has an outdoor swimming pool. See more like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

Check Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel out:

13. Sunseeker Cottages (Haruru)

Perched on the hills of Haruru, just outside of Paihia, Sunseeker Cottages boasts some of the most tremendous views in the area. If you’re looking for a true holiday experience, this motel won’t disappoint. All of the two-bedroom cottages here are freestanding with their own elevated balcony to soak in the scenery. The cottages are ideal for families of four, as well as couples looking to treat themselves.

Check Sunseeker Cottages out:

14. Admiral’s View Lodge (Paihia)

Ticking all of the boxes, Admiral’s View Lodge is far enough from Paihia for peace and quiet but close enough for convenience. Those craving their own spa pool will find spa room options here, while other recreational activities come in the form of free bike hire and tennis facilities. There is a range of well-appointed rooms to choose from; some with a sea view while others are nestled in gardens as a budget option.

Check Admiral’s View Lodge out:

15. Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground (Haruru)

Highly rated on platforms like Booking.com, the Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground is well worth considering. The motel boasts a unique location on the banks of the Waitangi River just downstream from the impressive Haruru Falls. From well-appointed two-bedroom family units on the ground floor to units with a view on the top floor, there’s plenty for all travellers at this motel. We also like their swimming pool and kayaks available to hire so you can get a closer look at the nearby waterfall!

Check Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground out:

16. Bounty Motel (Paihia)

Bounty Motel is certainly a popular choice of motel in the Bay of Islands mostly thanks to its irresistible prices. It also helps that the motel is so centrally located, just a block behind the Paihia waterfront. Each room is kitted out with a kitchenette or kitchen, while laundry facilities, on-site parking and a TV make up more of the useful amenities. There are some excellent budget rooms for families and groups so check this one out if you’re bringing the tribe.

Check Bounty Motel out:

20 Best Motels in the Bay of Islands 🏘️ [2023]

17. Edelweiss Motel (Paihia)

Boasting as the only motel in Paihia with a year-round heated swimming pool, Edelweiss Motel is here to serve all your swimming needs! There’s also an on-site spa pool and undercover barbecue area to enjoy more time outside, while inside, you have well-maintained studio units and one-bedroom and two-bedroom options for a reasonable price. There’s even a two-storey apartment if you need more space; an alternative to the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

Check Edelweiss Motel out:

18. Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel (Paihia)

For self-catering accommodation conveniently close to the Paihia waterfront and the town centre, choose Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel. The four-star motel offers economical options for couples, as well as apartments for small to large families. Each unit is self-contained with a separate dining area and a private balcony to relax in. Time at the motel can be spent around the barbecue area or at the indoor private spa pool, while other facilities at Swiss Chalet include undercover parking, free WiFi and an optional cooked or continental breakfast.

Check Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel out:

19. Marlin Court Motel (Paihia)

Affordable accommodation particularly good for families and groups awaits at the Marlin Court Motel. The motel in Paihia offers self-contained studios for three guests, one-bedroom apartments for four guests and two-bedroom apartments for five. Rooms are basic but comfortable. However, the Marlin Court Motel mostly shines through its facilities, which include a seasonal and attractive outdoor pool, barbecue area, on-site parking and rooms with a private patio or balcony. See more motels like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Paihia.

Check Marlin Court Motel out:

20. Austria Motel (Paihia)

Offering super affordable motel rooms on a quiet street in Paihia, Austria Motel is well worth considering. All rooms feature queen beds, as well as single beds, a separate kitchen and an ensuite bathroom. You’ll also be able to enjoy your own north-facing balcony (which is what you want in the Southern Hemisphere, FYI) and undercover parking. While the furniture doesn’t win any style points, the decor is clean. A point of difference is that the motel offers a courtesy car from the bus stop, as well as is mindful of the environment by using biodegradable cleaners and energy-efficient lighting.

Check Austria Motel out:

More Motels in the Bay of Islands

That’s it for our list of the best motels in the Bay of Islands. For more motel options or things to do, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything about planning a trip to the Bay of Islands that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to the Bay of Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Contact Laura About Our Team