10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Paihia 🍽️ [2024]

Where to Find the Best Self-Catering Motels, Holiday Homes and More in Paihia

While there are many fantastic eateries in the Bay of Islands town of Paihia, those wanting to save the cents may want to stay somewhere with a kitchen or cooking facilities. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled some of the best self-catering accommodations in Paihia right here!

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

1. Marlin Court Motel

Affordable accommodation for families and groups awaits at the Marlin Court Motel. The motel offers self-contained studios for three guests, one-bedroom apartments for four and two-bedroom apartments for five. Rooms are basic yet comfortable but the Marlin Court Motel really 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. All of that with access to your own kitchen facilities. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Paihia.

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2. Abri Apartments

Set at the back of Paihia town elevated in the native forest, Abri Apartments offers a unique stay in Paihia. There are three apartments available, each with a private entrance through your private balcony overlooking the Bay of Islands. The luxuriously-appointed rooms include a full kitchen, a bathroom with double spa baths and a comfortable open-plan lounge and dining area. Enjoy a glass of wine or crank up the barbecue on your north-facing balcony which laps up the morning and afternoon sun. Because these apartments are so good for couples, we also list them in the 12 Most Romantic Accommodations in Paihia.

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3. Centabay Lodge

For travellers on a tight budget, you can always rely on backpacker accommodation… And Paihia sure has plenty of options – just see the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Paihia. Centabay Lodge, however, doesn’t just provide your expected backpacker dorms but also self-contained studio rooms. Studios sleep up to four guests and include facilities such as an ensuite, kitchenette and a TV. Even if you’re staying in one of the dorms or private ensuite rooms, you’ll have access to the hostel’s communal kitchen and bathroom facilities.

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4. Aarangi Tui Motel

Aarangi Tui Motel might just be the smartest choice for travellers wanting to make their own meals in Paihia. Not only do all of the units have a fully equipped kitchen, but the motel itself is the closest one to Paihia’s main supermarket. Units also have separate bedrooms, lounges filled with natural light, ensuites, free WiFi and Sky TV. The motel units with exposed brick walls have been modernly furnished, offering a comfortable stay, whether you’re a couple staying in a compact “Studio” or a family in the “Two Bedroom Family Suite”. Larger groups even have a place here in the “Large Apartment”, sleeping up to six guests. See more recommendations like this in 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Paihia.

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5. Sea Spray Suite – Heritage Collection

Stay in a luxurious self-contained suite from the Heritage Collection at the Sea Spray Suites. The suites are set across the road from the picturesque Te Ti Beach and a short walk from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, offering a more tranquil location in the busy tourist town. The one and two-bedroom suites have a wonderful indoor-to-outdoor flow from your private lounge to a balcony/semi-private balcony. Foodies will enjoy the convenience of their own kitchen facilities, while the free WiFi and Sky TV don’t hurt. On-site parking and a barbecue area are also available. If you want a similar accommodation in the middle of town, try The Waterfront Suites, also by Heritage.

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6. Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel

For self-catering accommodation conveniently close to the Paihia waterfront and town, choose Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel. The four-star motel offers economical options for couples, as well as small to large families. Each unit is self-contained with a separate dining area and a private balcony. Time at the motel can be made up around the barbecue area or at the indoor private spa pool. Other facilities at Swiss Chalet include undercover parking, free WiFi and cooked or continental breakfast on request. Compare this accommodation with other motels in the 15 Best Motels in Paihia.

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7. Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments

Couples, families and larger tribes will find something to suit at the Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments. Each studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment is modernly decorated with nature incorporated into the decor with wooden floors and bamboo furniture. There are full kitchens by tri-fold doors onto your own barbecue area and private lawn, making for a sociable space to share meals. While the apartments are not serviced, the rubbish is taken away daily. Be sure to check out more apartments with self-catering facilities listed in the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

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10 Best Accommodation in Paihia for Foodies

8. Edgewater Palms Apartments

Like it says on the tin, the Edgewater Palms Apartments is your water’s edge accommodation in Paihia. Make the most of the beach with watersports hire, vistas from the on-site restaurant, and from the infinity pool. The apartment hotel offers a range of fully self-contained apartments so you can enjoy your own space combined with homely amenities including a kitchen. Choose from one and two-bedroom apartments with either pool/garden or ocean view. Waterfront and penthouse rooms are also an option to upgrade. See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Hotels in the Bay of Islands.

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10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Paihia 🍽️ [2023]

9. Sunseeker Cottages

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 self-catering accommodation won’t disappoint. All of the two-bedroom cottages here are freestanding with their own elevated balcony to soak in the scenery. Enjoy a barbecue on the balcony or make use of the spacious open-plan kitchen. The cottages are ideal for families of four, as well as couples looking to treat themselves.

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10. Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel in Paihia with both exquisite food and self-catering facilities, then the first hotel to take a look at is Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel. Not only do guests have access to their own kitchenette facilities, but the resort has an on-site restaurant serving fine food. As for the rest of the facilities, the five-star resort offers spa treatments at La Spa Naturale, as well as an outdoor pool and spa pools. Your choice of rooms is well-appointed studios and two-bedroom apartments with a relaxing interior design. See more recommendations like this in our 11 BEST Hotels in Paihia.

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More Self-Catering Accommodations in Paihia

That’s it for our list of the best self-catering accommodations in Paihia. For more self-catering stays 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.

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