10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura 🛌🏼 [2023]© Alpine View Motel
10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura 🛌🏼 [2023]

15 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura 🛌🏼 [2024]

© Alpine View Motel

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Kaikoura

The wildlife mecca of Kaikoura is home to a wealth of mesmerising experiences, from whale watching to seal swimming. With so much to do – just see 10 Incredible Things to Do in Kaikoura – you’re definitely going to want to save some money when it comes to accommodation. On the plus side, Kaikoura has a range of cheap accommodations to suit all traveller types, whether you’re a family, a couple or a budgeting backpacker. Take a look at your options in this list of the best budget accommodations in Kaikoura.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Kaikoura and The Guide to Kaikoura on a Budget.

1. Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park

Kaikoura is home to some pretty awesome holiday parks, including the Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park with its outdoor heated swimming pool and indulgent hot pools! In between all of the excitement, there is a range of accommodation styles. Keep things cheap and cheerful in the “Standard Cabins” and make use of the communal kitchen and bathroom. Alternatively, the choice of motel units provides all of the privacy and comforts of home with a full kitchen, Sky TV, DVD player and underfloor heating.

Check Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park

2. Dusky Lodge and Backpackers

The largest backpacker hostel in Kaikoura has an incredible amount of space to relax after a day’s swimming with dolphins or whale watching with multiple lounges, decks and even an outdoor swimming pool. From super-budget dorm rooms to private ensuite rooms to family rooms, there’s something for everyone. Facilities also include communal kitchens, laundry, dining areas and free unlimited WiFi. See more like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Kaikoura.

Check Dusky Lodge and Backpackers out:

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3. Brook House B&B & Cottages

Get the “local experience” by staying at Brook House B&B & Cottages! The homely B&B accommodation offers well-appointed rooms in a single, twin and double bed layout with ensuites and a communal lounge, dining area and kitchen. The rate includes a continental breakfast of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, bread and jams, as well as “Judy’s Fabulous Chocolate Muffins”. Laundry and WiFi are also available at no extra cost. Find the B&B just a short drive from the town centre near the New World supermarket. For more couple-centric stays like this, head to the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Kaikoura.

Check Brook House B&B & Cottages out:

© Brook House B&B & Cottages

4. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge makes your stay in Kaikoura all too easy! The motor lodge has 20 self-contained accommodations available, from studios to two-bedroom units. Rooms are cheap, cheerful and have all the essentials, from a basic kitchen to an ensuite. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor solar-heated swimming pool, barbecue area, as well as a children’s playground adjacent to the motor lodge.

Check Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

5. Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

Another holiday park in Kaikoura is the Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park. They also offer standard cabins as their cheapest accommodation, after camping sites. Otherwise, you have a heated swimming pool, private spa pools, free WiFi and basic kitchen, dining and laundry facilities to make use of! Find this holiday park on the outskirts of town near the Whale Watch Kaikoura office. Thanks to its excellent family-friendly facilities, we also list this one in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Kaikoura.

Check Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

6. Dolphin Lodge

Another hostel worth considering in Kaikoura is Dolphin Lodge. The homely backpacker accommodation offers private double rooms with or without an ensuite, twin rooms and dorms. All the home comforts are included, such as a communal kitchen, outdoor spa pool, DVD library, garden furniture and a barbecue. What’s more, you’re just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the main street.

Check Dolphin Lodge out:

Dolphin Lodge© Dolphin Lodge

7. The Lazy Shag Lodge

A no-frills accommodation on the outskirts of town, The Lazy Shag Lodge offers cheap double, twin, single and family rooms all with an ensuite bathroom. The lodge has a large communal kitchen, dining room and lounge with a log burner, while outside you have attractive gardens and decking areas with furniture to enjoy your dinner or simply relax and take in the mountain views.

Check The Lazy Shag Lodge out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© The Lazy Shag Lodge

8. Sierra Beachfront Motel

Whether you just need a bed for the night or a self-contained studio, Sierra Beachfront Motel offers some of the cheapest rates in Kaikoura. Each unit offers the basics like an ensuite, microwave, electric frypan, Sky TV and pull-out couches to sleep extra guests, while upgrading to a studio or two-bedroom unit gives you the additional benefit of a full kitchen. All in all, this is an ideal choice for the non-fussy traveller looking for a bargain. For more motels worth checking out, head to our 20 Best Motels in Kaikoura.

Check Sierra Beachfront Motel out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Sierra Beachfront Motel

9. The Pier Hotel

Stay and dine in this historic (and cheap) hotel on the waterfront of Kaikoura. The Pier Hotel is a local favourite for its classic “Kiwi pub” ambience, while visitors can make use of the upstairs guest rooms. Most of the 10 guest rooms have access to a wraparound balcony where breakfast or a glass of wine can be enjoyed while watching the sunrise or dolphins on the horizon. Rooms are simple with sleek decor complimenting the building’s 130-year heritage. There are shared bathroom facilities keeping in with the old Kiwi hotel theme. Check out more hotel-style accommodations in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Kaikoura.

Check The Pier Hotel out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© The Pier Hotel

10. Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura

Although the decor is looking a little drab, you can’t deny its comfortable and very reasonably-priced stay at Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura. This motel is on the quiet outskirts of town, just a 30-minute walk/5-minute drive from town and a 15-minute walk from the beach. Enjoy the views of the Kaikoura Mountains from your ranch slider; double-glazed to keep the heat in and the noise out, while more notable amenities include smart TVs, electric blankets and heating. This accommodation is also pet-friendly on request.

Check Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura

11. Alpine View Motel

While you do indeed get alpine views from this affordable motel on the northern outskirts of Kaikoura, what we get the most excited about at the Alpine View Motel is its direct access to the beach. Families will also love the complete children’s playground, while most guests can probably make use of the cooking facilities in each unit (apart from one studio, so be sure to ask if you need self-catering accommodation). For more self-catering stays, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Kaikoura.

Check Alpine View Motel out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura© Alpine View Motel

12. A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park

Just a two-minute walk from the town centre yet offering a wide range of accommodations, A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park is a popular choice for all kinds of budget travellers. If you’re not camping, choose from two varieties of cabin (bedding needs to be hired or you can bring your own) or one of the motel units with a kitchen, bedding and a TV. Motel layouts include studios up to three-bedroom units, making them a good option for larger groups. There are also communal kitchen and bathroom facilities in the campground, as well as a children’s playground.

Check A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park out:

© A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park

13. Blue Seas Motel

In a peaceful location on the beachfront, Blue Seas Motel is definitely worth checking for availability. The budget motel has 13 motel units, some with a sea or mountain view and some with a spa bath. Choose from one of the “Standard Studios” sleeping up to three with a small kitchen, bathroom and dining area. The one and two-bedroom units sleep either four or six guests and contain the most essential amenities from home.

Check Blue Seas Motel out:

© Blue Seas Motel

14. Lobster Inn Motor Lodge

Modern motel rooms, a convenient location opposite the supermarket, and affordable rates: what’s not to love about the Lobster Inn Motor Lodge? The stylish motel rooms are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a TV, DVDs and free WiFi. Studios come in a variety of layouts, from queen to king to twin to “Deluxe”, while the one and two-bedroom units are ideal for groups and families.

Check Lobster Inn Motor Lodge out:

© Lobster Inn Motor Lodge

15. Panorama Motel

Last but certainly not least, enjoy gorgeous sunsets from your one or two-bedroom unit at the Panorama Motel. Each unit opens up onto a patio or private balcony where you can take in the sea views. Rooms are lined with timber and decorated in a classic Kiwi motel style, featuring amenities like a kitchenette, Sky TV, WiFi and use of cots/highchairs and laundry if needed. The motel is a five-minute walk from the wharf and a selection of restaurants.

Check Panorama Motel out:

© Panorama Motel

[CLOSED] Seaview Motel

Treat yourself to beachfront accommodation at an affordable price at the Seaview Motel! The boutique motel has nine units sleeping up to three people in the studios and up to five people in the multi-bedroom units. The larger units are ideal for families with full kitchen facilities, while the smaller unit for couples has facilities more suitable for making breakfast. Rooms are well-appointed and have free WiFi, Sky TV and access to a barbecue area. See more like this in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Kaikoura.

More About Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Kaikoura, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Kaikoura on a Budget.

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:

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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