15 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🛌🏼 [2023]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui

Find cheap accommodation in Tauranga or Mt Maunganui so you can spend more on the stuff that matters, like dolphin swimming, paddleboarding around The Mount, dining on the harbourfront and more! (Just get inspiration from 15 Best Things to Do in Tauranga). Whether you’re a couple, family, group of mates or a backpacker, you’ll find accommodation to suit in the city of Tauranga. We go through some of our top picks in this list of the best budget accommodations in Tauranga.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Guide to Tauranga on a Budget and 20 Free & Cheap Things to do in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

1. Ambassador Motor Inn

Enjoy a simple yet convenient and affordable stay at the Ambassador Motor Inn. There are 20 motel units, including a standard and deluxe studio for couples, a disabled access unit and a one/two-bedroom unit for families. Each unit has kitchen facilities, an ensuite, free WiFi, Sky TV and ample space to enjoy it all. Other facilities include an outdoor heated pool, on-site parking and a courtesy shuttle to take you to the city centre, which is just a seven-minute drive away.

Check Ambassador Motor Inn out:

15 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🛌🏼 [2023]

2. Seagulls Guesthouse

Near Mt Maunganui‘s Main Beach, this cheap accommodation is a perfect little base for exploring the seaside suburb. Seagulls Guesthouse offers affordable private rooms and plenty of comfortable common areas, including a bathroom, lounge, barbecue area and kitchen. There are rooms for solo travellers, a couple of friends, couples and families with shared bathrooms and ensuite options.

Check Seagulls Guesthouse out:

10 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🛌🏼 [2023]

3. Wanderlust NZ

You can hardly do more central than Wanderlust NZ. Located on The Strand, this backpacker hostel offers a range of dorm rooms, as well as affordable private double and twin rooms either with or without an ensuite. There are shared facilities, such as bathrooms and a spacious kitchen, dining area and balcony to enjoy the harbour views. The hostel also has free WiFi, free bike hire, laundry facilities and offers free assistance in finding seasonal work. See more hostels in the 8 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui.

Check Wanderlust NZ out:

10 Best Budget Accommodation in Tauranga

4. Hugo & Carters Backpackers & Motel

A contemporary hostel and motel on the outskirts of the city, Hugo & Caters Backpackers & Motel is well worth considering for an alternative stay in Tauranga. Choose from large and small dorm rooms, private double and twin rooms, private ensuite rooms and self-contained motel units with a private bathroom and kitchenette. There’s an attractive courtyard and barbecue area where you can soak up the sun in summer, while the fireplace in the lounge is sure to keep you cosy in winter. Free car parking and WiFi are also available.

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5. Mauao Studio

An excellent wee guesthouse in Mt Maunganui, Mauao Studio offers an affordable stay. Not only do you have easy access to the beach, shops and cafes but the homestay’s modern self-contained studio has its own bathroom and kitchenette. There are also bikes available for guests to use. The queen studio is ideal for couples and solo travellers on a budget. For more couple-centric stays, check out the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

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6. Grange Harbour View B&B

A cosy and quiet homestay/guesthouse with breakfast included; how can you say no to the Grange Harbour View B&B?! Located in the quiet suburb of Otumoetai, this budget accommodation in Tauranga is just a five-minute drive from the city centre. The B&B features two ensuite rooms, one with a double bed and the other with one double and two singles, making this an ideal stay for both couples and families. There are even reduced rates for solo travellers! With epic views of The Mount from the windows and a swimming pool on-site, you get a lot of bang for your buck at this homestay.

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7. Blue Haven Motel

A worthy choice in Mt Maunganui, Blue Haven Motel offers a range of self-contained studios and suites, ideal if you’re looking for your own space on the cheap. Whether you’re looking for a cheap studio as a solo traveller or a family, or even want to stretch out in the “King Studio”, there are options for you here. The contemporary fixings and furniture provide a comfortable and stylish stay, while your unit’s private courtyard garden is a nice addition. If motels are your jam, don’t miss the 10 Best Motels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

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8. Bethlehem Motor Inn and Conference Centre

Situated a little out of town in the suburb of Bethlehem, yet closer to attractions like McLaren Falls Park, Bethlehem Motor Inn makes a great option for budget accommodation in Tauranga. While a bit more expensive than other motels in the area, it provides some extra luxuries that you might think are worth it. Not only is the four-star motel tastefully decorated, from its studios to its two-bedroom suites, but each room has a kitchenette, Sky TV, free WiFi and an ensuite. There are a few extra facilities on the grounds to keep you entertained, such as a swimming pool, spa pool, tennis court, sports net, large grounds for kids to run around, and a barbecue area.

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9. Cobblestone Court Motel

A crisp and clean motel a short drive from the city centre, Cobblestone Court Motel is well worth considering. There are only 12 units, all of which are on the ground floor and line an outdoor pool. Rooms include a studio, executive studio and one/three-bedroom unit, all containing a kitchenette, ensuite, Smart TVs with Netflix, free WiFi and more. Other facilities include on-site parking, an ice machine, barbecue, luggage storage, shuttle, room service breakfast and more. See more self-catering stays in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

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10. ASURE Macy’s Motor Inn

ASURE Macy’s Motor Inn provides many options, from the simplest hotel-style rooms to multi-bedroom apartments with added luxuries like a spa bath in the ensuite. To save the most money, there are options like the “Compact Mini Studio” with Sky TV, free WiFi and an open-plan ensuite. However, there are no kitchenette facilities for these rooms. That can always be remedied by upgrading to another studio or one of the one/two-bedroom suites. Accessible suites are available too. As for location, find Macy’s Motor Inn a short drive from the city centre but surrounded by inner-city shopping centres and a couple of parks.

Check ASURE Macy’s Motor Inn out:

11. Quest on Durham

Offering great value for money, Quest on Durham has 29 serviced apartments that are modernly styled for an affordable yet luxurious stay in Tauranga. Enjoy your open-plan space in an apartment with a full kitchen, ensuite and dining table. The “Studio” is an affordable choice for couples or business travellers looking for a long-term stay, while the two-bedroom apartment is ideal for groups and families on a budget. Other facilities include on-site parking, Sky TV, free WiFi, laundry facilities and access to a gym and sauna. See more like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

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12. 18th Avenue Thermal Motel

Seeking a bit of pampering? How about staying at this budget accommodation in Tauranga with its own thermal pool heated at a soothing 39-40ºC (104ºF)?! The thermal pool is filled with natural hot spring water from a thermal bore underground. As for the accommodation, 18th Avenue Thermal Motel offers affordable studios where extra beds can be supplied and the rooms contain a kitchenette and ensuite. Alternatively, one/two-bedroom units are available providing more space. Rooms are plainly decorated but comfortable. Plus, this is a great option for families with a children’s playground on-site. The motel is located near the Tauranga hospital and surrounding eateries, just a short drive from the city centre. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Tauranga.

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13. Roselands Motel

A comfortable motel only five minutes walk from the city centre, Roselands Motel is an excellent option. The motel features 10 units, each including free WiFi, Smart TVs with Netflix, a barbecue and garden area, and a tranquil environment thanks to its “Zero Tolerance For Noise” policy! There are three room types available, including a “Standard Studio”, “Superior Studio” and a “One-Bedroom Apartment”. Each room is cosy yet tastefully decorated with simplistic charm, with the “Superior Studio and Apartment” having kitchenette facilities, while the “Standard Studio” only provides the basics. This motel option is best suited to couples, solo travellers and business travellers.

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14. Arthouse Accommodation Boutique Backpackers

Another fantastic hostel with a central location, Arthouse Backpackers is popping with colour and affordable rates. Stay in one of their dorm rooms, private twin or double rooms, all sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities. The kitchen is well-equipped for sprucing up your own creations, while other facilities include laundry, free WiFI and a Mac computer corner, a minimart shop and games. Note that the hostel has a “No Party” policy.

Check ArtHouse Boutique Backpackers out:

Arthouse Accommodation Boutique Backpackers

15. Rainbow Motel

Located opposite the Gate Pa shopping precinct, Rainbow Motel is not only located next to the city’s conveniences but it has a few of its own. The motel offers simple, affordable yet well-appointed motel units with a fully-equipped kitchen, ensuite and guest laundry services. While the motel rooms are affordable, it’s possible to save more money by staying in one of the private rooms and using the communal kitchen and bathroom. The choice of rooms here is not too overwhelming but has something to suit every type of traveller, from solo travellers to families, all while being easy on the wallet.

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More Budget Accommodations in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui

That’s it for our guide to the best budget accommodations in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. For more accommodation options, as well as things to do, check these out:

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

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page