Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Whakatane and Ohope Beach
Whakatane might be a top summer holiday destination for Kiwis, but it’s also where you’ll find extremely well-priced accommodation. The town doesn’t have a great array of options for backpackers, but it might just be the opportunity to treat yourself to one of the modern motels or holiday parks. Many of the accommodations have swimming pools, a beachfront or harbourfront location and more to remind you that you’re here to holiday – not just find a cheap place to stay.
So, compare some of your options in this list of the best budget accommodations in Whakatane and Ohope Beach! For more advice, be sure to browse The Guide to Whakatane on a Budget and the 18 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whakatane.
1. Whakatane Hotel
The cheapest accommodation in Whakatane, the Whakatane Hotel is a no-brainer for non-fussy travellers looking for value. The hotel in the town centre offers private single and queen rooms, as well as shared accommodation for backpackers. Guests have access to communal bathrooms and a lounge but not much else in the way of facilities. Downstairs is The Craic Irish Pub where you can go for affordable meals and a pint of Guinness. See more accommodation like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Whakatane.
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© Whakatane Hotel2. Cortez Motel
Stay in one of the affordable motel units surrounding an outdoor swimming pool at the Cortez Motel. Out of their 15 motel units, you’ll find various different grades of studios for solo travellers, couples and groups of three, as well as three family units. Some of the basic but comfortable units have kitchenettes, while entertainment is made easy with free WiFi and TVs with Sky in all units. The central location in Whakatane town centre and a short walk from the harbourfront is a bonus.
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© Cortez Motel3. Alton Lodge Motel
Simple yet affordable, the Alton Lodge Motel is well worth considering for budget travellers looking for their own space. All of the studios, twin studios and one- and two-bedroom units have full kitchens including hotplates, microwaves and ovens, so your meals are sorted. Accommodation is warm thanks to the addition of heatpumps in each room, while those needing to cool off will likely enjoy the swimming pool in summer.
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© Alton Lodge Motel4. Tourist Court Motel
One of Whakatane’s cheap city-centre motels, the Tourist Court Motel has some of the best rates. While it might not look anything special from the outside, the units on the inside are well-maintained with bright decor and useful facilities. All units, from the simple studios to the two-bedroom units, have self-catering facilities including nice little extras like plunger coffee. With a location and prices you’ll struggle to beat, the motel is definitely a top choice for budget travellers. For more stays with epic kitchen facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Whakatane.
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© Tourist Court Motel5. Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
The Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is the ultimate summer hotspot thanks to its beachfront location, swimming pool with hydro slides, jumping pillow, games room, beach volleyball, tennis/basketball court, kids’ club, mini-golf and the list goes on. What’s more, all of this comes with the option of affordable accommodation, including camping, glamping and glaravanning. There are also cabins with basic kitchen facilities but guests can make use of the communal block with a full kitchen and bathrooms. Needless to say, this holiday park easily earns a spot in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Whakatane.
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© Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park6. Whakatane Holiday Park
Another holiday park in the area, Whakatane Holiday Park provides an affordable stay along the harbourfront. The holiday park is just a five-minute walk along the Warren Cole Walkway to Whakatane town centre, with accommodation featuring ultra-cheap basic cabins to fully self-contained motel apartments, so there’s something to suit a range of needs and budgets. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, TV room, outdoor barbecue area and more.
Check Whakatane Holiday Park out:
- Whakatane Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Whakatane Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Whakatane Holiday Park on Expedia
© Whakatane Holiday Park7. Ohope Beach Motel
You’ll hardly believe a beachfront location can come at the prices of the Ohope Beach Motel! There are motel units to suit just about any group size, from the affordable studio units for couples to the larger family and group units sleeping up to six. The motel in Ohope makes choosing a unit easy, as all of them have a fully-equipped kitchen, Sky TV and WiFi. Borrow the boogie boards to ride the Ohope Beach waves, while sunny days around the barbecue are another fun way to spend time here.
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© Ohope Beach Motel8. Kawerau Hotel
Located right in between Whakatane and Rotorua, the Kawerau Hotel makes a great base for exploring both popular destinations on the North Island. With the well-appointed rooms starting from NZ$69 per night, the hotel provides excellent value. The accommodation has three wings, one with premium rooms and the rest for budget travellers. Stay in one of the private double rooms or bunk rooms with shared bathrooms for the best price. For more hotel-style accommodation, check out the 5 Best Hotels in Whakatane.
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© Kawerau Hotel9. Thornton Beach Holiday Park
Stay a little off the beaten track but still within short driving distance of Whakatane at the Thornton Beach Holiday Park. Enjoy the views of the beach, the Pacific Ocean, Moutohora and White Islands from your camping site, cabin, tourist flat or motel unit – all available for very affordable rates. There are three communal facilities blocks with all the essential amenities and communal bathrooms, while the jumping pillow and public playground nearby will keep younger members of your group happy.
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© Thornton Beach Holiday Park10. Barringtons Motor Lodge
One last affordable motel in Whakatane for good measure, Barringtons Motor Lodge offers modern and spacious accommodation in Whakatane that is popular with business and holiday travellers. Free WiFi and breakfast delivery are some of the luxuries you can enjoy at the motel, while the “Corporate”, “Twin” and “Deluxe King Studios” are pretty irresistible. There are options to upgrade to units with spa baths and extra bedrooms if you want to treat yourself. Rooms are well-appointed with a small but useful kitchenette with plunger coffee, teas and biscuits to enjoy. See more like this in the 10 Best Motels in Whakatane.
Check Barringtons Motor Lodge out:
- Barringtons Motor Lodge on Booking.com
- Barringtons Motor Lodge on Trip.com
- Barringtons Motor Lodge on Expedia
© Barringtons Motor LodgeMore Budget Accommodations in Whakatane and Ohope Beach
That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Whakatane and Ohope Beach. For more places to stay, as well as things to do, check out these recommendations:
- 18 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whakatane
- 10 Best Walks in Whakatane
- The Top Cheap Eats in Whakatane
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Whakatane 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:
- 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.
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