Where to Find Child-Friendly Accommodation in Kaikoura
Treat you and your family to the wildlife mecca of the South Island, Kaikoura! The coastal town is sure to educate the little ones of the magnificent creatures we share the world with, including whales, albatross, dolphins, seals and more. With so much to do in this cool little town, you’re definitely going to want to stick around for a while. With that in mind, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite family accommodations in Kaikoura, from holiday parks to luxury apartments.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 7 Things to Do in Kaikoura with Kids and The Guide to Kaikoura for Families.
1. Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
Holiday parks are always popular with the kids, thanks to facilities such as children’s playgrounds, outdoor heated swimming pools and, usually, other kids! The Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park has all of this and more, as well as a range of accommodation styles. Keep things cheap and cheerful in the “Standard Cabins” and make use of the communal kitchen and bathroom. Alternatively, “One-Bedroom Deluxe Park Motels” provide the privacy and comforts of home with a full kitchen, Sky TV, DVD player and underfloor heating.
Check Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park out:
- Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park on Expedia
2. 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, as well as self-contained units with kitchens and ensuites at your fingertips. Additionally, families at the holiday park 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. For more accommodations with plenty of budget options, check out the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura.
Check Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
3. Kaikoura Quality Suites
For the discerning family who wants to stay in Kaikoura in style, check out Kaikoura Quality Suites. The “One-Bedroom Suite” is a great choice for families, sleeping up to five guests across a private king room and an open-plan lounge/kitchen with a super king bed. in-room facilities include underfloor heating, a dining area, free WiFi and a kitchenette, while elsewhere on the complex, enjoy time in the barbecue area among landscaped gardens or play a game of pool in the guest lounge. For more hotel-like stays, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Kaikoura.
Check Kaikoura Quality Suites out:
- Kaikoura Quality Suites on Booking.com
- Kaikoura Quality Suites on Trip.com
- Kaikoura Quality Suites on Expedia
4. 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. Kids will also love the complete children’s playground, while parents 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:
5. The Fairways at Ocean Ridge
For families seeking home comforts combined with luxury, take a look at The Fairways at Ocean Ridge. These beautifully-designed apartments reflect the natural environment and take in the views with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each apartment has a king bedroom and a twin bedroom, both with ensuites and one with a spa bath. The designer kitchen is equipped to cook in style or even opt for home-cooked breakfasts delivered to your door. Find this accommodation a short drive from the town centre and beside the golf course. See more like this in the 14 Best Luxury Accommodations in Kaikoura.
Check The Fairways at Ocean Ridge out:
- The Fairways at Ocean Ridge on Booking.com
- The Fairways at Ocean Ridge on Trip.com
- The Fairways at Ocean Ridge on Expedia
6. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura
By the time you reach Kaikoura, you might have seen the Bella Vista motel brand more than a few times. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura follows the same standard as the rest of the chain: clean and crisp motel rooms with something for everyone. The “One-Bedroom Studio” is an easy choice for families, sleeping up to four guests with the convenience of a full kitchen, a separate bedroom and an ensuite with a spa bath. Families of six can also use the interconnecting door to the next unit. See how this motel compares to many others in the 20 BEST Motels in Kaikoura.
Check Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura out:
- Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura on Booking.com
- Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura on Trip.com
- Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura on Expedia
7. Waves Luxury Apartments
Enjoy your own modern apartment just a five-minute walk from the town centre. There’s plenty of space for the two families in the two-bedroom apartments at Waves Luxury Apartments, featuring two bathrooms, laundry facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen and a living room. Enjoy meals from your own sunny balcony in summer and keep the kids entertained with Sky TV and a DVD player.
Check Waves Luxury Apartments out:
- Waves Luxury Apartments on Booking.com
- Waves Luxury Apartments on Trip.com
- Waves Luxury Apartments on Expedia
8. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge
Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge makes a family stay in Kaikoura all too easy! The motor lodge has 20 self-contained accommodations available, including one and two-bedroom units. Rooms are affordable and have all the essentials, from a full kitchen to an ensuite. Family time can also be spent in the outdoor solar-heated swimming pool, barbecue area and the children’s playground adjacent to the motor lodge.
Check Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge out:
- Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge on Booking.com
- Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge on Trip.com
- Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge on Expedia
9. Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura
A quiet motel with magnificent views of the Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura could be described as a hidden gem. The ocean is just a two-minute walk away at the motel located between the Kaikoura Peninsula seal colony and the town centre. The “Family Unit” offers two bedrooms and a sofa bed in the lounge for that extra person. You’ll have the ultimate convenience of a full kitchen, while the kids have plenty of space to play in the large lounge with a TV, dining table and chairs. WiFi is also included in the stay.
Check Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura out:
- Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura on Booking.com
- Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura on Trip.com
- Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura on Expedia
10. Lobster Inn Motor Lodge
Modern motel rooms, a convenient location adjacent to the supermarket and reasonable rates, what’s not to love about the Lobster Inn Motor Lodge? The stylish “One and Two-Bedroom Family Rooms” are equipped with a kitchen, ensuite shower rooms, breakfast bar and plenty of space for the family to enjoy their downtime. Extra facilities include a TV, DVDs for children and free WiFi.
Check Lobster Inn Motor Lodge out:
- Lobster Inn Motor Lodge on Booking.com
- Lobster Inn Motor Lodge on Trip.com
- Lobster Inn Motor Lodge on Expedia
[CLOSED] Kaikoura Cottage Motels
Get the full home-away-from-home experience by staying in one of the eight fully self-contained, two-roomed cottages of the Kaikoura Cottage Motels. Each cottage is set in its own private landscaped garden and captures views of the mountains. Keep the kids entertained at the children’s playground or with the complimentary DVD library and WiFi. The cottages have an unusual layout of the queen bed set back from the lounge with partition walls to separate the two, while the kids will have their own beds in a separate bedroom – ideal if you want to stay up later and watch the TV!
[CLOSED] Seaview Motel
Treat you and your family to beachfront accommodation at an affordable price at the Seaview Motel. The boutique motel has nine units sleeping a family of three in the studios and up to five people in the multi-bedroom units. The larger units feature a full kitchen, while the smaller units have facilities more suitable for making breakfast. Either way, rooms are well-appointed and have free WiFi, Sky TV and access to a barbecue area.
More About Family Accommodations in Kaikoura
That’s it for our list of the best family accommodations in Kaikoura, but it’s by no means the end of our travel tips! Get more stellar travel advice from the following guides:
- 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Kaikoura
- 5 Top Wildlife Activities in Kaikoura
- 20 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Kaikoura for Families.
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.