20 BEST Motels in Kaikoura 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodations in Kaikoura

You’ll hardly struggle to find affordable and practical motel accommodation in Kaikoura. The tourist hotspot has a motel for everyone, whether you’re looking for an affordable stay for the family or are a discerning traveller seeking modern comforts. We’ll go through some of our top picks in this list of motels in Kaikoura! Alternatively, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Kaikoura for different accommodations.

While you’re here, why not inspire your visit to Kaikoura with 20 Incredible Things to Do in Kaikoura and 5 Top Wildlife Activities in Kaikoura?

1. Panorama Motel – The Best Motel in Kaikoura

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 ocean views. Rooms are lined with timber and are traditionally decorated, featuring amenities like a kitchenette, Sky TV, WiFi and use of cots/highchairs and laundry if needed. Panorama Motel is a five-minute walk from the wharf and a selection of restaurants.

Check Panorama Motel out:

2. Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura – Pet-Friendly Motel in Kaikoura

Although the decor is looking a little drab, you can’t deny its warm, 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:

3. Kaikoura Quality Suites – Luxury Motel in Kaikoura

For the discerning traveller who wants to stay in Kaikoura in style, check out Kaikoura Quality Suites. The “One-Bedroom Suite” is a great choice for families and groups, sleeping up to five guests across a private king room and an open-plan lounge/kitchen with a super king bed. Corporate travellers or couples will experience space, comfort and style in the “Executive Studio” opening up onto a courtyard or deck. In-room facilities include underfloor heating, free WiFi and a kitchenette, while the guest lounge with a pool table and landscaped gardens with a barbecue area are more pleasant places to hang out. For more upscale options, be sure to also check out our 14 Best Luxury Accommodations in Kaikoura.

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4. Kaikōura Peaks eMotel – Boutique Motel in Kaikoura

Style is the aim of the game at this design-driven motel on the outskirts of Kaikoura and nearby the local supermarket. Kaikōura Peaks eMotel boasts four sumptuously furnished queen studios and one family studio, so this place gets booked up quickly (and rightfully so). Each unit is equipped with cooking facilities, a washing machine and dryer, a TV with streaming services, free WiFi, on-site parking and more. For more stays ideal for couples, check out the 12 Most Romantic Accommodations in Kaikoura.

Check Kaikōura Peaks eMotel out:

Kaikōura Peaks eMotel on Booking.com

5. Sails Motel – Kaikoura Motel on the Esplanade

Located on the Esplanade with sea views and an endearing garden setting, it’s no wonder Sails Motel is such a popular option. The boutique motel with a subtle nautical theme has single/couples units and family units to choose from, each with an ensuite bathroom, breakfast- and drink-making facilities, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas to enjoy your breakfast or afternoon drink.

Check Sails Motel out:

Sails Motel on Booking.com

6. Bay Cottages Motel – Cosy Motel with Chalets and Cottages in Kaikoura

It can’t get any cosier than Bay Cottages Motel in Kaikoura. We’re not talking about the size, as the cottages and chalets are spacious enough, but we’re talking about the electric fireplaces, plush rugs, TVs with streaming services and bathrobes included in each unit. If it’s too sunny to stay inside, then the motel has you covered there too with shaded patio areas and a quaint garden and barbecue area. Find this motel at South Bay on the Kaikoura Peninsula.

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7. Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura – Kaikoura Motel on the Kaikoura Peninsula

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, while there are also various studio layouts from the budget “Queen Room” to the self-contained “Queen Studio Superior”. WiFi is also included in the stay.

Check Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura out:

8. Lobster Inn Motor Lodge – Kaikoura Motel on Beach Road

Modern motel units, 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 essentials like a fridge, microwave, 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 families.

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9. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura – Kaikoura Motel with Spa Baths

By the time you reach Kaikoura, you might have seen the Bella Vista brand more than a few times. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura follows the same standard as the rest of the motels in 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. Couples and friends will find ample space and all the essentials in the “Superior or Twin/Triple Studios”.

Check Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura out:

10. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge – Motel Near Kaikoura Town Centre

Find something practical and affordable at the Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge has 20 self-contained motel rooms, from studios to two-bedroom units. Rooms might be cheap and cheerful but they have all the essentials, from a basic kitchen for cooking simple meals to an ensuite. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor solar-heated swimming pool, a barbecue area, as well as a children’s playground adjacent to the motor lodge.

Check Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge out:

11. The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel – Waterfront Motel in Kaikoura

15 spacious and well-presented waterfront studios and family units await at The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel. Located on the famed “Esplanade”, the location is certainly one of the many drawcards to this upscale motel. You’ll find a range of room layouts for couples and solo travellers up to families and groups, all boasting TVs with 50+ Sky channels, double-glazed windows, free WiFi and local artwork, while some units also come with an indulgent spa bath in the ensuite bathroom.

Check The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel out:

12. Alpine View Motel – Self-Catering Motel with Beach Access in Kaikoura

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.

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13. Sierra Beachfront Motel – Budget Motel in Kaikoura

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.

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14. Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park – Holiday Park with Motel Units and Hot Pools

Enjoy motel accommodation along with holiday park facilities at the Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park. 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 like a full kitchen, Sky TV, DVD player and underfloor heating. There are studio motel units with cooking facilities and an ensuite also available. Oh, and did we mention the heated outdoor pool and hot pools to relax in?

Check Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park out:

15. Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park – Family-Friendly Holiday Park with Motel Units

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 to please any seasoned motel-goer. Additionally, guests 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. 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:

16. Willowbank Motel – Cheap Motel in Kaikoura

Located near popular activity providers like Dolphin Encounter, Willowbank Motel is a short drive from town yet closer to the action. The 11 rooms at the motel have kitchenettes, a dining area and individual climate control units. While the room decor is nothing flashy, you can hardly complain when it comes to the price. Room layouts include studios and multi-bedroom apartments for different budgets. See more recommendations like this in our 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Kaikoura.

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17. Kaikoura Motor Inn – Popular Motel on the Outskirts of Kaikoura

Stay in one of 18 simple and sunny apartment-style units of the Kaikoura Motor Inn. The motel is 800m (2,625ft) away from the shopping mall and supermarket yet a short drive from the town centre. The self-contained units have a kitchen, ensuite, Sky TV, Home Roof Ventilation, free WiFi and more. There’s plenty of space to relax around the motel, whether it’s in the barbecue area or patio outside your unit. Studios, two-bedroom apartments and family apartments are available.

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18. Kaikoura Beach Motel – Cheap Kaikoura Motel with Sea Views

Another motel on the Esplanade, Kaikoura Beach Motel boasts an awesome location to go with its cheap rooms. The motel offers the basics in its studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with breakfast-making facilities and a microwave – note that the studios don’t have much in the way of self-catering. On the other hand, their four-bedroom holiday house (pictured) is a whole other level with modern furnishings, a kitchen with a dishwasher and fireplace and more.

Check Kaikoura Beach Motel out:

19. Blue Seas Motel – Affordable Motel with the Bare Necessities

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

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20. A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park – Motel Close to Kaikoura Town Centre

Just a two-minute walk from the town centre and offering a vast 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 self-contained motel units with a kitchen, bedding and a TV. Motel layouts include studios up to three-bedroom units. There is also a communal kitchen, bathrooms and a children’s playground.

Check A1 Kaikoura Motel & Holiday Park out:

[CLOSED] Seaview Motel

Treat yourself to beachfront accommodation at an affordable price at the Seaview Motel! The boutique motel has nine units, including studios sleeping up to three guests and multi-bedroom units sleeping up to five. All units are self-catering, such as the larger units that are ideal for families with full kitchen facilities, while the smaller units for couples are more suitable for making breakfast. Rooms are well-appointed and have free WiFi and Sky TV. Guests also have access to a barbecue area.

More About Motels in Kaikoura

That’s it for our list of the best motels 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 Complete Travel Guide to Kaikoura.

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