15 Best Motels in Paihia 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Top Motels in Paihia

Affordable, convenient and, quite frankly, your best type of accommodation in Paihia with oodles of choice, motels are a great way to go in the Bay of Islands. The holiday resort town of Paihia features a superb range of motels, from luxury resort-style motels that you can easily mistake for a four-star hotel to budget-friendly motels that tend to exceed expectations. We go through all of our top picks in this list of the best motels in Paihia!

For alternative accommodations, be sure to also check out the 10 Best Hotels in Paihia and 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Paihia.

1. Sunseeker Cottages – The Best Motel in Paihia

Perched on the hills of Haruru, just outside of Paihia, Sunseeker Cottages boasts some of the most tremendous views in the area. If you’re looking for a true holiday experience, this motel won’t disappoint. All of the two-bedroom cottages here are freestanding with their own elevated balcony to soak in the scenery. The cottages are ideal for families of four, as well as couples looking to treat themselves.

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2. Admiral’s View Lodge – The Best Paihia Motel with a Private Spa

Ticking all of the boxes, Admiral’s View Lodge is far enough from town for peace and quiet but close enough for convenience. Those craving their own spa pool will find spa room options here, while other recreational activities come in the form of free bike hire and tennis facilities. There is a range of well-appointed rooms to choose from; some with a sea view while others are nestled in gardens as a budget option.

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3. Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel – The Best Four-Star Motel in Paihia

For self-catering accommodation conveniently close to the waterfront and the town centre, choose Swiss Chalet Lodge Motel. The four-star motel offers economical options for couples, as well as apartments for small to large families. Each unit is self-contained with a separate dining area and a private balcony to relax in. Time at the motel can be spent around the barbecue area or at the indoor private spa pool, while other facilities at Swiss Chalet include undercover parking, free WiFi and an optional cooked or continental breakfast.

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4. Marlin Court Motel – The Best Paihia Motel for Families

Affordable accommodation particularly good for families and groups awaits at the Marlin Court Motel. The motel offers self-contained studios for three guests, one-bedroom apartments for four guests and two-bedroom apartments for five. Rooms are basic but comfortable. However, the Marlin Court Motel mostly shines through its facilities, which include a seasonal and attractive outdoor pool, barbecue area, on-site parking and rooms with a private patio or balcony. See more motels like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Paihia.

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5. Averill Court Motel – The Best Paihia Motel with a Spa Pool

Transition into holiday mode when you arrive at Averill Court Motel, a resort-style motel set around a swimming pool, spa pool and undercover barbecue area. The four-star motel in central Paihia offers an expansive range of studios and apartments for one to six people. Most studios and apartments have self-catering facilities with a separate bathroom, bedroom and open-plan lounge area. You’ll find the best rates here during the low and shoulder season, but expect rooms to get quite pricey during summer.

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6. Aloha Seaview Resort Motel – The Best Paihia Motel with a Pool

More self-contained accommodation with resort-style facilities can be found at the Aloha Seaview Resort Motel. While a little out of town, the resort offers a tranquil retreat complete with an outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and unbeatable ocean views. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with your choice of being by the poolside, in the gardens or where the best sea views are. Apartments include an ensuite bathroom, as well as a full kitchen.

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7. Dolphin Motel – The Best Cheap Motel in Paihia

Based in the heart of Paihia, Dolphin Motel is an apartment-style motel offering one and two-bedroom apartments. The “One-Bedroom Apartment” sleeps up to three people, while the “Two-Bedroom Apartment” is the best option for families of four. Each apartment is well-appointed with perhaps slightly old-fashioned amenities but upgraded decor that you would expect in a hotel. Nevertheless, the motel provides excellent value for budgeting travellers and also has free parking on-site and free WiFi. See more motels like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Paihia.

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8. Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground – The Best Rated Motel in Paihia

Highly rated on platforms like Booking.com, the Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground is well worth considering. The motel boasts a unique location on the banks of the Waitangi River just downstream from the impressive Haruru Falls. From well-appointed two-bedroom family units on the ground floor to units with a view on the top floor, there’s plenty for all travellers at this motel. We also like their swimming pool and kayaks available to hire so you can get a closer look at the nearby waterfall!

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9. Austria Motel – The Best Budget Motel in Paihia

Offering super affordable motel rooms on a quiet street, Austria Motel is well worth considering. All rooms feature queen beds, as well as single beds, a separate kitchen and an ensuite bathroom. You’ll also be able to enjoy your own north-facing balcony (which is what you want in the Southern Hemisphere, FYI) and undercover parking. While the furniture doesn’t win any style points, the decor is clean. A point of difference is that the motel offers a courtesy car from the bus stop, as well as is mindful of the environment by using biodegradable cleaners and energy-efficient lighting.

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10. Breakwater Motel – The Best Waterfront Motel in Paihia

A motel that offers hotel-style rooms, Breakwater Motel is worth considering for a little bit of luxury. Choose your location of the motel: on the waterfront, a lower sea view, an upper sea view or in the gardens. Whatever you choose, your suite will be kitted out with some of the most spacious kitchens found in Paihia’s motels, free WiFi, Sky TV, a heated towel rail and air-conditioning/heat pump. The “Waterfront” and “Seaview Suites” have the additional features of underfloor heating in the bathroom and kitchen, as well as an additional TV in the bedroom. Breakwater Motel also enjoys a waterfront town centre location. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Paihia.

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11. Casa Bella Motel – The Best Motel in Paihia for Groups

Yep, when you’re lounging by the pool backed by the white concrete exterior and tiled roof of the Casa Bella Motel, you would be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Italy. You are, in fact, just a short stroll from Paihia town, yet far enough away to feel tranquillity. The motel features 21 self-contained units with some super affordable queen, king, twin and family units with a kitchen, bathroom and sometimes even a balcony. Facilities at the Casa Bella include a swimming pool, spa pool and access to tennis courts.

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12. Anchorage Motel – The Best Paihia Town Centre Motel

Your holiday in Paihia is made all too easy at the Anchorage Motel with its waterfront and town centre position, along with its array of useful amenities. We’re talking about a large saltwater pool, spa pool, barbecue facilities, car wash, parking, complimentary beach towels, fish filleting facilities, recycling, boat parking and more! In your room, whether it’s a “Studio Suite” or a “Two-Bedroom Sea View Suite”, you’ll have the option to have breakfast delivered straight to your door, as well as in-room facilities like Sky TV, free WiFi and filtered water. In true motel style, you’ll have your own kitchen facilities. For more “lavish” options nearby, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Paihia.

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13. Aarangi Tui Motel – The Best Motel in Paihia for Self-Catering

Aarangi Tui Motel might just be the smartest choice for travellers wanting to prepare their own meals during their stay in Paihia. Not only do all of the motel units have a fully-equipped kitchen, but the motel itself is the closest one to Paihia’s main supermarket. This also means that the motel is a little out of town, but it’s nothing that a pleasant walk along the beach can’t handle. Units at the motel have separate bedrooms, sunny lounges, ensuites, free WiFi and Sky TV. The motel units with exposed brick walls have been modernly furnished, offering a comfortable stay, whether you’re a couple staying in one of the compact “Studios” or a family in the “Two Bedroom Family Suite”. Larger groups even have plenty of space in the “Large Apartment”, sleeping up to six guests. See more stays with kitchen amenities in our 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Paihia.

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14. Edelweiss Motel – The Best Paihia Motel with a Year-Round Pool

Boasting as the only motel in Paihia with a year-round heated swimming pool, Edelweiss Motel is here to serve all your swimming needs! There’s also an on-site spa pool and undercover barbecue area to enjoy more time outside, while inside, you have well-maintained studio units and one-bedroom and two-bedroom options for a reasonable price. There’s even a two-storey apartment if you need more space; an alternative to the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

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15. Bounty Motel – The Most Popular Motel in Paihia

Last but certainly not least, Bounty Motel is certainly a popular choice of motel in Paihia mostly thanks to its irresistible prices. It also helps that the motel is so centrally located, just a block behind the Paihia waterfront. Each room is kitted out with a kitchenette or kitchen, while laundry facilities, on-site parking and a TV make up more of the useful amenities. There are some excellent budget rooms for families and groups so check this one out if you’re bringing the tribe.

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More About the Best Motels in Paihia

That’s it for our list of the best motels in Paihia. For more motel options or things to do, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything about planning a trip to Paihia that we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to the Bay of Islands.

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