18 Best Motels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui

Tauranga, and its beachside holiday hotspot of Mt Maunganui, is a city of motels. It can be pretty overwhelming picking a base for a stay in the hub of the Bay of Plenty. That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favourite motels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, just to make the research a little easier. We’ve made sure to add a range of motels to suit every style and budget. Find motels with outstanding harbour views, natural mineral hot pools, city centre motels and motels away from the hustle and bustle.

For alternative accommodation, see our 10 Best Hotels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui and The Complete Guide to Tauranga.

1. 850 Cameron Motel – The Best Tauranga Motel on Cameron Road

Stay in a contemporary motel, just five minutes drive from the CBD and near the hospital. 850 Cameron Motel offers a variety of rooms, from budget “Standard Rooms” to luxurious “Executive Studios” with spa baths. While you may have your own kitchen facilities, there’s always the option to pick up breakfast and lunch from the on-site cafe. The motel is close to other eateries too. As one of the more stylish motel offerings, we feature this motel in the 12 Best Luxury Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

Check 850 Cameron Motel out:

2. Bennetts Thermal Pools Motor Inn – The Best Tauranga Motel with a Spa

A unique offering in Tauranga, Bennetts Thermal Pool Motor Inn features a private mineral hot pool in each of their motel units. That’s right, each unit has sliding doors out to a private courtyard containing a relaxing hot pool. The rooms are particularly catered to families but couples or small groups of friends can just enjoy the extra space. Each unit also has a full kitchen, a living area with Sky TV, a separate bathroom and free WiFi. What’s more, Bennetts is a short drive from Tauranga CBD. See more recommendations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

Check Bennetts Thermal Pools Motor Inn out:

3. The Mission Belle Motel – The Best Motel in Mt Maunganui

A motel with character and one of the most popular in Mt Maunganui, The Mission Belle Motel is well worth considering. Set in a Spanish mission-style building, this motel has been lovingly renovated with a range of suites and apartments. Each room has its own charms, whether it’s a private balcony or patio, a loft room, prime views of The Mount (Mauao) or something else. While all rooms have a microwave and drink-making facilities, most also feature a kitchenette with a stovetop.

Check The Mission Belle Motel out:

10 Best Motels in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui 🏘️ [2023]

4. Blue Haven Motel – The Best Cheap Motel in Mt Maunganui

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.

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5. Cobblestone Court Motel – The Best Motel in Tauranga

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

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6. Bethlehem Motor Inn & Conference Centre – The Best Motel in Bethlehem, Tauranga

Situated a little out of town in the suburb of Bethlehem, yet closer to attractions like McLaren Falls Park, Bethlehem Motor Inn is a super popular motel in Tauranga. The four-star motel is tastefully decorated, from its studios to its two-bedroom suites. Each contains a kitchenette, Sky TV, free WiFi and an ensuite. There are a few extra facilities on the motel 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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7. Durham Court Motor Inn – The Best Motel in Tauranga CBD

It’s hard to beat the central location of Durham Court Motor Inn, a short stroll from the CBD and its array of shops and eateries. This mid-range motel with a minimalist interior offers studios, twin studios, one-bedroom apartments, family bedrooms and a family villa. Most rooms have basic microwave and coffee/tea-making facilities, except for the family villa which has a full kitchen. Other facilities include WiFi access, Sky TV and ensuites.

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8. The Tauranga on the Waterfront – The Best Waterfront Motel in Tauranga

This is one of the motels in Tauranga with the standards of a 4.5-star hotel. Offering a range of luxuriously-appointed suites and studios, The Tauranga on the Waterfront has something for everyone. Most rooms are spacious complemented by simplistically sophisticated decor. Enjoy expansive harbour views from your private balcony or patio, step into Italian-style tiled bathrooms with marble or granite vanities, and enjoy convenient amenities such as a kitchenette, TV with satellite channels and free newspaper delivery. We also feature this motel in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

Check The Tauranga on the Waterfront out:

9. Harbour City Motor Inn & Conference Centre – The Best Motel in Tauranga City Centre

Last but certainly not least, enjoy the ultimate convenience of a city centre location at the Harbour City Motor Inn. The room menu includes studio units, twin share units, accessible units and family/one-bedroom units. Some units are interconnecting should you have a larger tribe. Either way, you’ll benefit from facilities, such as free WiFi, Sky TV, free on-site parking, electric blankets, a spa bath ensuite, full kitchen facilities and air-conditioning/heat pumps. What’s more, the motel offers its own bike hire and cycle tours.

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10. Ambassador Motor Inn – The Best Budget Motel in Tauranga

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.

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11. Baywatch Motor Inn – Motel in Mt Maunganui with a Spa

A motel with enticing features like rooms with spa baths and a short stroll from Mt Maunganui town centre, Baywatch Motor Inn is certainly one of the best motels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. With an outdoor plunge pool and barbecue facilities, it’s a great accommodation for summer, while conveniences like free parking and WiFi make your stay a little easier. Choose from a range of studios sleeping one to four guests.

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12. 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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13. 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:

14. Academy Motor Inn

The self-contained studios to two-bedroom units of the Academy Motor Inn are the ideal choice for a wide range of travellers. These units on Cameron Road have multiple TVs, fully-equipped kitchens, a large bathroom (some with a spa bath) and spacious lounges. There is a back door and front door to your unit either leading to the on-site car park or a relaxing grassy area. You’ll also have the convenience of free WiFi, a barbecue area, laundry facility, room service breakfasts, a swimming pool and a spa pool.

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15. 18th Avenue Thermal Motel

Seeking a bit of pampering? How about staying at this budget motel 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. As for the accommodation, 18th Avenue Thermal Motel offers affordable studios where extra beds can be supplied and rooms with a kitchenette and ensuite. Alternatively, one and two-bedroom units are available providing more space. Rooms are plainly decorated but fresh and comfortable enough. The motel is located near the hospital, just a short drive from the city centre.

Check 18th Avenue Thermal Motel out:

16. Roselands Motel

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

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17. Rainbow Motel – Cheap Motel in Tauranga, Cameron Road

Located opposite the Gate Pa shopping precinct, Rainbow Motel offers simple, affordable yet well-appointed motel units. There are self-contained units with a fully-equipped kitchen and an ensuite, as well as private rooms where guests can make use of the communal kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. What’s more, the choice of rooms here is not ridiculously overwhelming but has something to suit every type of traveller, from solo travellers to families. See more recommendations like this in 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.

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18. Summit Motor Lodge – Pet-Friendly Motel in Tauranga

Set on spacious grounds just a five-minute drive from Tauranga CBD, Summit Motor Lodge is a motel in Tauranga well worth considering. The motel rooms are spacious and well-appointed, even if the kitchens are a little outdated but you’ll still be able to spruce up your own meals. Alternatively, make use of the barbecue area and do a few laps in the pool. Some units are available with a spa bath ensuite or easy-access facilities.

Check Summit Motor Lodge out:

Summit Motor Lodge on Trip.com

More Motels in Tauranga and Mt Maunganui

That’s it for our guide to the best motels 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 Complete Travel Guide to Tauranga.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. He has now spent over a decade in the New Zealand tourism industry, clocking in more than 600 activities across the country. He is passionate about sharing those experiences and advice on NZ Pocket Guide and its YouTube channel. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Robin via our contact page