14 BEST Motels in the Coromandel 🏘️ [2024]

Where to Find the Best Motels in Whitianga, Hahei, Whangamata, Tairua and the Coromandel Peninsula

Don’t expect your average drab motel with a kettle and a bed. The motels in the Coromandel offer a true holiday experience! Swimming pools, full kitchens, ensuites and private decks are a staple of the Coromandel’s motels, offering a home-away-from-home in some of the most picturesque seaside towns in New Zealand. From Thames to Whangamata, we go through some of our top picks for the best motels in the Coromandel!

For more travel advice, be sure to check out The Complete Guide to the Coromandel and 22 Best Things to Do in the Coromandel.

1. Breakers Motel – The Best Motel in Whangamata

Get the resort experience at the Breakers Motel in Whangamata. Overlooking a winding pool complex complete with a waterfall and a large barbecue area, the units of the Breakers Motel provide a social place for group gatherings and families. Units consist of modernly-furnished one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio units with tiled flooring, kitchen facilities and some including private spa pools and spa baths.

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2. Anchor Lodge Motel – Cheap Motel in Coromandel Town

Stay just a short stroll from the centre of Coromandel Town at the Anchor Lodge, which offers 25 various and affordable studios and apartments. Best suited to couples, groups and families, the rooms at Anchor Lodge provide self-contained living with at least a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. On-site facilities include a heated outdoor pool, communal spa pool, a barbecue hut, DVD library, free mountain bike hire and more. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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3. Harbour View Motel – The Best Motel in Coromandel Town

Boasting panoramic views of the Firth of Thames harbour, the Harbour View Motel is rightfully named! Based in Coromandel Town, the motel offers a full holiday experience with free kayaks, free bikes, barbecues, a spa pool, WiFi, a fish-cleaning station and more for guests. There are just six units at this boutique motel, each with a furnished deck so you can spend more time soaking in those views. For more boutique options, take a look at the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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4. Coastal Motor Lodge – The Best Motel in Thames

Stay in the Coromandel’s largest town, Thames, in one of the attractive A-frame units of the Coastal Motor Lodge. The sea view studios, which the motel mostly consists of, are the best option for couples, while families will need to book quickly to bag one of the family units or bach-style cottages. All units are tastefully decorated and feature a private deck and parking.

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5. Waihi Beach Paradise Resort – Luxury Motel in Waihi

For a premium motel experience for groups and families, head to Waihi Beach where you’ll find the Waihi Beach Paradise Resort. There are two spacious modern units with a 10m (30ft) lap pool and two spa pools and are just seconds away from the beach. Alternatively, stay in the contemporary boutique cottage. Guests are free to use one of the courtesy bikes to ride into town or enjoy cooking for their loved ones in the spacious kitchens or on the Weber barbecue. See more like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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6. Tairua Shores Motel – The Best Motel in Tairua

For an alternative location in the Coromandel, stay in the seaside town of Tairua at the fabulous Tairua Shores Motel. An affordable self-contained option for most types of travellers, the motel units provide all the homely amenities, from a full kitchen with an espresso coffee machine to air-conditioning to take the edge off those hot summer months. Choose from various grades of one-bedroom chalets and studios. See more accommodations like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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7. Peninsula Motel – Cheap Motel in Whitianga

For travellers on a budget, check out the Peninsula Motel in Whitianga. Offering a range of studio, one- and two-bedroom units of multiple tiers to upgrade, the Peninsula Motel has a good selection of accommodations for groups of one to six. You’ll have your own cooking facilities and a guest barbecue, as well as large lawns to relax in or let the kids loose if you’re travelling with youngsters.

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8. Beachside Resort Motel Whitianga – Family Motel in Whitianga

Stay in an apartment-style motel in Whitianga at the Beachside Resort Motel Whitianga. Motel apartments have a sociable open-living layout with balconies and patios to enjoy more of the great outdoors. Also on-site is an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts and a children’s playground, making this a popular choice for families. Check out more resort-style stays in the 15 BEST Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel.

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9. Admiralty Lodge Motel – Motel in Whitianga with a Spa

Another top motel choice in Whitianga, Admiralty Lodge Motel offers affordable luxury right across the road from the beach. The motel apartments feature air-conditioning, double-glazed windows (yes, that’s a rarity in New Zealand worth mentioning), full kitchen facilities, ocean views and spacious fully-tiled ensuite bathrooms with spa baths being an option. When you’re not swimming at the beach, make use of the motel’s year-round heated swimming pool.

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10. Coromandel Cottages – Motel in Coromandel Town

Last but certainly not least, the Coromandel Cottages offer self-catering accommodation in Coromandel Town. Ideal for couples to families with their one- and two-bedroom cottages and deluxe cottages, the motel features fully-equipped kitchens and a large lounge and dining space. On the motel grounds, is an outdoor pool, landscaped gardens and a playground. For more self-catering options, take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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11. Beachfront Resort

Stay on the beachfront of Whitianga, the heart of the Coromandel action at the Beachfront Resort. All beachfront units benefit from 180-degree views of the stunning Whitianga beachfront, while more affordable units provide close enough access to the beach. Either way, the spacious units sleep up to four guests with a queen and twin bed set-up, making this an ideal option for families. Kayaks, bodyboards and beach games are available for guests free of charge. See more like this in the 15 BEST Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel.

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10 BEST Motels in the Coromandel 🏘️ [2023]

12. Palm Pacific Resort & Motel

Motel rooms with resort-like facilities, Palm Pacific Resort & Motel puts you straight into holiday mode at its accommodation in Whangamata. Choose from an array of group-friendly apartments sleeping two to six people and make use of the irresistible recreational activities, such as two swimming pools, a tennis court, a fish-cleaning station, a barbecue area and much more. For more motels with decent kitchen facilities, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Coromandel.

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13. Brookby Motel

A charming wee motel in Thames, Brookby Motel offers a selection of one-bedroom motel units. Nestled among the citrus trees, this motel in the Coromandel boasts delightful outdoor spaces, including your unit’s private balcony. Tucked away on a residential lane, this Coromandel motel soaks in the tranquillity. And while the fixings are a little old-school, the place with well-furnished and impeccably maintained.

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14. Olive Motel

Modern and ideally positioned in the town centre of Coromandel Town, Olive Motel is a motel in the Coromandel well worth considering. Most of the studios here are recently renovated with walk-in rain-head showers and other fixtures to please the discerning traveller. With mostly queen, twin and triple set-ups, this motel is best suited to small groups, couples and solo travellers.

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More Motels in the Coromandel

That’s it for our guide to the best motels in the Coromandel, including in Whitianga, Thames, Hahei, Coromandel Town and Whangamata. 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 the Coromandel.

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.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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