10 BEST Motels in Waitomo & Otorohanga 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Waitomo, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti

If there’s one thing that Waitomo isn’t lacking, apart from caves and glowworms, it’s motels! In and around the caving hotspot, you’ll find a wealth of motel units, whether they’re at a holiday park or a dedicated motel. Swimming pools are a common feature of Waitomo’s motels, while affordability and at least breakfast-making facilities are a standard. From spacious two-bedroom units to cosy studios, you’ll find rooms to suit most needs in the towns of Waitomo, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and even the far-flung Kawhia on the coast.

Choose the right Waitomo motel for your group with this list of the best motels in Waitomo. And don’t forget to check out our trip-planning advice in The Complete Guide to Waitomo.

1. Woodlyn Park Motel – The Best Motel in Waitomo

Want to know what your most memorable stay in New Zealand is? Woodlyn Park Motel allows guests to stay in either a boat, a train, a plane or a Hobbit Hole! The unique and creative motel is just a two-minute drive from Waitomo’s cave tours, so there’s no excuse not to see if they have an opening for the night. All of the renovated motel boats, trains, planes, etc. have motel-like facilities such as kitchenettes, ensuites and more – providing your usual motel facilities with a twist. We also feature this motel in our 10 Unique Accommodations on the North Island.

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2. Motel Te Kuiti – The Best Motel in Te Kuiti

While not the closest motel to Waitomo, Motel Te Kuiti is one of the most well-presented in the area. The motel offers a number of well-appointed self-contained rooms with the “Standard Units” being the most affordable with breakfast-making and microwave facilities with an ensuite ideal for couples and solo travellers. Alternatively, the “One-Bedroom Unit” gives you more space with a more complete kitchen and a sleeping arrangement for up to four guests. Find out more about the town in the 5 Fun Things to Do in Te Kuiti.

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3. Glow Worm Motel – Cheap Motel in Waitomo

Conveniently located between Waitomo and Otorohanga, the Glow Worm Motel offers just nine self-contained units for couples, families and groups. You’ll find great value in the double and queen studios, while family units sleep up to six guests. There’s even a three-bedroom cottage for larger parties. All your other essential amenities are here, including laundry machines and free WiFi, while the swimming pool, barbecue and children’s swings are an added bonus. See more like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Waitomo.

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4. Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park – Holiday Park with Motel Units in Otorohanga

A holiday park with very decent motel units, Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park is worth considering. The holiday park might be located outside of Waitomo, but it is just a short walk from the town centre of Otorohanga, which has more services, shops and dining options, so we don’t see it as a bad thing. Stay in one of the well-appointed self-contained units with everything you need to enjoy a peaceful stay. Learn more about Otorohanga in the 5 Fun Things to Do in Otorohanga.

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5. Otorohanga & Waitomo Motels – Cheap Motel in Otorohanga

The Otorohanga & Waitomo Motels features 12 comfortable units with a number of various layouts to suit couples, groups and families. Choose from affordable studios of various grades, one-bedroom units, more spacious two-bedroom units or the family unit for larger groups. All units have a full kitchen with an oven, hob, microwave and fridge, while the heatpumps and electric blanks are a welcome addition after a day in the caves. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo.

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6. Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park – Holiday Park with Motel Units in Waitomo

Just down the road from Waitomo Village, the Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park is another holiday park offering motel units. The one- and two-bedroom self-contained motel units provide a convenient stay with all of the essential amenities, while the cabins are a cheaper option but guests will need to make use of the communal bathrooms and kitchen. With a playground, trampoline and a large swimming pool, this holiday park is a popular one for families.

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7. Palm Court Motel – Otorohanga Motel with a Spa Pool

One of Otorohanga‘s more modern motels, the Palm Court Motel offers a home-away-from-home experience with its spacious units. If you were looking for that all-essential motel unit with a spa bath near Waitomo, this would be it, with spa baths and pools available in some of the one- and two-bedroom units. Otherwise, you’ll find studios with a microwave and breakfast-making facilities, which will keep you going until you reach the cafes and restaurants just 200m (219 yards) from the motel. For more accommodations that are ideal for couples, check out the 5 Most Romantic Accommodations in Waitomo.

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8. Caves Motor Inn – Family-Friendly Motel in Otorohanga

A selection of self-contained units between Waitomo and Otorohanga, Caves Motor Inn offers a tranquil retreat in the countryside for travellers on a budget. The studios sleep two to three guests, while the two-bedroom family rooms ensure everyone gets their own space. The kitchen facilities make it easier to stick to your budget, but if you wish to treat yourself, there is a restaurant on-site.

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9. Panorama Motor Inn – Cheap Motel in Te Kuiti

Back to Te Kuiti, Panorama Motor Inn provides basic motel rooms to suit most needs. Budget studio rooms, one-bedroom units and family rooms are all on the cards, while the three-bedroom holiday house is a good option for larger groups. Some studios have breakfast-making facilities and a microwave, while there’s the option to upgrade to a room with a kitchenette. On-site is a restaurant and a swimming pool in summer.

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10. Kawhia Motel – Motel in Kawhia

Get off the beaten track to the rugged west coast of the Waitomo district. Nearby New Zealand’s less-visited “hot water beach” known as the Kawhia (Te Puia) Hot Springs, the Kawhia Motel provides a great overnight stay while exploring the Waitomo area. You’ll find studios and family rooms at this waterfront motel, each with an ensuite and kitchen facilities. The motel also hires kayaks to explore the coast on the motel’s doorstep. Check out some of the attractions to see on your way between Waitomo and Kawhia in the 15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo.

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Kawhia Motel on Trip.com

More Motels in Waitomo

That’s it for our guide to the best motels in Waitomo. 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 Waitomo.

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

10 BEST Motels in Waitomo & Otorohanga 🏘️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Motel Accommodation in Waitomo, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti