8 Best Budget Accommodations in Akaroa 🛌🏼 [2024]

Where to Find Cheap Accommodation in Akaroa

Want to visit New Zealand’s “French town”? Want to swim with dolphins or explore the vibrant volcanic-formed scenery of the Banks Peninsula? Want to do it all on a budget? The limited choice of budget accommodations in Akaroa will allow you to do just that but, as you’ll see from this small list, you’ll need to book quick! Check out some of your options for cheap accommodations in Akaroa in the list below. Don’t forget, you’ll also find some more affordable holiday homes in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Akaroa too.

For more budget advice for visiting the Banks Peninsula, see The Guide to Akaroa on a Budget and the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Akaroa.

1. Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park

Perched on the hillside above Akaroa town, Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park is a good go-to for budget accommodation, no matter what type of traveller you are. Want your own space? Stay in the self-contained units with their own kitchen facilities and sleeping arrangements of up to two or four. On a tight budget? Stay in one of the basic-yet-well-presented cabins or a camping site with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities available. The holiday park is a popular option for families, in particular, thanks to facilities like the children’s playground and swimming pool. See more family-friendly stays like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Akaroa.

Check Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

2. Halfmoon Cottage

Offering B&B-style accommodation (without the breakfast) in Barrys Bay, Halfmoon Cottage offers a tranquil out-of-town retreat. The adults-only boutique accommodation features private double, twin and quadruple rooms with bunk beds, all with private separate bathrooms and at a reasonable price. Self-cater in the well-equipped communal kitchen and barbecue area and make use of the kayaks and bikes to explore the surrounding bays and mountains. Note that this accommodation is usually closed between June and September. For more accommodations that are suitable for couples, check out the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Akaroa.

Check Halfmoon Cottage out:

Halfmoon Cottage on Booking.com

3. Snowberry Cottage at Lochsloy Farm Little River

Much of Akaroa’s budget accommodations are private holiday rentals, of which many feature in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Akaroa. Although very much out of town in the community of Little River, Snowberry Cottage at Lochsloy Farm Little River offers an affordable stay on a small working farm. This excellent base for exploring the Banks Peninsula – not just Akaroa – has everything any couple or solo traveller could need with a private kitchenette, a TV with streaming services and even a private deck with a barbecue. See what there is to do nearby with our 5 Best Things to Do in Little River.

Check Snowberry Cottage at Lochsloy Farm Little River out:

5 Best Budget Accommodations in Akaroa 🛌🏼 [2023]

4. Le Loft

A standalone unit in a local back garden, Le Loft is a peaceful and affordable hideaway for one or two guests. The small holiday home is located along a quiet street in Akaroa yet close enough to town for easy access to dining (see The Food Guide to Akaroa: Places to Eat & Food Tours), which you’ll need as the only cooking facilities available are the barbecue and breakfast-making facilities. The cute unit is well-appointed with a queen bed and seating area, also with complimentary tea and coffee.

Check Le Loft out:

5. Tresori Motor Lodge

One of the cheaper motels in town, Tresori Motor Lodge is an endearing studio and apartment complex within walking distance of the town centre. The motel boasts light-filled self-contained accommodation with all the conveniences to make your stay easier. Choose from cheap studios to one-bedroom units with a spa bath, while families/groups of up to five will find the two-bedroom units better suited. All units have glass ranch sliders and seating areas inside and out. For more motels to compare, head to our 10 Best Motels in Akaroa.

Check Tresori Motor Lodge out:

7 Best Budget Accommodations in Akaroa 🛌🏼 [2023]

6. Madeira Hotel

You can’t get any more central in Akaroa than this hotel offering a cheap place to stay. The Madeira Hotel offers cheap 4-bed dorms and an affordable double room. Each room has a small kitchenette with a microwave, toaster and coffee machine; but don’t expect full kitchen facilities here. Nevertheless, the accommodation is situated above the Madeira Hotel pub so you don’t need to go too far for food and a drink. For more options with dorm rooms, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Akaroa.

7. Duvauchelle Holiday Park

Near the waterfront of Duvauchelle Bay just outside of Akaroa, Duvauchelle Holiday Park offers more camping options on the Banks Peninsula. Either pitch a tent, park your campervan or stay in one of the cabins or the self-contained tourist flat. There are cabins suitable for up to two or four guests with drink-making facilities and some with ensuites. Only the tourist flat comes with linen supplied so bring your own or hire some from reception. Note that there is also a fully-equipped kitchen and an absolution block with toilets and showers on timers. Discover more options with cooking facilities in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Akaroa.

8. The Lighthouse

One of the most affordable holiday homes within Akaroa is the studio accommodation of The Lighthouse. The easy-to-find accommodation sits atop Akaroa township with unbeatable views of the harbour. Stay in the freshly designed and decorated studio-for-two with an elevated deck overlooking the harbour and nestled in gardens.

Check The Lighthouse out on Airbnb.

[CLOSED] Onuku Farm Hostel

Onuku Farm Hostel is an experience in itself. Not only does the backpacker accommodation feature some of the cheapest rates in Akaroa but it has its own attractions, including an in-house dolphin swimming tour, kayak rental and full-day to multi-day hiking trails. In between, enjoy a cosy retreat in a private room or dorm room in the farmhouse or watch the stars through the transparent roof of the “Kiwi Stargazer” cabins. The backpackers also has a campground and van park. See more like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Akaroa.

More About Budget Accommodations in Akaroa

That’s it for our list of the best cheap budget accommodations in Akaroa. For more advice on planning an awesome trip to Akaroa, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Akaroa on a Budget.

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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