20 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Gisborne 🛎️ [2023]

Where to Find the Best Hotels and Places to Stay in Gisborne

If you’re looking for a hotel in Gisborne, we hate to say that you only have a couple of options. Nevertheless, with a renowned hotel brand in the city and another international-style hotel, those who prefer the luxury of a hotel experience will still find what they’re looking for. If these hotels aren’t your vibe, however, what are your other options? In this list of hotels and places to stay in Gisborne, we also give alternative recommendations, such as a motel with hotel-like qualities and a couple of budget options and B&Bs with hotel-style rooms.

For more advice on planning your Gisborne getaway, check out The Complete Guide to Gisborne and the 20 Best Things to Do in Gisborne.

1. Portside Hotel – Heritage Collection – The Best Hotel in Gisborne

One of the big-name hotel chains you’ll find in Gisborne is from the Heritage Collection, the Portside Hotel. Boasting incredible river and ocean views, it’s a hotel you’ll never want to leave. Rooms range from studios to two-bedroom suites, making there a place to stay for most types of travellers. Each room has at least a kitchenette, so you’ll have the option to self-cater, while other hotel facilities include an outside lap pool and a fitness centre. See alternative upscale recommendations like this in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Gisborne.

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2. Emerald Hotel – The Best Hotel in Gisborne City Centre

Another option for a true hotel stay in Gisborne is the Emerald Hotel. Stay in well-appointed rooms with a range of layouts to suit most needs, from business travellers to families. Surrounding a central swimming pool courtyard, the 48 suites are set up for a short stay with amenities like a TV, free WiFi, an ensuite, hot drink-making facilities, etc. Alternatively, the fourth-floor apartments also feature a fully-equipped kitchen and two separate bedrooms, ideal for those staying longer. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast each morning, while the on-site bistro restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Thanks to their family rooms, we also list this hotel in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Gisborne.

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3. The Royal Matawhero – Cheap Hotel in Gisborne

For that budget hotel experience, check out The Royal Matawhero. Located on the outskirts of town in Gisborne’s wine region, this hotel offers some of the cheapest rooms in Gisborne. Famous for pouring Raglan Roast coffee and being in the building of the first public house in Matawhero, many are surprised to find that there is actually some accommodation available. Choose from budget single and double rooms with a shared bathroom or opt for more privacy with an ensuite studio. Guests share a lounge, while there’s a restaurant and bar on-site. For more affordable stays, take a look at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check The Royal Matawhero out:

The Royal Matawhero on Booking.com

4. White Heron Motor Lodge – The Best Motel in Gisborne

While we’ve exhausted our hotel stays in Gisborne already, travellers also have the option of Gisborne’s motels. One that offers rooms to the standards of a hotel is the White Heron Motor Lodge. Conveniently close to the city centre and with modern and tastefully furnished studios and one- and two-bedroom units, you can’t go too wrong with the White Heron Motor Lodge. Most units have a king spa bath, as well as a kitchenette to prepare basic meals.

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5. Surf City Lodge – Cheap B&B in Gisborne

A B&B in the city with the charm and facilities of one of New Zealand’s historic hostels, Surf City Lodge is an affordable option within walking distance of the city centre. The 1920s two-storeyed lodge has just four guest rooms, each with queen beds but two rooms can be adjoined for families. Rooms are decorated to the theme of surfing to reflect the favourite pastime of the locals. Continental and cooked breakfast are served each morning, while a dinner menu is available on request.

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6. Motel Oasis – Gisborne Accommodation with a Spa Pool

Boasting some of the most picturesque motel surroundings in Gisborne, Motel Oasis is seriously worth considering. The motel is backed by lush green hills right in between Gisborne city and Wainui Beach, providing a tranquil escape. Stay in one of the affordable single or queen studios or treat your group to a larger family suite with interconnecting rooms. Each of the beach-inspired decorated suites looks out onto the motel’s solar-heated swimming pool – a popular place for guests to relax.

Check Motel Oasis out:

10 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Gisborne 🛎️ [2023]

7. Tatapouri Bay – Glamping in Gisborne

Tatapouri Bay brings holiday park camping to the 21st Century with luxurious glamping tents and self-contained “Zen Cabins”. If you’re on a budget, there’s also the option to settle for a log cabin-for-two, with a cosy queen bed and breakfast-making facilities squeezed into it. Campsites and powered sites are also available, with communal bathrooms, kitchen and laundry nearby. Guests also have access to a Finnish sauna, spa pool and a container cafe open Thursdays to Sundays in summer.

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8. Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – The Best Holiday Park and Camping Grounds in Gisborne

Speaking of holiday park-style accommodations, don’t rule out the Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Not only do they do camping sites and cabins with shared facilities for guests, but they also have multiple grades of self-contained motel units and modern apartments. What’s more, the complex has a covered heated swimming pool, a petanque course and a whole bunch of watersports hire equipment to make the most of Gisborne’s main beach.

Check Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

9. Cedar House – Luxury B&B in Gisborne

Retreat to this luxury boutique B&B set in a quiet residential suburb of Gisborne. Cedar House is a historic character home with just four guest rooms all decorated with elegance to keep the historic charm without sacrificing modern living. Each morning you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast in the dining room, while hot drinks and complimentary refreshments are always available to keep you going throughout your stay. Booking yourself in for an in-room massage and doing a few laps in the outside swimming pool are just a couple of more ways to relax at this luxury boutique accommodation.

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10. Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel – Beachfront Accommodation in Gisborne

The main reason to stay at this motel in Gisborne is purely for its location. Nowhere else in Gisborne can you enjoy the absolute beachfront like at the Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel. Units feature glass sliding doors that lead directly onto the grassy reserve just steps away from the sandy shores of Waikanae Beach. As for accommodation, there are self-contained motel units and recently renovated apartments with a separate private kitchen, a bathroom and a spacious living area.

Check Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel out:

11. Matawhero Wines – Luxury Accommodation in Gisborne

Stay amongst the vines in a luxury cabin with Matawhero Wines. Just a 10-minute drive out of Gisborne, yet next door to one of the region’s premium cellar doors, this luxury accommodation allows you to enjoy a platter and wine tasting on your own private deck. Villas come in studio and one-bedroom layouts with an ensuite and kitchenette, yet they are all uniquely styled with contemporary elegance. What’s more, a continental breakfast is included in your stay. For more stays ideal for couples, check out the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check Matawhero Wines out:

Matawhero Wines on Booking.com

12. ASURE Alfresco Motor Lodge – Gisborne Gladstone Road Accommodation

The ASURE Alfresco Motor Lodge is built with Mediterranean-style architecture to put you in the true holiday spirit. The small motel offers 14 ground-floor units with self-catering facilities, such as a stove, microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge and all the essential cooking utensils. There are a variety of studios available, from budget to spa studios, while the one- and two-bedroom units are ideal for groups and families.

Check ASURE Alfresco Motor Lodge out:

13. Two Palms – The Best Homestay in Gisborne

An alternative accommodation in Gisborne is the guesthouse/homestay. Close to town and highly rated for couples and solo travellers, Two Palms is a reasonably priced accommodation in Gisborne well worth considering. Just a three-minute walk from the beach, this guesthouse offers the entire upstairs for you in a studio layout including a large king bed, an ensuite bathroom, a lounge area with a TV featuring streaming services, and even a private balcony with a barbecue. A cute wee breakfast is also included in your stay.

Check Two Palms out:

Two Palms on Booking.com

14. Russell Street – The Best Guesthouse in Gisborne

An alternative guesthouse or homestay in Gisborne, Russell Street offers a large queen studio room with a generous breakfast included. The secure and private accommodation has a number lock to access the building and on-site parking, while welcome features inside the studio include free WiFi, a TV, an ensuite bathroom and a small kitchenette with breakfast-making essentials.

Check Russell Street out:

Russell Street on Booking.com

15. Gisborne Dream Family Suite – The Best Guesthouse in Gisborne for Families

The final guesthouse accommodation we’ll mention on this list of hotels and places to stay in Gisborne, Gisborne Dream Family Suite offers a cheap stay near the Tairawhiti Museum and within walking distance of the city centre. There are guest rooms available for one, two or three people across a double bed and a single bed in separate rooms. The private suite also features a private kitchenette with breakfast supplies provided, s bathroom, as well as access to WiFi and a TV with streaming services. Note that there is a minimum booking for two nights.

Check Gisborne Dream Family Suite out:

Gisborne Dream Family Suite on Booking.com

16. BKs Palm Court Motor Lodge – Gisborne Motel with Spa Baths

Affordable and centrally located, BKs Palm Court Motor Lodge is a worthy go-to for all types of travellers. The one-bedroom units are a good place to start for families, while budget travellers will find the modern studio units convenient, and discerning travellers can treat themselves to a spa unit. There’s easy parking right out front, a kitchenette to make basic meals and a spa bath in many of the units. Why not order a continental or cooked breakfast while you’re there?

Check BKs Palm Court Motor Lodge out:

17. Captain Cook Motor Lodge – Cheap Motel in Gisborne

Keeping in with the historical theme, Captain Cook Motor Lodge offers basic motel units with classic decor and furnishings. Nevertheless, they have something for everyone across the 36 rooms from budget studios to interconnecting units ideal for families and groups. There are queen/twin rooms with ensuite bathrooms, while the studios and multi-room units have more facilities, like kitchenettes. Enjoy dining out in the sunny courtyard or dine at the on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Check Captain Cook Motor Lodge out:

18. Tudor Park Motel – The Best Self-Catering Accommodation in Gisborne

Not only do you get funky Tudor-inspired architecture and timber-lined chalet-style interiors, but you also get full self-catering accommodation at this motel in Gisborne. The Tudor Park Motel offers a variety of unit layouts with free WiFi and parking right outside the door. Keep entertained with Smart TVs with Netflix and enjoy the extensive gardens surrounding the motel. For more accommodation with kitchens, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Gisborne.

Check Tudor Park Motel out:

19. Pacific Harbour Motor Inn – The Best Gisborne Accommodation for Business Travellers

A popular motel on the palm tree-lined banks of the Turanganui River and inner harbour marina, Pacific Harbour Motor Inn offers an array of corporate studios, one- and two-bedroom units, access units and an ultra-spacious suite. Your kitchen has the cooking basics, like a microwave and electric stovetop, while the waterfront eateries are only a short walk away. The off-street parking is also a welcome bonus.

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20. Tolaga Bay Inn – Cheap Hotel on the East Cape

While not exactly in Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Inn is well worth looking into if you are looking for a cheap hotel stay on your way in or out of the city on an East Cape road trip. Tolaga Bay Inn is an affordable option located less than an hour’s drive north of Gisborne, offering double rooms to quadruple rooms. It’s one of the last remaining historical hotels in the Gisborne region, but don’t worry, the rooms have had some upgrades. Facilities at the hotel are limited, but the downstairs restaurant is a good place to grab dinner and meet the locals.

More Hotels and Places to Stay in Gisborne

That’s it for our list of the best hotels and places to stay in Gisborne. For more places to stay, as well as things to do, check out these recommendations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Gisborne.

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