The Best Waitomo Hotels and Accommodations
The glowworm caves of Waitomo have been attracting visitors for more than a century, which is why one of the only real hotels in the village is a historic hotel full of turn-of-the-century charm (and, yes, it’s currently closed). Those seeking a true holiday stay in Waitomo might want to forget the motels and holiday parks of the area and stay in one of the more stylish hotel rooms in Waitomo, dine at hotel restaurants and enjoy simply being on holiday. Admittedly, the hotel options are minimal in the quaint village of Waitomo, but we also list some of the great hotel alternatives in this list of the best hotels and places to stay in Waitomo.
Don’t forget to plan an awesome time here using the 15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo and 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours.
1. Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge – The Best Accommodation in Waitomo
While there aren’t exactly many hotels in Waitomo to choose from, a highly rated and popular stay in the heart of Waitomo Village can be found at the Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge. Enjoy a continental breakfast each morning before embarking on your cave adventure and warm up afterwards with your unit’s heatpump and electric blankets. In summer, guests enjoy making use of the barbecue on the deck surrounded by verdant gardens. The B&B lodge is also in a good position for enjoying some of the walks listed in the 5 Best Walks in Waitomo.
Check Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge out:
- Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge on Booking.com
- Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge on Trip.com
- Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge on Expedia
2. Waitomo Village Chalets (Home of Kiwipaka) – Cheap Hotel in Waitomo
A budget hotel a short walk from Waitomo Village, Waitomo Village Chalets (Home of Kiwipaka) is a good choice for a short stay. The hotel/chalet accommodation has private double, twin and quadruple rooms, some with an ensuite shower room, while others have shared bathrooms. There are also dorms available should you want to keep things ultra-cheap. The chalets with a kitchenette are your only self-catering option, while most guests enjoy meals at the on-site cafe or at the cafes and bars in the village. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo.
Check Waitomo Village Chalets out:
- Waitomo Village Chalets on HostelWorld
- Waitomo Village Chalets on Trip.com
- Waitomo Village Chalets on Expedia
3. Waitomo Boutique Lodge – Luxury Hotel in Waitomo
An alternative place to stay that offers something similar to a hotel is the luxury Waitomo Boutique Lodge with modern yet elegant double rooms with queen beds and elevated views of the surrounding farmland and gardens. Additionally, the “Montrose Cottage” is a separate accommodation from the lodge tucked away in the gardens. Get more advice on planning a luxury stay in The Luxury Guide to Waitomo. We also list this accommodation in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Waitomo.
Check Waitomo Boutique Lodge out:
4. Waitomo Homestead Cabins – Cheap Hotel in Waitomo
Located at the Black Water Rafting Co. site, you couldn’t be closer to the action than the Waitomo Homestead Cabins. These very basic twin/double and family cabins provide a reasonably priced stay. You’ll share a bathroom, kitchen and lounge in a communal villa, while the Homestead Restaurant is a short walk away should you want to leave the cooking to someone else. The gardens and expansive deck of the villa are a great place to relax and soak in the sun if you’re lucky with the weather.
Check Waitomo Homestead Cabins out:
5. Juno Hall Backpackers – The Best Hostel in Waitomo
Only moments away from Waitomo’s popular caving tours, Juno Hall Backpackers might be a hostel, but the private double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms are a worthy option if you usually prefer to stay in hotels. Note that some of these rooms have shared bathroom facilities, so be sure to book an ensuite room if that’s what you prefer. The homely accommodation has a communal kitchen and dining area with a fireplace roaring in winter. Seeing and even feeding the farm animals is often part of the experience.
Check Juno Hall Backpackers out:
- Juno Hall Backpackers on Booking.com
- Juno Hall Backpackers on HostelWorld
- Juno Hall Backpackers on Trip.com
6. Abseil Inn – The Best Boutique Hotel in Waitomo
Enjoy commanding views over Waitomo Village and its surrounding valley from the ridgetop position of the Abseil Inn. The boutique lodge offers hotel-style rooms for couples and solo travellers at an affordable rate. Each room has an ensuite, unique decor and one even features a two-person bath – ideal for those seeking a romantic getaway. The lodge has comfortable communal areas, such as the lounge with an honesty bar, an outdoor patio and a seating area surrounding a fire pit. See more like this in the 5 Most Romantic Accommodations in Waitomo.
Check Abseil Inn out:
7. Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park – The Best Holiday Park in Waitomo
Just down the road from Waitomo Village, the Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park is a holiday park offering motel units and camping sites. 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. We also list this accommodation in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Waitomo.
Check Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
8. Palm Court Motel – The Best Motel in Otorohanga
The best motel accommodation in the Waitomo area can actually be found in the nearest town, Otorohanga. The Palm Court Motel offers a home-away-from-home experience with its spacious units. If you were looking for accommodation 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.
Check Palm Court Motel out:
9. Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B – The Best B&B in Waitomo
A boutique B&B with character and elegance yet utter affordability, the Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B is an ideal option for couples or couples of friends. Set in two acres of gardens with a sun terrace and spa pool, this B&B offers a beautiful setting on the road to Waitomo Village. Most queen rooms have shared bathroom facilities, while the “Superior King Room” provides ultimate privacy with an ensuite. See more like this in the 12 Best Homestays & B&Bs in Waitomo.
Check Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B out:
- Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B on Booking.com
- Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B on Trip.com
- Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B on Expedia
10. Glow Worm Motel – Cheap Motel in Waitomo
One of the closest motels to Waitomo Village, 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 Motels in Waitomo & Otorohanga.
Check Glow Worm Motel out:
[CLOSED] Waitomo Caves Hotel
Is the Waitomo Caves Hotel Closed?
Yes, the Waitomo Caves Hotel is closed until further notice.
One of only two actual hotels in Waitomo, the Waitomo Cave Hotel provides a comfortable stay for discerning travellers. Set in a Victorian building overlooking Waitomo Village, the hotel offers various grades of private double rooms, from the affordable Standard Rooms to the lavish Deluxe King Rooms with private access to a spacious shared balcony. Families will also find a comfortable place here with family rooms featuring a queen and two single beds and an ensuite. In between caving adventures, enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant and indulging in the spa pool room.
More About Hotels and Places to Stay in Waitomo
That’s it for our guide to the best hotels and places to stay in Waitomo. For more accommodation options, as well as things to do, check these out:
- 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in Waitomo
- 10 BEST Budget Accommodations in Waitomo
- 10 Best Things to Do in Waitomo
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.