6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Kaka Retreat Motel
6 Best Motels in Stewart Island

6 BEST Motels in Stewart Island 🏘️ [2023]

© Kaka Retreat Motel

Where to Find Motel Accommodation on Stewart Island

Yes, even in the far southern reaches of New Zealand, you can find a motel or two. Stewart Island might be an island with only one town and around 400 people, but what sort of New Zealand destination would it be without a motel?! From family-friendly offerings to more couple-centric motels with spa baths, Stewart Island has something for everyone even with such a limited number of motels. Check them out in this list of the best motels on Stewart Island.

For more advice on planning your trip, take a look at The Complete Guide to Stewart Island and the 20 Incredible Things to Do on Stewart Island.

1. Kaka Retreat Motel – The Best Motel on Stewart Island

Nestled in native bush just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Oban town centre, Kaka Retreat Motel provides an idyllic stay for solo travellers, couples, groups and families. There are plenty of room options at this well-presented motel, including basic studios sleeping up to two or four and multi-bedroom cottages with all the essential facilities at your fingertips. Cottages have a well-equipped kitchenette, where you can enjoy dining in your open-plan lounge or out on your private verandah while watching the kaka (bush parrots). A complimentary shuttle to the motel is also included. See more family-friendly stays like this in the 7 Best Family Accommodations in Stewart Island.

Check Kaka Retreat Motel out:

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Kaka Retreat Motel

2. Bay Motel – Stewart Island Motel in Oban with Spa Baths

A worthy motel option, especially well-suited to couples and adult groups, Bay Motel offers a tranquil motel experience just a short walk from Oban town centre. Enjoy a bit of pampering in your studio or one-bedroom unit with a spa bath or stick to something more affordable in the studios with or without cooking facilities. There are double and twin set-ups available, as well as a two-bedroom apartment for families, while all units include free WiFi, electric blankets, an ensuite, radiator heating, tea, coffee and either a bay or bush view. There’s also a barbecue on-site should you want to cook up your “catch of the day”. For more couple-centric stays, check out the 10 Most Romantic Accommodations on Stewart Island.

Check Bay Motel out:

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Bay Motel

3. Anchorstone – Stewart Island Motel at Horseshoe Bay

While advertised as “luxury boutique accommodation”, we see Anchorstone as more like a motel due to its collection of self-contained units. Ideal for couples or a couple of friends travelling together, Anchorstone’s hill-perched units have either super-king or twin beds, kitchen facilities, an ensuite, TV and a balcony with outdoor furniture. They also boast a tranquil location among the native forest with views of Horseshoe Bay, just a short drive from Oban where transfers are included and car rental is available on request. For more boutique stays, see the 8 BEST Boutique Accommodations & B&Bs on Stewart Island.

Check Anchorstone out:

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Anchorstone

4. South Sea Hotel – Cheap Motel on Stewart Island

The waterfront hotel that greets visitors when they first arrive off the ferry not only offers hotel accommodation but nine more modern motel units adjacent to the hotel. However, don’t expect your full kitchen facilities usually found in New Zealand motel units, as the South Sea Hotel‘s units simply offer more of a private hotel experience with an ensuite bathroom and breakfast-making facilities, unlike the hotel rooms they have above their restaurant. Nevertheless, prices are very reasonable and you can always go to their restaurant for food! See more accommodations like this in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Stewart Island.

Check South Sea Hotel out:

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© South Sea Hotel

5. Rakiura Retreat – Stewart Island Motel with Car Rental

Rakiura Retreat offers self-contained accommodation that comes with a rental vehicle and fuel included in the rate, as well as complimentary transfers to/from the ferry or airstrip! The motel complex offers comfortable units, which are maybe a little old-school in the decor but provide all the useful facilities like a full kitchen, bathroom and a spacious living and dining area. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom units available.

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Pixabay

6. Jimmy’s Cottages – Self-Contained Motel Cottages on Stewart Island

While not strictly a motel, Jimmy’s Cottages offer a similar experience in the two self-contained units available. Get the Kiwi bach experience in these quirky cottages with striking decor yet all you need for a convenient and comfortable stay. One cottage sleeps two to six guests, while the other sleeps up to eight. Enjoy the ease of having your own kitchen and barbecue area in the garden, while being only a short walk from the town’s amenities should you need supplies or a cheeky fish and chips. Check out more holiday home-style stays in the 10 Best Holiday Homes on Stewart Island.

6 Best Motels in Stewart Island© Jimmy's Cottages

More About Motels on Stewart Island

That’s it for our list of the best motels on Stewart Island. For more tips to help plan the perfect island excursion, check out the following guides:

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

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.

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