10 Best Budget Accommodations in Gisborne

1. Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

With some of the cheapest ensuite double and twin rooms in the city, as well as affordable self-contained units, Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is well worth considering for good value.

What’s more, the complex has a covered heated swimming pool with a mini waterslide and jets for the kids, a petanque course and a whole bunch of watersports hire equipment to make the most of Gisborne’s main beach.

If you’re camping, there are tent and powered sites too.

Book Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park:

• Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
• Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
• Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia

© Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

2. Tatapouri Bay

Tatapouri Bay brings holiday park camping to the 21st Century with luxurious glamping tents and “Zen Cabins”. But if you’re on a budget, you might just want 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.

For more accommodation with kitchens, check out the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Gisborne.

Book Tatapouri Bay:

• Tatapouri Bay on Booking.com
• Tatapouri Bay on Trip.com
• Tatapouri Bay on Expedia

© Tatapouri Bay

3. The Royal Matawhero

Located on the outskirts of town in Gisborne’s wine region, The Royal Matawhero actually 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 hotel-style stays, check out the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Gisborne.

© The Royal Matawhero

4. Aberdeen Home Stay

Aberdeen Home Stay is a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers in Gisborne, offering comfortable family rooms without the hefty price tag.

The recently renovated rooms come with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and garden views, plus essentials like a bath, shower, and toiletries. Guests can make use of shared facilities including a lounge, kitchen, and laundry, which adds extra value for longer stays.

Free on-site parking is available, making it convenient if you’re road-tripping through the region.

Book Aberdeen Home Stay:

• Aberdeen Home Stay on Booking.com

© Aberdeen Home Stay

5. Gisborne Dream Suite

A cosy guesthouse on the residential streets of Gisborne, Gisborne Dream 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.

For alternative stays for families, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Gisborne.

Book Gisborne Dream Suite:

• Gisborne Dream Suite on Booking.com

© Gisborne Dream Family Suite

6. Captain Cook Motor Lodge

Keeping in with the historical theme, Captain Cook Motor Lodge offers basic motel units with classic decor and furnishings – the cheapest motel in Gisborne.

It has 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.

Book Captain Cook Motor Lodge:

• Captain Cook Motor Lodge on Booking.com
• Captain Cook Motor Lodge on Trip.com
• Captain Cook Motor Lodge on Expedia

© Captain Cook Motor Lodge

7. Motel Oasis

Backed by lush green hills right in between Gisborne city and Wainui Beach, Motel Oasis offers a tranquil escape for solo travellers to families.

Stay in one of the 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. Yet, this is still one of the better-priced motels in Gisborne.

See more like this in the 10 Best Motels in Gisborne.

Book Motel Oasis:

• Motel Oasis on Booking.com
• Motel Oasis on Trip.com
• Motel Oasis on Expedia

© Motel Oasis

8. The Headland Lodge

For travellers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort, The Headland Lodge is a great pick.

Rooms are well-equipped with private bathrooms, work desks, and wardrobes, while carpeted or parquet floors add a homely touch. Guests can take advantage of free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and a cosy lounge, with the games room offering extra entertainment for downtime.

Free on-site parking is another plus, especially for those exploring Gisborne by car.

About 17 km (11 mi) from Gisborne Airport, the lodge provides a peaceful base with convenient access to local attractions.

Book The Headland Lodge:

• The Headland Lodge on Booking.com

© The Headland Lodge

9. Tolaga Bay Inn

While not exactly in Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Inn is an affordable option if doing an East Cape road trip. Located less than an hour’s drive north of Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Inn offers ultra-affordable 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.

© Tolaga Bay Inn

10. Colonial on Gladstone Motel

Colonial On Gladstone Motel is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on convenience.

Each air-conditioned room comes with a kitchenette, complete with a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave, perfect for travellers who prefer to prepare their own meals.

Private bathrooms and TVs with streaming services add extra comfort, while free WiFi keeps you connected. Guests also benefit from housekeeping, laundry services, and free on-site parking.

Located just 2.8 km from Midway Beach, the motel makes it easy to enjoy Gisborne’s coastal charm while staying within budget.

Book Colonial on Gladstone Motel:

• Colonial on Gladstone Motel on Booking.com

© Colonial on Gladstone Motel