Is Kaikoura Beach Motel a good base for exploring Kaikoura?

Kaikoura Beach Motel is a great base for exploring the town on foot. Encounter Kaikoura is a 2-minute walk away, and EcoZip Adventures, the Visitor Information Centre, and the Kaikoura Museum are each a 10-minute walk. Whale Watch Kaikoura is a 20-minute walk, and the Kaikoura Lookout is 13 minutes away. For the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Viewpoint, you will need to travel about 2.9 km, so plan for a short drive or a longer walk. The waterfront promenade is right outside, making it easy to start your day with a stroll before heading out to the sights.

Kaikoura Beach Motel: 1.6 km to Whale Watch Kaikoura

Name: Kaikoura Beach Motel
Address: 124 Esplanade Kaikoura, Kaikoura, 新西兰

Guest reviews

4.3Very good(93)

Excellent56
Good21
Average11
Poor2
Terrible3

What guests say about…

Property
Cleanliness
Sleep
Kitchen
Bathroom

Guests like

Beachfront Views: Guests praise the direct beach views from the patio, especially in the beachfront units, and enjoy sitting outside watching and listening to the ocean.
Comfortable Beds: Several reviews mention the beds and pillows as very comfortable, with clean, fresh bedding contributing to a good night's sleep.
Helpful Staff: Guests note the reception and management team as warm and helpful, with easy communication for late check-in and other requests.

Guests mention

Kitchen Facilities: Reviews mention a communal kitchen with microwave, toaster, and washing-up area, though some guests note it is not heavily used.
Laundry Access: Guests mention the included use of a laundry room with washer, dryer, and detergent provided, which is handy for longer stays.
E-Bike Rentals: The motel offers e-bike and e-scooter rentals on site, which guests say is convenient for getting around Kaikoura.

Summary for your reference

Reviews from

Melanie Lançon

5/5

Google· 2 months ago

Currently staying here, in the beachfront 1BR....I don't want to leave!! I had plans to do all the touristy things in Kaikoura, but loved my room so much that I booked an additional night and just relaxed the whole time. Great price too, at just $139/night for the beachfront view ($109 for a studio unit, which I had a peek into - lovely as well!). Really comfy bed, clean unit with fresh sheets/towels, and the BEST view ever, with lots of light! Lovely big bathroom, hot shower, strong water pressure, and a fully-stocked kitchen (fridge, microwave, kettle, plates/cutlery). The motel is situated at the end of the road, away from all the shops, so it's very quiet and peaceful. The two women I spoke with at reception were so friendly. This will be my go-to place next time I'm here - highly recommend!

Trip.com Member

5/5

Trip.com· 11 months ago

Booked because it was right next door to Encounter Kaikoura so perfect for a very early start on one of their tours but I would definitely stay again. Really comfy big bed and clean/fresh facilities. Helpful reception, bonus of included use of laundry (washer and dryer) with detergent provided.

855emmar

5/5

Tripadvisor· 2 years ago

Apartment was lovely, had everything you need for a short stay. I stayed in the beachfront one bedroom unit. It was lovely and clean, had plenty of room and the view from the patio was to die for! |Michelle and her team were so helpful, received everything I needed via email to get into the room but were also available when needed.

Samantha Judd

5/5

Google· 5 months ago

Location was perfect. We were lucky enough to get room 10 which directly faced the beach. Sat outside in the afternoon sun on our patio looking at and listening to the ocean. Room was clean and bed & pillows comfortable.

Rachel

4/5

Google· 7 months ago

I didn’t want to leave! This hotel was a nostalgic experience of the Bach of our childhood! I asked Bernie to get grandmas crockery and rename the hotel the Bach so that the experience would be complete! The beds and bathrooms are better quality of course but the light switches, windows, doors etc are all authentic 45 years old when the hotel was built! FABULOUS! Great value for money, indoor-outdoor living and lovely chats with the neighbours on each side. I’m glad this place still exists for a real Kiwi holiday. We slept like babies! They have a communal kitchen which no one uses because the restaurants are all within walking distance and the dolphin encounter office is next door but one and has an INCREDIBLE cafe❤️ I forgot to mention the early morning swims across the road before breakfast 🎉

BradinHK

4/5

Google· 6 months ago

This is a simple and budget-friendly motel right along Esplanade in Kaikoura. We stayed here a couple nights recently and found the property to be a good, fit for purpose, option for those wanting to grab a couple nights in the area. Reservation was made through booking.com, email confirmation was received immediately. Communication with hotel regarding late (after 6pm) check-in was easy. Check-in staff were very polite. Motel has carpark space in front of each unit. There is a simple kitchen room with microwave, toaster and washing up area. There is also a common laundry room. Reception is shared with the higher-end Kaikoura Waterfront Apts. just next door. We found our room to be simple, spacious enough for two people. Importantly bed was comfortable, allowed for good night sleep. There was a two-seater sofa, coffee table, set of drawers with simple set of bowls, plates, coffee cups, glasses and cutlery with counter space for food, drinks. Room included a small fridge, kettle, coffee & tea, telly, a handful of electrical outlets, good lighting. Wifi worked fine while we were there. Bathroom was fair-sized, shower water pressure good.

Georgina Titus

5/5

Google· 11 months ago

Clean, spacious, comfortable bed & bedding, a couch, mini fridge, kettle, a/c and heater in bathroom. Sounds like management listened to previous comments about what was lacking and improved the motel rooms. Great communication by Poppy & Bruce. Right across from beach and very close walk to town center. Stayed for 1 night only and was perfect for our needs. Would stay again.

Wilfred Chew

5/5

Google· 11 months ago

Spent an amazing 2 nights here under the care of Poppy and Bruce and their team. Super warm people, amazing hospitality and just honestly hearts of gold. For convenience they do e-bike/e-scooter rentals as well and it helps if you didn't drive here. Even if you did you should still bike in Kaikoura, it's so small that biking is perfect, even for beginners. There's a beautiful garden full of herbs and veggies that they so generously allowed us to pick and use for our meals. They showed us how warm Kaikoura's truly is. The weather didn't feel cold at all thanks to their hospitality :)

Frequently asked questions about Kaikoura Beach Motel

Where can I eat near Kaikoura Beach Motel?

The motel's own restaurant and bar serve local wine and meals with sea views, a great spot for a relaxed dinner. A five-minute walk takes you to the town's supermarket and restaurants, where you can find casual cafes and eateries. For a classic local bite, Coopers Catch Takeaways is known for its fish and chips, a short stroll away. The Green Dolphin Restaurant, mentioned for nearby dining, is also within easy reach. With the town center so close, you'll have plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner without going far.

What is the area around Kaikoura Beach Motel like?

The motel sits right on the Esplanade, with the beach and waterfront promenade just steps away. Encounter Kaikoura is a 2-minute walk, and the Kaikoura Visitor Information Centre, Kaikoura Museum, and EcoZip Adventures are all about a 10-minute walk. The Kaikoura Lookout is a 13-minute walk, and Whale Watch Kaikoura is a 20-minute walk. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Viewpoint are 2.9 km away, so you would need a car or taxi to reach them. The area is a mix of coastal scenery, wildlife tour operators, and small-town amenities, with the town center and its restaurants within a short stroll.

How do I get to Kaikoura Beach Motel from the airport or main train station?

From Kaikoura Airport, the motel is about 8 minutes by car, roughly 8 km away. A taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest way. If you arrive by train, the Kaikoura Railway Station is a short walk from the town center, and the motel is about a 20-minute walk from there. You can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service for a quicker trip. The motel is right on the Esplanade, so drivers can follow the coastal road directly to the address.

What's there to do near Kaikoura Beach Motel in the evening?

In the evening, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade right outside the motel, where you can enjoy sunset views of the sea and mountains. For a longer walk, the Kaikoura Lookout is a 13-minute walk away and offers a nice vantage point. The town center, with its cafes and restaurants, is about a 5-minute walk from the motel, so you can easily find a place for dinner. If you're up for more adventure, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is 2.9 km away, a pleasant evening walk along the coast.

Kaikoura Beach Motel

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About

You might want to ask

Good to know

Amenities

Property amenities

Room types

Guest reviews

Guests like

Guests mention

Create your own trip to Kaikoura

More hotels near Kaikoura Beach Motel

Sights near Kaikoura Beach Motel

Things to do in Kaikoura

Frequently asked questions about Kaikoura Beach Motel

Sights near Kaikoura Beach Motel

Guests like

Guests mention

Things to do in Kaikoura

More hotels near Kaikoura Beach Motel