Discover the neighborhoods of Kaikoura
Best hotels & accommodations in Kaikoura
fairways is a wonderful, luxurious property in which to spend a couple of days exploring the area. the fact that it is just south of town is fine if you have a car - if not i suggest staying on the esplanade. the apartment has excellent appointments and was wonderfully warm, with the large fireplace quite an interesting feature, as apparently it is mainly for looks...
The staff could not do enough for us. The position and the weather were superb, would recommend to all.
We arrived early in Kaikoura and managed to check-in early. The unit was very basic. The location was nice as it was close to Kaikoura town. It has basic cooking facilities. Please note though that generally in New Zealand, the common practice is each unit will have a base price for generally 2 adults and each additional occupants will have a surcharge, regardless o...
Caught Coastal train to Kaikoura then train again to Picton the next day. Need a car due to motels location. Very clean, good bed, hot shower, reasonably priced laundry facilities. Motel right neat the beach and supermarket within walking distance.
We booked this hotel on same day (as our whale watching tour got cancelled that day) and was very happy they could accommodate us. Our room was simple but clean and had a heater that was working and enough blankets to keep us warm. The location is great too, with grocery and some restaurants just walking distance. The staff was great - friendly, hospitable, and gave gr...
We had a great stay at the Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge. The room is in the right size and full equipped with Kitchenette. We also use the Sauna room for just $5 for half an hour. It's about 15 mins walk from the main street and the whale watch station. We would recommend this hotel to our friends.
Lobster inn is clean comfortable and a great base in Kaikoura..opposite big supermarket and around 10 minutes walk from main area..rooms lovely and clean with microwave toaster etc. A great stay
We used AGODA to book two nights accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura and somehow AGODA booked us in and the Bella Vista Motel didn't have any rooms left. We only found this out on arrival after driving up from Christchurch. Well, when we arrived the manager of the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura - can't remember her name sorry - had already seen that she didn...
Didn't give facilities 5 stars because ripped carpet exposing metal with sharp prongs exposed which stabbed my foot. This is between main area & kitchen. We were unit 11.
We made a last-minute booking for Waves on the Esplanade in Kaikoura to split a very long journey up. It was the nicest accommodation we stayed in throughout our five week tour of Australia and New Zealand. The interior is spacious, the beds very comfortable. We could not find one fault with it. Fantastic!!
Good value for money accommodation across from beach in Kaikoura. Easy to walk to town or direction of Peninsular to acces food outlets etc, place had been taken over by new owners who are obviously doing up property. Clean and well equipped. My only complaint would be having the double bed facing the door in with no curtain over it. Ideal location for activities arou...
The motel was well located close to the beach. Staff were friendly and helpful. Bedrooms were small and beds a little too soft for our liking. Kitchen was well equipped. I found the shower temperature difficult to regulate but overall, good value for money.
Location is on the main road, right off the city "center". Staff was good, especially the manager who was very friendly. Rooms were clean and roomy; I stayed in 4 person dorm. Wifi ok. Bathrooms clean. They also have cafe downstairs for brekky/lunch, a pool, and a hot tub. Lots of deck space to sit around. Kitchen decent. Overall, great place to hang while in Kaikoura....
We are on a 9 day trip in South Island. Kaikoura cottage motel was one of the best places we have stayed in. The cottages are spacious and private ~ you have the view of the garden and the mountains. It is so clean, with a full kitchen. It is 2km away from town and about a km to the town’s supermarket.
We had a wonderful one ought in Nikau lodge.brhe hosts were very hospital and helpful with all of our questions. It was a short walk to the dolphin encounter which we had booked the next day, which helped tremendously.
Excellent value and great location. Very helpful and welcoming young hosts. Clean and comfortable with new bathroom.
We enjoyed the stay in the hotel tremendously. Very comfortable room. Breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. Well maintained, spacious and colourful garden. Substantial breakfast provided. Small number of rooms in the property, personal touch from the host, which makes us feel like we were at home. We will return if we come by Kaikoura again.
The unit was fitted out to a very high standard with all modern cons. It has sky TV which a lot do not. The unit was large and had a bath and shower. It was well designed and very comfortable. The position was ideal for looking out to sea and not far from the seal colony. This is a good standard to unwind in.
Location was good. No Wi-Fi which is pretty important. Out of 14 places we stayed over 3 weeks this was the only place with no Wi-Fi. You could smell garbage in garage from lower level near bedroom.
Driving around the South Island Kiakoura was a must do. With limited properties avalaible i was able to book The Hamptons last minute. The price was a little higher but thats expected when most of the properties in the district is booked out with road workers. To my surpirse "The Hamptons" definetly gave us our value for money. the hosts were amazing so welcoming make...
You need to check this out. If you want convention, check out something else. Wacky Stays is a Farmstay experience (help feed the animals) and is therefore a great stay for kids. For adults, if you are adventurous, you'll love this. The location is a couple of k's inland from Kaikoura. They'll send you directions. Don't trust the Satnav. The place consists of open fiel...
Unique, private and personal; a stunning night under a million stars. The Pod is an ingenious concept with every inch of it carefully thought out. We can't wait to try more Purepods!
We stayed at the cottage and as a young family, I appreciated the spacious house and the well-equipped kitchen was a dream come true with various condiments, dishwasher, oven and stove. Everything looks new, clean and well-maintained. The beds are the firmest we have ever and this stay was just the best that we had which rounded off our 2-week road trip around South Is...
It’s worth every penny you spend.
This was a good and clean hotel in Kaikoura, with own kithenette. Not in the city center, but close if you have a car.
Perfect location in south bay. Be sure to grab groceries before 8pm if you plan to use the kitchen as everything closes early. Not a lot of restaurants open late either. Cottage is well equipped and comfortable. Quiet location for sleeping, but close enough to enjoy the town of Kaikoura.
WOW is all we can say, so beautiful and such a cool unique experience. We really did not want to leave. The Carriage was amazing, comfy, very warm! CLEAN AS and had lots of little extras we enjoyed. The outdoor bath was amazing! And far out what a breakfast! Best place we have ever stayed at.
A nice wee motel - bit close to the road for the truck noises - but great been so close to town. Valve for money.
What a delight First Light was, beautiful part of Kaikoura up on the headland, just wish we had more time to spend there!! Tracey was very welcoming and the place had everything you would need. Would definitely recommend and make sure that you book a few days in the area so much to see and do.
Clean, quiet, excellent place to stay in Kaikoura.
Cheapest hotels in Kaikoura
Location is on the main road, right off the city "center". Staff was good, especially the manager who was very friendly. Rooms were clean and roomy; I stayed in 4 person dorm. Wifi ok. Bathrooms clean. They also have cafe downstairs for brekky/lunch, a pool, and a hot tub. Lots of deck space to sit around. Kitchen decent. Overall, great place to hang while in Kaikoura....
Staff are lovely, for a hostel very clean. Ten mins from where the bus drops you off. Nice log fire in the louge/kitchen area. Can only get wifi in the reception area which is really annoying, no hand soap in the shared en-suite bathroom and toilet roll is see through. No where to hang up anything, no shelving either. Late check in and not being able to do laundry unt...
We booked this hotel on same day (as our whale watching tour got cancelled that day) and was very happy they could accommodate us. Our room was simple but clean and had a heater that was working and enough blankets to keep us warm. The location is great too, with grocery and some restaurants just walking distance. The staff was great - friendly, hospitable, and gave gr...
We stayed at the cottage and as a young family, I appreciated the spacious house and the well-equipped kitchen was a dream come true with various condiments, dishwasher, oven and stove. Everything looks new, clean and well-maintained. The beds are the firmest we have ever and this stay was just the best that we had which rounded off our 2-week road trip around South Is...
We stayed at Barnacle Bills over a weekend and it really is a lovely little place. We were in the cottage which was lovely and spacious for just the two of us with a large lounge area, a big well- equipped kitchen and a very comfy bed! The shower was also excellent and the cottage was lovely and warm. Liz the host was exceptionally welcoming and gave great recommendat...
We arrived early in Kaikoura and managed to check-in early. The unit was very basic. The location was nice as it was close to Kaikoura town. It has basic cooking facilities. Please note though that generally in New Zealand, the common practice is each unit will have a base price for generally 2 adults and each additional occupants will have a surcharge, regardless o...
Very friendly staff. Easy check in. The decor is Spartan, but the rooms were very clean. Quiet at night, despite being close to the road. We walked to the grocery store, bakery, and to the main part of town. We drove to the i-site and then parked on the street to walk the Kaikoura loop trail.
also a very good motel in kaikoura. not so convenient as you need to drive about 5 mins to reach kaikoura town center. but there is a good take away food shop just opposite to the motel. great scenery, can see snow mountains just outside your room. room facilities is also good, compared to its room rate. better if have a bigger heater. in addition, the host...
fairways is a wonderful, luxurious property in which to spend a couple of days exploring the area. the fact that it is just south of town is fine if you have a car - if not i suggest staying on the esplanade. the apartment has excellent appointments and was wonderfully warm, with the large fireplace quite an interesting feature, as apparently it is mainly for looks...
Perfect location in south bay. Be sure to grab groceries before 8pm if you plan to use the kitchen as everything closes early. Not a lot of restaurants open late either. Cottage is well equipped and comfortable. Quiet location for sleeping, but close enough to enjoy the town of Kaikoura.
Very kind and helpful staff
The motel was well located close to the beach. Staff were friendly and helpful. Bedrooms were small and beds a little too soft for our liking. Kitchen was well equipped. I found the shower temperature difficult to regulate but overall, good value for money.
Didn't give facilities 5 stars because ripped carpet exposing metal with sharp prongs exposed which stabbed my foot. This is between main area & kitchen. We were unit 11.
Good value for money accommodation across from beach in Kaikoura. Easy to walk to town or direction of Peninsular to acces food outlets etc, place had been taken over by new owners who are obviously doing up property. Clean and well equipped. My only complaint would be having the double bed facing the door in with no curtain over it. Ideal location for activities arou...
Caught Coastal train to Kaikoura then train again to Picton the next day. Need a car due to motels location. Very clean, good bed, hot shower, reasonably priced laundry facilities. Motel right neat the beach and supermarket within walking distance.
This was a good and clean hotel in Kaikoura, with own kithenette. Not in the city center, but close if you have a car.
We are on a 9 day trip in South Island. Kaikoura cottage motel was one of the best places we have stayed in. The cottages are spacious and private ~ you have the view of the garden and the mountains. It is so clean, with a full kitchen. It is 2km away from town and about a km to the town’s supermarket.
We used AGODA to book two nights accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura and somehow AGODA booked us in and the Bella Vista Motel didn't have any rooms left. We only found this out on arrival after driving up from Christchurch. Well, when we arrived the manager of the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura - can't remember her name sorry - had already seen that she didn...
We had a wonderful overnight stay and would stay there again but for longer.Carla and Steve were so friendly and helpful, providing advice on local restaurants and things to do in Kaikoura. Our room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The view was amazing. Free Wifi for all our devices was excellent. The biggest and best shower on our 2 week trip in NZ!
We had a great stay at the Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge. The room is in the right size and full equipped with Kitchenette. We also use the Sauna room for just $5 for half an hour. It's about 15 mins walk from the main street and the whale watch station. We would recommend this hotel to our friends.
Wonderful Location, Superb views, Great Hosts, Lovely House with plenty of communal areas. Breakfast was also very good.
Stayed here for 1 night. The shower area was really tiny, but the living room looked out to the sea and we had a nice view.
As our score indicates, our stay with Alison was fantastic - exceeded expectations and was a superb base to explore the delights of Kaikoura. The breakfasts were delicious and generous although there was some confusion initially about the status of the cooked breakfast in terms of expense! We much appreciated her help with booking restaurants, dolphin encounter, bush ...
Lobster inn is clean comfortable and a great base in Kaikoura..opposite big supermarket and around 10 minutes walk from main area..rooms lovely and clean with microwave toaster etc. A great stay
A staff member had to unexpectedly stay in Kaikoura overnight, and this was a comfortable and restful place to stay with good amenities. Booking and check in was trouble free, even though it was last-minute.
Spectacular view outside the room, it is extremely worth coming here, even if it is quite far from the city center. Breakfast is already provided in the room. But the only thing I want to complain is the female owner was very unpredictable for some reason. Overall, without being biased about the lady, I simply like accom and would recommend to anyone.
Excellent value and great location. Very helpful and welcoming young hosts. Clean and comfortable with new bathroom.
You need to check this out. If you want convention, check out something else. Wacky Stays is a Farmstay experience (help feed the animals) and is therefore a great stay for kids. For adults, if you are adventurous, you'll love this. The location is a couple of k's inland from Kaikoura. They'll send you directions. Don't trust the Satnav. The place consists of open fiel...
What a delight First Light was, beautiful part of Kaikoura up on the headland, just wish we had more time to spend there!! Tracey was very welcoming and the place had everything you would need. Would definitely recommend and make sure that you book a few days in the area so much to see and do.
A nice wee motel - bit close to the road for the truck noises - but great been so close to town. Valve for money.
4-star hotels in Kaikoura
Lobster inn is clean comfortable and a great base in Kaikoura..opposite big supermarket and around 10 minutes walk from main area..rooms lovely and clean with microwave toaster etc. A great stay
We used AGODA to book two nights accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura and somehow AGODA booked us in and the Bella Vista Motel didn't have any rooms left. We only found this out on arrival after driving up from Christchurch. Well, when we arrived the manager of the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura - can't remember her name sorry - had already seen that she didn...
We are on a 9 day trip in South Island. Kaikoura cottage motel was one of the best places we have stayed in. The cottages are spacious and private ~ you have the view of the garden and the mountains. It is so clean, with a full kitchen. It is 2km away from town and about a km to the town’s supermarket.
We had a wonderful one ought in Nikau lodge.brhe hosts were very hospital and helpful with all of our questions. It was a short walk to the dolphin encounter which we had booked the next day, which helped tremendously.
Excellent value and great location. Very helpful and welcoming young hosts. Clean and comfortable with new bathroom.
We enjoyed the stay in the hotel tremendously. Very comfortable room. Breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. Well maintained, spacious and colourful garden. Substantial breakfast provided. Small number of rooms in the property, personal touch from the host, which makes us feel like we were at home. We will return if we come by Kaikoura again.
Driving around the South Island Kiakoura was a must do. With limited properties avalaible i was able to book The Hamptons last minute. The price was a little higher but thats expected when most of the properties in the district is booked out with road workers. To my surpirse "The Hamptons" definetly gave us our value for money. the hosts were amazing so welcoming make...
also a very good motel in kaikoura. not so convenient as you need to drive about 5 mins to reach kaikoura town center. but there is a good take away food shop just opposite to the motel. great scenery, can see snow mountains just outside your room. room facilities is also good, compared to its room rate. better if have a bigger heater. in addition, the host...
we liked this because it was a great place to stay and explore the sights around kaikoura good people, dvd selection, wifi, breakfast
An excellent stay in first class accomodation, with knowledgable staff and great food. A new venture with a great future.
As our score indicates, our stay with Alison was fantastic - exceeded expectations and was a superb base to explore the delights of Kaikoura. The breakfasts were delicious and generous although there was some confusion initially about the status of the cooked breakfast in terms of expense! We much appreciated her help with booking restaurants, dolphin encounter, bush ...
We had a wonderful overnight stay and would stay there again but for longer.Carla and Steve were so friendly and helpful, providing advice on local restaurants and things to do in Kaikoura. Our room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The view was amazing. Free Wifi for all our devices was excellent. The biggest and best shower on our 2 week trip in NZ!
Very kind and helpful staff
5-star hotels in Kaikoura
fairways is a wonderful, luxurious property in which to spend a couple of days exploring the area. the fact that it is just south of town is fine if you have a car - if not i suggest staying on the esplanade. the apartment has excellent appointments and was wonderfully warm, with the large fireplace quite an interesting feature, as apparently it is mainly for looks...
We arrived early in Kaikoura and managed to check-in early. The unit was very basic. The location was nice as it was close to Kaikoura town. It has basic cooking facilities. Please note though that generally in New Zealand, the common practice is each unit will have a base price for generally 2 adults and each additional occupants will have a surcharge, regardless o...
We made a last-minute booking for Waves on the Esplanade in Kaikoura to split a very long journey up. It was the nicest accommodation we stayed in throughout our five week tour of Australia and New Zealand. The interior is spacious, the beds very comfortable. We could not find one fault with it. Fantastic!!
The unit was fitted out to a very high standard with all modern cons. It has sky TV which a lot do not. The unit was large and had a bath and shower. It was well designed and very comfortable. The position was ideal for looking out to sea and not far from the seal colony. This is a good standard to unwind in.
Location was good. No Wi-Fi which is pretty important. Out of 14 places we stayed over 3 weeks this was the only place with no Wi-Fi. You could smell garbage in garage from lower level near bedroom.
Unique, private and personal; a stunning night under a million stars. The Pod is an ingenious concept with every inch of it carefully thought out. We can't wait to try more Purepods!
Couldn't have enjoyed it more, except for the inclement weather - but we were off-season. Janet and Paul couldn't have been nicer, even though they were suffering through Team New Zealand's inability to close out the Americas Cup with a couple of Americans who didn't share their pain. Breakfasts were amazing, and we only wish we had more people to share the room(s) w...
Carol welcomed us warmly with a big basket full of snacks and fresh breakfast ingredients and bottle of wine in the fridge. However, I’m sorry to say that this was our least favourite this most expensive accommodation during our road trip in NZ. We paid the equivalent of 297 USD for a basic 1 bedroom apartment with double bed, sofa bed, bathroom and an improvised kitch...
Traveler impressions of Kaikoura
Kaikoura was simply amazing. I had so many new and wonderful experiences such as swimming with dolphins, photographing albatross and fur seals, and taking my first surfing lesson.
Nice city to stay if you have a car, it is difficult to get around they have only shuttle service running around the city, not even taxi.
Most people come here for whale watching and the coast. Else there is nothing much in the small coastal town.
Try locally caught and fresh lobster. Seafood shop on main road into Kaikoura just before turning to the shops has great seafood esp the smoked local fish.
You will never experience a more beautiful place like Kaikoura. Watch the whales and the dolphins and feel humbled.
Kaikoura's best hotels with breakfast
Didn't give facilities 5 stars because ripped carpet exposing metal with sharp prongs exposed which stabbed my foot. This is between main area & kitchen. We were unit 11.
We had a great stay at the Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge. The room is in the right size and full equipped with Kitchenette. We also use the Sauna room for just $5 for half an hour. It's about 15 mins walk from the main street and the whale watch station. We would recommend this hotel to our friends.
Caught Coastal train to Kaikoura then train again to Picton the next day. Need a car due to motels location. Very clean, good bed, hot shower, reasonably priced laundry facilities. Motel right neat the beach and supermarket within walking distance.
We used AGODA to book two nights accommodation at the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura and somehow AGODA booked us in and the Bella Vista Motel didn't have any rooms left. We only found this out on arrival after driving up from Christchurch. Well, when we arrived the manager of the Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura - can't remember her name sorry - had already seen that she didn...
fairways is a wonderful, luxurious property in which to spend a couple of days exploring the area. the fact that it is just south of town is fine if you have a car - if not i suggest staying on the esplanade. the apartment has excellent appointments and was wonderfully warm, with the large fireplace quite an interesting feature, as apparently it is mainly for looks...
We stayed at the cottage and as a young family, I appreciated the spacious house and the well-equipped kitchen was a dream come true with various condiments, dishwasher, oven and stove. Everything looks new, clean and well-maintained. The beds are the firmest we have ever and this stay was just the best that we had which rounded off our 2-week road trip around South Is...
Lobster inn is clean comfortable and a great base in Kaikoura..opposite big supermarket and around 10 minutes walk from main area..rooms lovely and clean with microwave toaster etc. A great stay
This was a good and clean hotel in Kaikoura, with own kithenette. Not in the city center, but close if you have a car.
You need to check this out. If you want convention, check out something else. Wacky Stays is a Farmstay experience (help feed the animals) and is therefore a great stay for kids. For adults, if you are adventurous, you'll love this. The location is a couple of k's inland from Kaikoura. They'll send you directions. Don't trust the Satnav. The place consists of open fiel...
As our score indicates, our stay with Alison was fantastic - exceeded expectations and was a superb base to explore the delights of Kaikoura. The breakfasts were delicious and generous although there was some confusion initially about the status of the cooked breakfast in terms of expense! We much appreciated her help with booking restaurants, dolphin encounter, bush ...
We enjoyed the stay in the hotel tremendously. Very comfortable room. Breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. Well maintained, spacious and colourful garden. Substantial breakfast provided. Small number of rooms in the property, personal touch from the host, which makes us feel like we were at home. We will return if we come by Kaikoura again.
Couldn't have enjoyed it more, except for the inclement weather - but we were off-season. Janet and Paul couldn't have been nicer, even though they were suffering through Team New Zealand's inability to close out the Americas Cup with a couple of Americans who didn't share their pain. Breakfasts were amazing, and we only wish we had more people to share the room(s) w...
Spectacular view outside the room, it is extremely worth coming here, even if it is quite far from the city center. Breakfast is already provided in the room. But the only thing I want to complain is the female owner was very unpredictable for some reason. Overall, without being biased about the lady, I simply like accom and would recommend to anyone.
We had a wonderful overnight stay and would stay there again but for longer.Carla and Steve were so friendly and helpful, providing advice on local restaurants and things to do in Kaikoura. Our room was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The view was amazing. Free Wifi for all our devices was excellent. The biggest and best shower on our 2 week trip in NZ!
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More about Kaikoura
By far, the most popular attractions of Kaikoura are tied to the ocean. From surfing to whale watching, this is truly the perfect place for marine-life enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy adventure sports. Most hotels in Kaikoura see a large number of tourists who arrive looking for exactly these activities, so they can help their guests arrange tours such as Dolphin Encounter and Whale Watch Kaikoura, along with many others. The town has many options for guided wilderness walks that lead to one of the many nature reserves, complete with access to wildlife and even camping opportunities.
With so many natural attractions from which to pick, there really is something for almost everyone to love about Kaikoura. The interactive map on this page is a great place to start exploring where the rest of the hotels and attractions surrounding Kaikoura are located.