Ruakaka Beach Front Motel
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Ruakaka Beach Front Motel
67 Bream Bay Drive, Ruakaka 0116 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 1 apartment in Ruakaka
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
With over 15 kilometres of soft sand and blue ocean at your doorstep, Ruakaka Beach is the perfect backdrop for your Kiwi holiday. From relaxing and unwinding at the beach, to getting into some of the best surf and outdoor sports in New Zealand. Treat yourself to some time off at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel. Choose from 18 self-contained units - 11 of them with views of the ocean. Enjoy a shared barbeque area, laundry facilities, full MySky TV, and spacious bathrooms in each and every room.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Beach
Hiking
Children's television networks
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Secured parking
Wifi
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Horseback riding
Fishing
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun deck
Room features
Dining area
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Sofa
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Location
67 Bream Bay Drive, Ruakaka 0116 New Zealand
Getting there
26 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
5.0
143 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled close to the shore, Ruakaka Beach Front Motel is celebrated for providing exceptional value, with its spotless premises and advantageous location being a highlight for many guests. The motel's atmosphere is regularly applauded, with its cozy and spacious rooms offering breathtaking views that contribute to a serene environment.
Reviewers frequently commend the motel's well-equipped rooms, especially the kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays. Despite some desires for improved Wi-Fi and air conditioning, the motel's cleanliness and commendable staff service ensure a pleasant and comfortable experience.
Location
Beachfront
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Excellent
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Helpful
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
Last minute booking as I had business meeting to attend in area. From the street it looks like a 1950s institution but upon arrival we were very pleasantly surprised. We had the 2 bedroom unit 16 on the upper floor which had some sea views. I would go for upper floor as lower floor units might be more noisy and dont have views. The location is great being pretty much beachfront (gorgeous beach and views) and very close to surf lifesaver patrolled area (250m). We stayed 2 nights. The interior was very nicely decorated- simple but very functional and comfortable. The kitchenette was appointed well enough allowing one to cook if required. Overall the unit was very clean and updated with lots of entertainment options, particularly as previous users had not signed out of their Netflix, Prime and Disney accounts!
The beds were comfortable enough and the area is quiet so had no issues with noise and the rooms are more spacious than modern building offerings. My only (very minor) complaints would be the old Felton mix style shower head and the window joinery. The water pressure was very high and the water blasted out. A more modern shower rose with some adjustibility would be better for user comfort as well as saving water. The building windows are all original and so are single glazed which means the units could get cold in winter, but we visited in high summer and so this was not an issue. Overall a fantastic find and would definitely stay here in future.
The beds were comfortable enough and the area is quiet so had no issues with noise and the rooms are more spacious than modern building offerings. My only (very minor) complaints would be the old Felton mix style shower head and the window joinery. The water pressure was very high and the water blasted out. A more modern shower rose with some adjustibility would be better for user comfort as well as saving water. The building windows are all original and so are single glazed which means the units could get cold in winter, but we visited in high summer and so this was not an issue. Overall a fantastic find and would definitely stay here in future.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: limited dining options in Ruakaka so head 10 min down road to Waipu
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I and our 2 teenagers stayed a night here in unit 14. The rooms were very modern and light. The whole unit was very clean and tidy, and smelled fresh. The shower had excellent pressure and was very clean with no mold or mildew. There was plenty of towels, soap and shampoo. Milk was left in the fridge with a good selection of tea and coffee. This unit had an absolutely stunning view. The couch was really comfy and there was a good-sized table with comfortable chairs to sit and look at the view from, while eating. The beach was right in front of us, with no road to cross. We felt totally comfortable and would have like to have stayed longer. We would not hesitate to stay here again and would highly recommend this accommodation to anyone.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Located in the perfect spot on Ruakaka beach, right by the fifeguard station & The Bach Cafe, we could see the ocean from our One Bedroom Upstairs room. Only a short walk to the local dairy for an icecream, what an awesome place to relax.
The room was such great value for money, very clean and tidy with a small kitchen with everything you might need (we cooked both nights) just bring your food and you are set!
Our room had a great little balcony looking out towards the beach, perfect to read a book and have your morning coffee.
The owners were fantastic & really accommodating, I cannot recommend this place highly enough, we will definitely be back.
The room was such great value for money, very clean and tidy with a small kitchen with everything you might need (we cooked both nights) just bring your food and you are set!
Our room had a great little balcony looking out towards the beach, perfect to read a book and have your morning coffee.
The owners were fantastic & really accommodating, I cannot recommend this place highly enough, we will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Managed to grab two rooms for my sister and I for a New Years Eve overnighter. After a great night's sleep, had a quick dip in the ocean which is right on the doorstep. Then whipped up some pancakes (one room had a full kitchen) and exited feeling refreshed and renourished. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: They generally have a two night minimum but I rang the manager on the off-chance that there was a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stay at this motel as often as I can when visiting Northland as in my opinion it is the best value for money, beautifully clean, well-appointed and the staff are absolutely wonderful I cannot recommend this hotel enough. If you are staying for a short period or need to stay for longer the kitchen facilities within the rooms means you can pretty much cater for yourself if you wanted to - although there are restaurants in the area. 10/10 from me.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Even if you have to work in Whangarei the 1/2 hour drive to this motel is well worth the extra...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a family group we stayed at the Ruakaka Beachfront Motel for a second time. I have NO negative comment to make. The booking process was easy, Check-in was easy, the rooms are spotlessly clean with exceptional kitchen amenities. A great service with clean towels etc daily. The beach is so easily accessible and although we have not stayed in summer it must be perfect. A very nice BBQ area was good for us and family members. Parking is on site and outside each downstairs unit. We occupied both upstairs and downstairs units. I have only good points to make and will certainly look to stay there again when we next visit New Zealand. Thank you Jed for another good experience at your motel.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
10 of us from the Waikato Classic Motorcycle club us toured the far north last week, and stayed here on the way to Waiheke, on our way home. This was probably the cleanest and best maintained Motel on the trip, it's owner was very friendly and helpful. The nearby beach location was a bonus, walking on the white sand beach was a superb experience.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Accomodation: 5/5 Beds. Linen and towels all clean and comfy
Staff friendliness: 5/5. Friendly staff and fast communication turn around!
Unit: 5/5 Cleanliness and more than enough space for family of 4
Kitchen: 4/5 The vegetable peeler was part of the original team that sailed and discovered New Zealand. Some appliances could use a sharpen and freshen up.
Thanks for a great stay. Overall 4/5 though. Its a small thing but we asked if an early checking was possible which was confirmed on the phone. However we were not made aware on the phone that there would be an additional $20 fee. If it wasn't for this I would give it a 5/5.
Staff friendliness: 5/5. Friendly staff and fast communication turn around!
Unit: 5/5 Cleanliness and more than enough space for family of 4
Kitchen: 4/5 The vegetable peeler was part of the original team that sailed and discovered New Zealand. Some appliances could use a sharpen and freshen up.
Thanks for a great stay. Overall 4/5 though. Its a small thing but we asked if an early checking was possible which was confirmed on the phone. However we were not made aware on the phone that there would be an additional $20 fee. If it wasn't for this I would give it a 5/5.
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: All the upstairs units have a view towards the sea.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel and thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, despite the weather!! ...really handy to the beach and nearby a cafe just over the road. Facilities, cleanliness and parking accessibility were excellent
The cleaner Donna is one of the best cleaners we have experienced in all our decades of staying in hotels and motels around the world.
The cleaner Donna is one of the best cleaners we have experienced in all our decades of staying in hotels and motels around the world.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Go upstairs for the view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a great motel. It is right beside miles of white sandy beach. We stay each year in the spacious, well equipped accessible unit.
There are surprisingly few genuinely accessible motels in NZ. This one is very spacious, comfortable and has everything we need. The kitchen is not very accessible but the queen sized bed is raised so you can get a hoist under and the bathroom is well designed. The unit is not new but it is clean, neat and well looked after. There is also a single bed in the room.
We drive up almist to the door in our van and can unload the equipment with ease.
The staff are great. Helpful, welcoming and efficient.
There is a cafe across the road which serves good coffee and food, a coffee cart nearby, a supermarket, pharmacy and amenities, all nearby.
I like Ruakaka because it is laid back and relaxing, well away from traffic, noise and our busy lives.
There are surprisingly few genuinely accessible motels in NZ. This one is very spacious, comfortable and has everything we need. The kitchen is not very accessible but the queen sized bed is raised so you can get a hoist under and the bathroom is well designed. The unit is not new but it is clean, neat and well looked after. There is also a single bed in the room.
We drive up almist to the door in our van and can unload the equipment with ease.
The staff are great. Helpful, welcoming and efficient.
There is a cafe across the road which serves good coffee and food, a coffee cart nearby, a supermarket, pharmacy and amenities, all nearby.
I like Ruakaka because it is laid back and relaxing, well away from traffic, noise and our busy lives.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"They generally have a two night minimum but I rang the manager on the off-chance that there was a gap between bookings and lucked-in! "Read full review
"Even if you have to work in Whangarei the 1/2 hour drive to this motel is well worth the extra travel."Read full review
"Consider there is some traffic at the front - sometimes early morning which may disturb light sleepers!"Read full review
"Located right next to beachfront with great swimming & surfclub, cafes, sights/experiences nearby."Read full review
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Bream Bay Motel
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandNorthland RegionRuakaka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingRUAKAKA BEACH FRONT MOTEL - Updated 2025 Apartment Reviews (New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruakaka Beach Front Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Nearby attractions include Ruakaka Beach (0.2 km) and Uretiti Beach (3.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and reduced mobility rooms.
Which room amenities are available at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Ruakaka Beach Front Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Spice Route Indian Restaurant, Porthouse Bar & Eatery, and The Bach Cafe.
Does Ruakaka Beach Front Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Ruakaka Beach Front Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.