Sands Motel
48 Whangaumu Street, Tutukaka 0173 New Zealand
Lowest prices for your stay
US$108
Free cancellation until 13/08/22
US$94
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Pool & Beach (3)
Room & Suite (3)
About
#1 of 4 B&Bs / Inns in Tutukaka
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
See why so many travellers make Sands Motel their small hotel of choice when visiting Tutukaka. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.
Rooms at Sands Motel provide a refrigerator and a kitchenette, and guests can stay connected with free wifi.
Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Sands Motel.
During your visit, be sure to check out a popular Tutukaka fish and chips restaurant such as Wahi Restaurant, which is a short distance from Sands Motel.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Sands Motel as you experience all of the things Tutukaka has to offer.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Beach
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Location
Full view
Contact
48 Whangaumu Street, Tutukaka 0173 New Zealand
Getting there
Car HireSee all Tutukaka car hire
62Reviews0Q+A16Room tips
Reviews
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Glad we booked for a few nights so we had time enough to beach comb and climb a few hills to see the sights. But remember to book with the low tides being the middle of the day in order to get around the rocky points. Fishing was good. The motel unit was supplied with everything you need. Two fridges! There are no nearby food shops or restaurants so you need to bring all your own tucker. When booking the motel informed us what our unit was fitted with. Car was given a covered park. Happy to return.
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Right on the water, but far enough back to be private and peaceful. Pleasantly appointed units and lots of space, so you feel like you have the place to yourself even when its full. A must visit - but leave room for us to return, and we will again and again. We were out of lock down so some of the following questions don't apply. Hand sanitiser was also provided.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: All rooms look out to the bay and have nice outdoor areas
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Shirley Miller, General Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 23 Oct 2020
Thank you for your lovely comments. Certainly is the place to "re-charge". Nice to know the dolphins also liked visiting again during the week. Hope we get to see more of them this summer. :-) Shirley
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A great little place to stay right on the beach front. Quiet and with everything you could ask for. The lovely staff member we met was very helpful and friendly. Was a little chilly overnight but the heaters worked a treat. Unfortunately also a bit windy so didn't take advantage of the outdoor area too much but would have been great on a calm, sunny day.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: All rooms have a view of the ocean. Perfect!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 5 Feb 2020
Thank you for your review, we have certainly had some erratic weather over the past few weeks. The winds kept everyone inside, unfortunately. Now the heat is driving everyone into our beautiful, clear, clean ocean. Hope we do have the pleasure of your company again soon. Regards, Shirley
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Beautiful motel, situated just on the beach, with a lovely green area in the centre with trees and picnic benches. Loved hearing the sound of the ocean from our room! Clean and decent accommodation. Brett and Shirley were friendly and very helpful. We loved it there. One recommendation I would make is for the place to provide a mosquito net and/or better mosquito protection on the windows and even something for the outer doors if they could. I got quite a few mosquito bites, and we frequently had one or more of them in the room at night. This was the only fly in the ointment (excuse the pun!).
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Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 1 Jan 2020
Thank you for your awesome review. We did have the buildings and foliage sprayed for mossies & other creepy crawlies 9th December, so maybe your stay was just prior to that. We also do have citronella candles available for outdoors, but maybe I need to advise guests of that, so thank you for bringing that to our attention. Look forward to your next visit. Shirley & Brett
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Sands motel is an amazing little find. We've stayed here twice and planning to go again. Beautiful view, steps from the beach. Everything you need and perfectly maintained by friendly hosts Shirley and Brett. The motel and the beach are a real oasis even at the height of holiday season. Totally relaxing.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 14 Jan 2019
Thank you, we enjoyed your company over the few days you were here. Yes even at peak time, still a relaxed atmosphere under the old Pohutakawas, and the spectacular sunsets are breathtaking. See you again soon -- Brett & Shirley
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This was our 2nd stay. And we will definitely be staying again. The rooms are perfect and have everything you need. Everything is clean and tidy. The beds are comfi. The location is stunning and a easy drive to Tutukaka and Ngaruru for shops, cafes, take aways etc. The property managers Shirley & Brett are amazing! So helpful and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Highly recommend. A+++
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We were fortunate to stay four nights in the picturesque Whangaumu bay in this beautiful motel The Sands. Found by chance after an air bnb booking in Whangarei turned to custard, We would highly recommend this spot, owned & operated by delightful couple Shirley & Brett who can’t do enough to make your stay amazing. We would rate The cleanliness, amenities and standard of the units 11/10. You simply can’t fault anything. The Motels location and outlook is amazing - it’s directly on the beach. Each unit opens up onto a large tree covered lawn, well equipped with bbqs, picnic tables, foot baths and all is well lit up at night. Each morning you wake up to Tuis singing and the sound of the waves. We Felt well and truly relaxed and rested after our stay at the Sands Motel and Would highly recommend this holiday spot to everyone. We will return ! Although don’t tell everyone !!…
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 9 Sep 2018
Thank you Kirsty, was an absolute pleasure to host yourselves and the other "hockey" parents for the week. The Tuis have been very songful lately along with the Thrushes, so Spring must be in the air. Look forward to you returning in the future, and thank you for leaving the unit immaculate as well. Shirley
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We loved it here! We had a great motel unit that was equipped with everything we needed, Overlooking the water, Peaceful :) The hosts were great, so friendly and considerate of our 2 year old. A short drive to Tutukaka for a nice meal out on the marina. We are definitely coming back :)
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Water views
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 30 Jul 2018
Thank you for your lovely comments. We enjoy having families come to Sands Motel and sharing the awesome Whangaumu Bay beach and walks. Look forward to your return visit some time. Shirley
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Amazing place to stay. The location is incredible and the property managers are the so nice and welcoming. The rooms are clean & tidy and have everything you need. We stayed in room 6 and had the greatest beach views. The rooms are comfortable & practicable and can sleep 4 easily and up to 6 (on pull out couch) if needed. I highly recommend this place & will definitely be staying again. Totally amazing & affordable
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 17 Jul 2018
Thank you for a great review - Yes Whangaumu Bay is an amazing place. Such a great area to explore and enjoy all year round. Look forward to your return in the future - Shirley & Brett
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A clean motel right on the waters edge. Very comfortable and everything you could need in a self contained unit. We had 2 bedrooms and a kitchen that was easy to cook in. The owners were very friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from ShirleyorBrett, Manager at Sands Motel
Responded 11 Jul 2018
We enjoy being able to share Whangaumu Bay with our guests. Even in Winter the Bay is an awesome destination to just unwind and relax - Shirley
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PRICE RANGE
US$95 - US$110 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandNorthland RegionTutukaka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Sands Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Sands Motel?
Nearby attractions include Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve (2.9 km) and Tutukaka Headland (2.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sands Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and self serve laundry.
What are some restaurants close to Sands Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Schnappa Rock, Wahi Restaurant, and Salt Air Cafe.