Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
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Kaikoura Boutique Hotel

146 Esplanade Corner Brighton Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Traveller (210)
All rooms have the best quality linen and divine mattresses
Room & Suite (82)
Breakfast includes barista coffee to order and local eggs
Dining (15)

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Avg. $394 /night, 2/16 - 2/17
$394
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$315
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$236
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About

#5 of 19 hotels in Kaikoura
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Charming seaside historic hotel on Kaikoura's Esplanade - sea and mountain views galore - accommodation, cafe and bar. Accommodation spans 5-star waterfront to 4-star courtyard rooms, all beautifully appointed. Boo Teek Cafe serving breakfast daily from 8am. Boo Teek Bar serving a platter menu every afternoon til close (in the early evening). Fantastic champagne list if you are in celebration-mode. Great wine and martini lists to enjoy as well as local craft beer. Make your time in Kaikoura magical, come stay or visit x
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Breakfast available
Taxi service
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, German

Location

146 Esplanade Corner Brighton Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand

Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Josie1232003 wrote a review Aug 2023
Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed at the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel in a historic waterfront room and what a total delight the entire experience proved to be! I wish we had booked an additional night - we will next time! After living in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade, this is easily the best hotel accommodation we have stayed in here ... and we've travelled alot. The room was excellent: spacious, warm on arrival, excellent bathroom, immaculately clean, view of the mountains to the left and ocean in front, great bed and an easy 15 minute walk to the Pier Hotel. We enjoyed great cocktails in the cosy bar and the breakfast downstairs is not to be missed and really great value: a lovely cafe atmosphere, excellent barista coffee and cut above bread, fruit, muesli, yoghurt and eggs. Add to this an incredibly warm welcome and farewell from Jen who looked after us throughout. This place is a cut above and we'll be back.
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Date of stay: August 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The historic waterfront room is great!
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.
Response from Jen Barnes, Owner at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Responded 13 Aug 2023
Thanks for your beautiful and kind words. Love it when the hotel delivers the experience we strive for. Also, a big thanks for staying with us during Winter. Kaikoura is a seasonal tourist town that does it tough off-peak. Having travellers like you around literally ensures we survive, in every sense of the word. See you again we all hope, Jen x PS It's thanks to feedback like yours and others over recent months that it feels like we might be past those occasional covid-inspired "staff issues" - fingers firmly crossed :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ren T wrote a review May 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My favourite hotel in NZ (both islands included). It combines the cleanliness and modernity that is usually characteristic of a fancy 5 star hotel, but in the cosy space of a family owned business with the level of concern and detail that can only be attributed to those of us who work hard and build a business on one’s own reputation.

Every single day my room was serviced and immaculately cleaned, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay more pleasant and comfortable. It’s only walking distance from the main strip of shops and cafés, and the beachside walk is worth it just to catch a glimpse of the occasional seal or dolphin. Jen and Warren have poured their hearts into this hotel, creating a space most welcoming and warm, emanating creativity and good style. I won’t stay anywhere else.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
james_chairman wrote a review Dec 2023
Brighton, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The Kaikoura Boutique Hotel is located in an enviable position right on the beachfront in Kaikoura close to the town and all its amenities and attractions. The property itself is charming and well presented, offering lodgings but also open as a champagne/cocktail bar to the general public. We were only in Kaikoura for 2 nights for a pre booked whale watching tour and picked this place due to its close proximity. Our room in the main house was large, well equipped and immaculate with exquisite views from our own private terrace. By this point we’d been travelling a solid 13 days so were bored of constantly eating out for breakfast lunch and dinner. Instead we opted to buy a few beers and picky bits and have dinner on our terrace enjoying the amazing mountain and sea views. The owner was extremely lovely and welcoming and gave us lots of tips and suggestions on how to spend a very rainy day in the town. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone planning a stay in Kaikoura.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Free parking. Rooms in the main house are apparently much larger and come with a balcony.
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.
Deirdre M wrote a review Oct 2024
Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
2.0 of 5 bubbles
If you’re expecting a boutique hotel you are in for a big surprise especially if you’re in the courtyard rooms. Low end motel rooms is what you get with very basic bathroom. Clearly some very creative photos. Bedroom is very small . One on side of the bed when sitting on the bed your knees nearly touch the wall (I’m 1.65 so not tall). Luxury bathroom items - cotton wool pads & cotton buds in a miniature jam jar doesn’t cut it. Really not suitable for travellers with more than one tiny suitcase due to lack of space. We’ll be contacting our tour operator to suggest they down grade this hotel. Plus side it’s clean & courtyard pretty & well maintained
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Parking is good
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.
Atkos wrote a review Nov 2024
Pershore, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed here for just 1-night (to take advantage of a whale watching trip which was sadly cancelled) but it has just what you needed for a short stay. We were welcomed by the owner and promptly shown to our room (no.9) with a wonderful view out the front over the ocean. We found some lovely places in the little town for good coffee and seafood but left early the following day so didn’t get to try the breakfast. Clean and comfortable. Would recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip 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.
Simone wrote a review Apr 2024
2.0 of 5 bubbles
1. if booking the historic waterfront room then need to stipulate you want the one with balcony facing towards township and sun (as per website advertised photos with three windows facing water outlook) as otherwise might be disappointed at checkin as was I- we were instead put in the “other” historic room (in fact this being a junior suite room layout if look at website photos) which was facing away from township and sun;
2. Beware price gouging;
3. Do not expect service of room despite 4.5 star rating;
4. Do not expect request for delayed checkout to be honoured, as when I requested 11am checkout as offered by the hotelier ( which was confirmed by email) I was then left a rude note questioning my “late” departure.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip 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.
Response from Jen Barnes, Owner at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Responded 29 Apr 2024
Hello Simone. Based on our email communications to date, I was surprised to hear about the list of issues you detail. I agree with you on two points, poor room servicing and not honouring a pre-arranged late check out are unacceptable. In the 3-4 weeks prior to your stay (April 2024), we encountered these issues a number of times - thankfully isolated to specific staff. We work so hard on delivering these basic service levels, it's upsetting how quickly they unravel thanks for one or two bad apples. Happy to report, we have a couple of strategic hires onboarding over the next month. We need these issues. We are far more annoyed about this than you are, trust me! On room types - I confirm there are two historic waterfronts - both have front facing see views and lovely large balconies - the difference being their orientation in the building. One facing west and one facing east. (The east facing also splits into a twin bed configuration, making it rather sought-after). We routinely juggle rooms according to guest preference - which in your case we were unaware of. "(Not sure if this helps, but I can also confirm the room you wanted had been booked by another guest well prior to receiving yours - and that we were entirely unaware of your expectations). At all times, we aim to deliver a range of room types and price points to suit every budget, and our rates are publicly listed on our own and third-party websites for all to see. That you feel price gouged is a horror to me. If you have an issue with incorrect charges, please contact me on the reservations line at the hotel. Wishing you well, Jen
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Sharon H wrote a review Nov 2022
Wellington, New Zealand
3.0 of 5 bubbles
The Garden rooms are refurbished 1970s style hotel rooms, although the bedroom was small it was nicely decorated with all the mod cons. The bathroom was not as well done (eg mismatched Lino) and needed some work.

At the end of the day (at close to $200) our room was too expensive for what it was, especially with the town being so quiet.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip 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.
cantabonline wrote a review Jan 2022
Christchurch, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you are looking to spend some of those Covid free days you have been accumulating, this is the place for you.
The Hotel itself is located on the Esplanade right across the road from the Pacific Ocean and fully accessible.
Intrigued by the simple A frame Sandwich Board outside this beautiful Boutique Hotel offering Cocktails and Platters, and as the hour of the day required cocktails, we were welcomed into the secluded Al Fresco Courtyard Bar adjoining the Hotel, which also overlooked the Pacific Ocean.
If you don’t have a favourite cocktail in mind, the attentive staff will assist with everything from a simple Mimosa to your evening Espresso Martini, alternatively an impressive selection of beers and wines are available.
Now to the A frame Sandwich board. My wife and I were in the mood for platters, from this selection, and being in Kaikoura, we chose the Seafood Bouillabaisse.
OMG this Provençal fish stew was elevated to another level, beautifully balanced, an absolute joy to the palate, I asked the waitress if Chef had added fennel oil to the dish, without a blink of an eye, I was informed the fennel had been ground, she then went on to provide the other elements of the dish, clearly both the Chef & staff have respect for the product.
As the Courtyard at the time of writing was only open until sunset, if you are not actually walking along the Esplanade, phone ahead you will not be disappointed. Better still, stay a night or two either within the Historic two story main building or in the spacious rooms surrounding the inner courtyard and gardens.
Will we be back, absolutely .
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Date of stay: January 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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.
LPom wrote a review Apr 2024
Plymouth, Minnesota
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed upstairs in main lodge and had great views over the sea. Small deck off room was great for an evening cocktail. Roams are cozy, but comfortable and nicely remodeled in a modern style. Perfect location along the esplanade and easy walk to town or restaurants. Not sure if they have all new staff or what but they were not knowledgeable about much of anything. We paid for the continental breakfast- don’t bother. Questionable at best and worst of our trip. They had huge espresso machines(part of the bar) but the gal setting out breakfast said she didn’t know how to use it. She brewed a pot of coffee. No fresh fruit or pastries, croissants, etc. Just dry cereal with canned fruit and yogurt.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Head to a restaurant for breakfast. Skip what’s offered there.
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.
Response from Jen Barnes, Owner at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Responded 29 Apr 2024
Oh goodness, we have had nothing but great feedback on our breakfast - hearing this makes me very sad. Will try to work out when you stayed, but suspect you did in fact strike the first few days of a new team member - bugs I believe have now been well and truly ironed out. There should always be fresh baked pastries (a selection in fact) as well as eggs! You didn't happen to come in prior to breakfast being fully set up by any chance? Love to know the details surrounding this, if you would be so kind to call me at the hotel on the reservations line. Thanks.
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David M wrote a review Mar 2023
Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
On our arrival at the hotel, just after 3pm, we had at least a half hour wait to be checked in. The receptionist was in another part of the hotel and poked her head in to the reception area just to say that she was busy doing something else but would he with us as soon as she could. We were one of 3 groups waiting to be checked in. I sensed some under staffing issues!

In terms of the room at this hotel, I would say it was just ‘ok’. We were in a room at the back of the hotel, in a detached set of rooms (ie not in main building). Not particularly spacious and a tiny toilet/shower room. Shower was pretty good though. The room was basic & had basic facilities. Double bed was small but comfortable. Single glazing meant we woke up each morning to condensation soaked windows and had to open them up to dry them out. That wasn’t particularly nice! So in terms of the room, it was just ok!

I think my biggest gripe about the hotel was the price of the drinks! We’d been to a pub just up the road where the cost of a pint of beer was about NZD 11 (fair enough) . We returned to the hotel for a drink a short while later and I ordered 2 drinks, one of which was a beer (ale). It was advertised as the same price as the pub so I thought that was ok. I was shocked when I was then presented with a small ‘wine glass’ with beer in it, which amounted to about third of a pint maximum. I was a little too shocked to say anything and thought that the lady serving must have given me the wrong type of glass, surely?!!! Needless to say it was the only drink we bought there during our stay.

On a more positive note, I would like to mention Tyler who was on duty on the morning of our departure. We became aware of a problem we would likely face further on our onward journey. Tyler was really helpful with suggestions to help us resolve the matter and allowed use the hotel phone for a good hour or so (albeit on a freephone number). Her friendliness and understanding about our predicament pushed our score to 3/5. We appreciated what she did even though we’d virtually checked out of the hotel!
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: We found a good cafe next to a laundromat to wash clothes whilst eating breakfast. It's called...
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.
Response from Jen Barnes, Owner at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Responded 11 Aug 2023
You sensed correctly, staffing stress is real and we feel it too from time to time. Thought the entire world had at least an understanding about this by now? Our tap beers are served in 400ml glasses - don't be fooled because its stemmed. Wine glass serves are 150ml, fyi. Readers... we have had air conditioning installed in all rooms, this mitigates condensatiin issues. Use the plain airflow function if you don't want to sleep with aircon or want to avoid condensation. All rooms we fitted with this functionality in Febrary 2023... you stayed in March by the looks? Don't know what to say.....
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Answer from KaikouraBoutique
Kaikoura, New Zealand
OMG! Just saw your question... We will reopen more glamorous than ever in October. Sorry we weren't able to accommodate you x
KazDiller asked a question Oct 2015
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom2 contributions6 helpful votes
Is breakfast included in the rates? Thank you
Answer from Robyn S
Kaikoura, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi there. A lovely Continental buffet breakfast is available during the summer months for an extra $19.50pp. Kind regards, Robyn.
KazDiller asked a question Oct 2015
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom2 contributions6 helpful votes
Is breakfast included in the rates? Thank you
Answer from Robyn S
Kaikoura, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi there. During summer a lovely continental buffet breakfast is included at an additional cost of $19.50. Kind regards, Robyn.
Answer from Robyn S
Kaikoura, New Zealand2 contributions
Hi Sarah. I am so sorry, but we do not have the facilities to have three adults per room. All of our rooms just have the one bed, either a Queen or a King. In this case I would suggest 2 rooms, perhaps the smallest room, the Courtyard Standard would be suitable for your son? Kind regards, Robyn.
Sailorgal12345 wrote a tip Nov 2024
Canada409 contributions234 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Confirm the room size so there are no surprises!"
Read full review
Deirdre M wrote a tip Oct 2024
Sevenoaks, United Kingdom1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Parking is good"
Read full review
Lorraine wrote a tip Oct 2024
Wellington, New Zealand1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Happy with everything "
Read full review
LPom wrote a tip Apr 2024
Plymouth, Minnesota218 contributions124 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Head to a restaurant for breakfast. Skip what’s offered there."
Read full review
Julia @Scrumptious Solent wrote a tip Mar 2024
Southampton, United Kingdom4,428 contributions337 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"The upstairs bedrooms in the main house face the seafront"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Kaikoura area.
PRICE RANGE
$228 - $375 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Maxtons On The Shore
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionKaikoura
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, 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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KAIKOURA BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Updated 2025 Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Ohau Point Seal Colony (1.0 km), Kaikoura Museum (1.0 km), and Kaikoura Lookout (1.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cafe Encounter, The Pier Hotel Restaurant, and The Whaler.
Is Kaikoura Boutique Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Kaikoura.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and German.
Are there any historical sites close to Kaikoura Boutique Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Fyffe House (1.7 km).
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