Barnacle Bills
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.

Barnacle Bills

86 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Can't Miss It
Traveller (48)
Large Lounge Area
Room & Suite (56)
dining Area
Dining (2)

View prices for your travel dates

Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.

About

#2 of 6 cottages in Kaikoura
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Just next to the iconic Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, Barnacle Bills is nestled in a flower garden onlooking the towering Mt Fyffe to the left and the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean to your right. Both the Cottage and the Lodge are ideal for families, couples and groups seeking sunshine, mountain air and the fresh breeze of the sea. Our goal at Barnacle Bills is to offer you the finest combination of peace and quiet, cosy family fun and that much desired, ""home away from home"" feel. In each self contained accommodation there are fully equipped kitchens, plentiful freezer and fridge, flat screen TV, electric blankets on each bed as well as electric heating. Extensive relaxing area both inside and outside as well as free wireless internet, dvds, books, board games and plenty of off street boat and car parking is provided as well.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Blackout curtains
Sofa
Private bathrooms
Kitchenette
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Electric blanket
Complimentary toiletries
Oven
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Czech

Location

86 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 102
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
waynefnz wrote a review Aug 2021
Christchurch, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
10 people, three days. A fabulous location and plenty of spaces and beds to accommodate 8 adults (3 couples, two singletons) and 2 teenagers. Great cooking facilities and a lovely break. Close to facilities, and the Tom's track walk is a good workout for those so inclined.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
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.
Maza223 wrote a review Oct 2020
Ashburton, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a lovely 3 night stay in the lodge at Barnacle Bills. The hosts were super helpful and friendly. The house was immaculately clean and the beds extremely comfortable. We had everything we needed and more. Loved the seaside decor and the atmosphere of the house was lovely and cozy yet modern. Would definitely return. Thanks so much for having us hopefully we will see you again!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020Trip 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.
glendacheal wrote a review Oct 2018
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had 2 nights at Barnacle Bills cottage and would have stayed longer if time allowed. The cottage is extremely comfortable and very well appointed, everything we could possibly need. The views of the ocean and the snow covered mountains were breathtaking, magnificent walking tracks for those so inclined or only a short drive to the town centre. Liz is a very friendly host and shared tips on the local area.

Sitting out on the deck admiring the view and looking at Liz’s garden is definitely a wonderful way to spend some time.

Thanks Liz
Read more
Date of stay: October 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teddy_B_Bear wrote a review Oct 2011
Melbourne, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Barnacle Bill was a well-known diver around Kia Koura. He built this place especially for diving groups or other people who want to explore the coastline and enjoy the many fruits of the sea. (It is featured on this gastro vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGACbn7dyX0.)

The place has two units. We stayed in the “bunk house”. This can accommodate up 12 people (as along as some of them are happy to share!) In addition to the bunkroom, there is large lounge with a monster wood heater, pool table and large kitchen table. It also includes freezes and fridges that will easily cater for any size groups. The second unit is a two-bedroom cottage.

Liz, Bill’s widow, is a keen gardener with her efforts on display around both units. There are also BBQs, crayfish pots and the outdoor wood stove as featured in the video available for use.

By road it is a few kilometers out of town but there is walking track directly into town that gets you there in about 10 minutes and in the centre of town in about 20. The walking track is part of Kia Koura Peninsula walking track. This is a 2-3 hour walk and well worth the effort.

The accommodation is basic but comfortable (my bed was one of the better ones I had on this trip). You will find Liz a friendly and helpful host. Value for money wise you will struggle to do better.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2011
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Jasmine38Chichester UK wrote a review Feb 2019
Chichester, United Kingdom
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Run by a very friendly and helpful host, Barnacle Bills has a a cottage and lodge next door to each other. We stayed in the smaller cottage that sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms.

Comfortable and well equipped accommodation. Large open plan living, dining and kitchen that almost felt too large for two people as wasn't very cosy. I didn't much care for the decor, especially the cork wall, but I guess that's a personal thing. The bed was comfortable, which is one of the most important things.

Location is peaceful, above the town and pretty much on the peninsula walkway, which is handy. However, it should be noted there are no amenities within walking distance. Nice outdoor seating area with partial sea view. Friendly pig out back.

We had a good stay and thought the cottage was good value for money
Read more
Date of stay: February 2019Trip 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.
UKC0uple wrote a review Dec 2018
Barnsley, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were coming to the end of our North and south driving tour of the islands and our last Stay was 2 nights at Barnacle Bills in Kaikoura and we were delighted to see our accommodation was just what we expected it to be. We booked the lodge which is really a family accommodation, but just 2 of us we had lots and lots of room. The lodge is ideal for a large family containing 2 bedrooms one with 3 single beds and the other with 1 double and 2 singles. The cooking area and dining area are well equipped with all you need to make any meals you desire. the seating area has 2 settees and an armchair. The property had a bathroom with shower and toilet plus a second room with toilet and basin. We found Bills great value for money. Only downside was the weather (raining) so mist the whale spotting cruise, Kaikoura town was disappointing not much there, suppose we were disappointed with the weather missing viewing the Stars, and missed whale cruise. BUT we would definitely recommend Barnacle Bills for your stay
Read more
Date of stay: December 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip 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.
Karen S wrote a review Aug 2018
Nelson
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were two couples on a weekend getaway and had the best time at Barnacle Bill's cottage accommodation. Liz warmly welcomed us and settled us in,before making some dinner recommendations. The cottage was bright, clean, spacious, well-appointed and with a great bathroom and bedroom facilities (noting that the second bedroom has two single beds). Had we wanted to cook, the kitchen was well set up for us to do so. If we had been staying longer we would have enjoyed making use of the lovely terrace with outdoor table and chairs and a simply beautiful view of the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges and the ocean. Thanks Liz - we absolutely loved staying at your place!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip 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.
Jezza N wrote a review Aug 2018
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed a couple of nights in Kaikoura. Barnacle Bills is situated just out of town on the high ground along Scarbourgh Rd. A steep pathway opposite the cottage takes you down towards the waterfront. The sun rises across the ocean into the front windows, so we sat on the veranda for our morning coffee and just admired the amazing view.

All the amenities work well and the cottage (there is also the lodge next door) is lovely and snug. As it was winter, we had the two heaters in the living room on which is enough to warm the room up. The bathroom doesn't have a heater, but the water is hot. The beds have electric blankets which made for a comfortable night's sleep. There are washing machines, but no dryers (but washing lines in garden).

We had a super friendly welcome, with milk being provided on arrival, and a well stocked kitchen. It's worth noting that payment is only by cash or bank transfer. There are three ATMs in town, be aware that the NZB bank limits its withdrawal to NZ$400 for foreign cards, but the other banks are higher amounts.

P.S. Ginger, the neighboring pig, is very friendly...especially if you have some food to share.

P.P.S. We ate at the Pier - nice beers, wine and food.
Read more
Date of stay: August 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allgoodthyngs wrote a review May 2018
Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our only disappointment was that we couldn't stay longer. We loved out time at Barnacle Bills a fabulous accommodation, not only affording terrific views but being well appointed with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The area is spacious, homely, peaceful and we slept really well.

The location is idea, we loved going up to the viewpoint for a walk at sunset, great photo opportunity and you're not far from town for shopping trips.

Liz is a soul of genuine kindness offering help in every way that she can. Her knowledge of information the area will help with any plans you need to make, logistics, shopping etc. The cottage is also in a superb garden, I spent many happy hours with my camera and would have liked longer as we found there is lots to do around Kaikoura.

We offer our thanks to Liz for making our time in Kaikoura so comfortable.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2018
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: All are perfect.
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.
mmrbluewater wrote a review Apr 2017
Kauai, Hawaii
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I spent two nights in the cottage at Barnacle Bill's and were very with the experience there. The cottage is a very large space with two bedrooms, a living area, and a full kitchen with everything you need for a comfortable stay. We were only two but the space would be perfect for families with children as there's a second bedroom with three twin beds. It would qualify as a basic accommodation but the bed was very comfortable, the whole space was clean, bright, and airy, and everything worked perfectly. Liz was very helpful and even offered to shuttle us back to the property after doing the peninsula walk.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2017Trip 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.
No results found.Try changing or clearing your search to read questions and answers.
Ebony B wrote a tip Jul 2018
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Smaller cottage has better views :)"
Read full review
Carolyn E wrote a tip Jul 2018
Auckland, New Zealand17 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Great views, awesome host"
Read full review
Allgoodthyngs wrote a tip May 2018
Shrewsbury, United Kingdom1,629 contribution463 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"All are perfect."
Read full review
Wendy H wrote a tip Dec 2017
Reading, United Kingdom5 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Quiet country side setting. Very peaceful."
Read full review
singapore critic wrote a tip Apr 2017
Singapore, Singapore267 contributions103 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Cottage was very comfortable"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Kaikoura area.
PRICE RANGE
$203 - $247 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionKaikoura
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

BARNACLE BILLS - Cottage Reviews & Price Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions about Barnacle Bills
Which popular attractions are close to Barnacle Bills?
Nearby attractions include Ohau Point Seal Colony (0.7 km), Kaikoura Museum (1.1 km), and Kaikoura Lookout (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Barnacle Bills?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and self serve laundry.
Which room amenities are available at Barnacle Bills?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Barnacle Bills?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Barnacle Bills?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Barnacle Bills?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cafe Encounter, King Tide Eatery, and Bean Me Up.
Is Barnacle Bills located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Kaikoura.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Barnacle Bills?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Czech.
Are there any historical sites close to Barnacle Bills?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Fyffe House (2.0 km).
All Kaikoura HotelsKaikoura Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in KaikouraHotels near Barnacle Bills
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire