The White Morph Heritage Collection
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The White Morph Heritage Collection
92-94 Esplanade post code: 7300, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
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Avg. $259 /night, 3/20 - 3/21
$414
per night
$322
per night
$229
per night
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About
#4 of 19 hotels in Kaikoura
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.
Set on the Esplanade in iconic Kaikoura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean right to the distant horizon and mountains, and gives you access to all of the region's many experiences. We offer a range of 5 Star and 4 Star Qualmark rated studios and self-contained apartments. Our 5 Star Premium studios include an ocean views and a hydrotherapy spa en-suite. Our 4 Star Garden Studios and Family Apartments look out to the garden area. Cafe Encounter, Shops, movie theatre and all activities are in close vicinity. 8 Premium Studios, king beds, with hydra-therapy spa baths. 4 Premium Studios, with either a king bed or twin beds,with spa baths. 4 Deluxe Studios, king bed with bath and shower. 3 Family Apartments, accommodation for up to 6 persons. 12 Garden Studios with queen and single beds
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Beach
Hiking
Children's television networks
Highchairs available
Baggage storage
Street parking
Wifi
Complimentary tea
Fishing
Patio
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
First aid kit
Umbrella
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Blackout curtains
Dining area
Private balcony
Seating area
Sofa
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
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 Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Harbour View
Languages Spoken
English
Location
92-94 Esplanade post code: 7300, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 66 out of 100
66
Christchurch Intl Airport
152.5 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
26 Restaurants
within 1 kilometer
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore 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.
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
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Detailed Reviews
We received a warm and cheerful welcome from Sue and her colleague in reception. The welcome continued when we learned we were to have a complementary upgrade. Our studio apartment was scrupulously clean, spacious and modern with a view of the bay. The complex is within easy walking distance of the town centre and situated in a great location, with ample free parking and wifi. The only downside is we couldn't stay longer
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Date of stay: October 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.
This is one of the places where we wished we could stay longer. We had a ground floor, sea view room, beds were great, everything we needed was included, including fudge, fresh milk and great service. It took about 15 minutes for a gentle stroll into the main part of the town, but with parking at a premium there, we left our rental car at White Morph. Taking advice from the great hosts, we were able to try Crayfish at the popular outdoor barbecue along the front, and also went to the Cinema, which is next door. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Try for a sea view if possible.
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 John Arbuckle, General Manager at The White Morph Heritage Collection
Responded 5 Jan 2024
Hi and many thanks for your fabulous review, we really appreciate it. Hopefully we get to host you again. All the very best for 2024 and warm regards, Sue
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a two bedroom family unit. Upstairs we had two bedrooms with a toilet between them. Downstairs there was a shower room with walk in shower, toilet and washbasin. When our minibus transport dropped us off at the entrance we could not believe how beautiful the view was. The ocean is just across the road and such a wonderful shade of blue. Our apartment was well equipped for self catering and very clean and well maintained. My husband and I used the laundry room one morning while the younger members of the party went out whale watching. There was an outside line for drying it as well as a tumble dryer. It was an easy walk to cafes, bars and shops although we found locating a supermarket slightly more challenging. We all wished we could have stayed longer than two nights.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
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.
Very nice motel, the only problem was we had trouble finding it. Even the gps in the car couldn’t find it. But once we got there we were very comfortable. We went to Kaikoura to do the Albatross cruise, which turned out to be right next door. They even have a clothes line, complete with pegs out the back so we didn’t have to use the dryer, which I appreciated.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from John Arbuckle, General Manager at The White Morph Heritage Collection
Responded 5 Jan 2024
Thanks for your wonderful review. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We are so fortunate to have Dolphin and Albatross Encounters next door to us. All the very best and warm regards. Sue Coxon
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Situated across from the sea snd in view of snow capped mountains the spacious rooms are self contained with small kitchenettes, showers with great pressure . We were on a small bus and the receptionist came out to welcome us. Very efficient checkin.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: You may wish did a ground level room to avoid taking a heavy case up stairs
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.
Had a great 2 night stay at the White Morph. Unfortunately we didn’t get a sea view but enjoyed watching the NZ Banksy in his cherry picker painting dolphins on the side of the cinema next door! Our room had a small kitchenette and fridge,2 ringed hob and small oven and microwave. It was clean with plenty of towels and air con throughout. A couple of minor issues were sorted out very quickly by reception and there was plenty of parking. It’s right next to Dolphin Encounter and as we had a 5:20 am slot we were greatful it was just a stroll next door! A comfortable stay - we would just have loved an ocean view!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip 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.
Response from John Arbuckle, General Manager at The White Morph Heritage Collection
Responded 5 Jan 2024
Thanks for your review Andrea. Pleased that you enjoyed your stay and our proximity to Dolphin Encounter. We have sea view rooms as well as garden view rooms, perhaps they weren't available when you booked. We would love to see you again. All the best and warm regards, Sue
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our two night stay was very comfortable with the room providing all the necessities, including plenty of tea and coffee sachets etc which are always welcome. Our rooms were not overlooking the water and next time I would definitely ask for one of those. The location of the hotel is very convenient to all the activities in the area.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Ask for a room with a sea 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.
We arrived in Kaikoura at 6.30pm on a Saturday evening jetlagged after a long flight from the UK. Unfortunately our original motel had totally messed up our booking. Despite booking direct with them and having 2 emails from them confirming the booking, there was no room at the inn! We were faced with the prospect of spending our first night in NZ sleeping in the car, but luckily John at the White Morph came to to the rescue. He had a lovely comfortable, spacious well equipped room with a terrace overlooking the sea. Perfect for relaxing for 3 nights and recovering from the jetlag. The only drawback was that it was about 75% more expensive than our original accommodation, but John took pity on us and gave us a bit of a discount. Very handy for a short walk into the town centre and its excellent eating opportunities and for walks around the peninsula and to the whale watch departure point. Friendly and helpful staff. Recommended.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
This was an amazing place to stay.
The view from the balcony to the bay and left to the snow capped mountains was amazing.
The studio room was furnished with comfortable stylish leather chairs, a dining table and kitchenette if you wanted to cook.
The large spa was certainly an unexpected treat.
The bed was very comfortable.
A few nights here to relax and unwind would have been amazing, but had to move on.
The view from the balcony to the bay and left to the snow capped mountains was amazing.
The studio room was furnished with comfortable stylish leather chairs, a dining table and kitchenette if you wanted to cook.
The large spa was certainly an unexpected treat.
The bed was very comfortable.
A few nights here to relax and unwind would have been amazing, but had to move on.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Stay more than 1 night
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.
Very modern rooms with all the facilities required, I stayed in an upstairs waterfront room with glorious ocean views - was worth getting up early for the awesome sunrise. Friendly owner and gave me good dining options around Kaikoura and local places to visit. I had a great stay thank you.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
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.
Response from John Arbuckle, General Manager at The White Morph Heritage Collection
Responded 25 Jul 2021
Hi Rod Thank you for your review . I agree with you, the view of ocean is spectacular , the high tide mark being about 50 meters from our 5 star Premium rooms, we now have a decent coating of snow on the mountains as well Regards John
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dear Shane
I am sorry but we do not allow pets at The White Morph.
Thank you for your inquiry. For 3 people who are needing separate beds our two bedroom family unit would be the best fit. You have the kitchen, living/dining area, and bathroom locate on the lower level and upstairs 2 bedrooms with at least 4 beds and a separate toilet. These rooms are located on the upper level of our property. You would be looking at around NZ$284 for 3 people for the night of February 24th, 2016.
Regards
Mike Royston
Manager
The Garden Studio as a queen size bed and a single bed. Our Deluxe and Premium rooms have a king bed.
Regards
Mike
Manager
We do not have a restaurant on site, but there is a cafe located right next door for breakfast and lunch. The town centre with many restaurants is only a 10 minute walk away.
"Book direct. Don’t go through a booking agent. The owners are excellent to deal with."Read full review
"Absolutely do Kaikura kayaking, which is right around the corner! Being on the ocean, gives you such an amazing perspective of the wildlife!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$224 - $355 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
white morph motor hotel kaikoura, white morph hotel, white morph kaikoura
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
White Morph Motor Inn
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionKaikoura
NUMBER OF ROOMS
32
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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Claim Your ListingTHE WHITE MORPH HERITAGE COLLECTION | UPDATED 2025 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (Kaikoura, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about The White Morph Heritage Collection
Which popular attractions are close to The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Nearby attractions include Ohau Point Seal Colony (0.9 km), Kaikoura Museum (0.6 km), and Mayfair Theatre (0.04 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Conveniently located restaurants include Zephyr Restaurant, Cafe Encounter, and Coopers Catch Kaikoura.
Is The White Morph Heritage Collection located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.5 km away from the centre of Kaikoura.
Are any cleaning services offered at The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to The White Morph Heritage Collection?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Fyffe House (2.0 km).
Does The White Morph Heritage Collection have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.
Is The White Morph Heritage Collection accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.