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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.
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments offer a spectacular oceanfront living experience in the charming coastal town of Kaikoura. Nestled along the South Island’s stunning east coast, this property boasts 1 and 2 bedroom apartment units that provide the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and breathtaking views. Situated directly across from the ocean, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Peninsula. Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments offer an unforgettable oceanfront escape, where guests can relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kaikoura’s coastline. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a relaxing retreat, these apartment units provide a comfortable and picturesque base for your stay.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Mid-range
Location
126 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
4.3 reviews
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.
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Without a doubt one of the best cost-benefit experiences where I have stayed. In front of the beach and less than 5 minutes from the center by car. The apartment was impeccable, includes your own parking and the amenities range from coffee beans, chocolate milk, shampoo and soap, iron, hair dryer, towels, etc., excellent option for visiting Kaikoura
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:El check in es desde las 2pm hasta las 8pm m, pero en caso de llegar más tarde te dejan la llave...
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 response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The service here was excellent and the unit was very clean with everything we needed. I had someone with me that had mobility issues so phoned ahead to check the unit would work, they were incredibly friendly and understanding of our siutation. Everything was ready for our arrival - including a ramp to the apartment door for ease of the person with a walker. They offered a special seat and a shower chair if needed. The apartment was warm and I enjoyed the space and the fact it was uncluttered. The beds were very comfortable. Appreciated little things like a 4 point plug in the bedroom for charging devices etc. Nice to have a dishwasher as well. It was good being just accross the road from a great walkway along the beach. The only (small) thing was that our bathroom didn't have a fan - I was told bathrooms are all being upgraded so fans will be included in the near future. Great location, comfortable beds, very clean, fantastic service. Will be back!
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Phone ahead if you want a specific unit (like downstairs for accessibility).
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 Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 16 Sept 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and feedback, it was a pleasure as you and your family were a joy to host for us it's great to have our guests communicate clearly what they need for a great stay and you did that. I do hope you will visit, us again soon. Kindest regards Poppy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fantastic apartment and phenomenal views. We were in an upstairs 2 bedroom so we had all the views. The apartment was really spacious, clean and well appointed. I hate being stuck in a studio room so having the space to spread out was wonderful. We came in on a misty day so didn’t really appreciate the views that Kaikoura has but we woke to a crystal clear morning and, wowsers, there are snow capped mountains to the left and a wild surf beach to the right. Having Sky was great too - got to watch the All Black (lose) and lots of Olympics. Shower pressure was the best and the bed was super comfy. Double glazing means you don’t really hear the road noise - it is quite a busy road. We walked into town the first night and walked about 50 metres down the road, to Hiku, the second night. Kaikoura is a very cool town where we had some blasts from the past - totally dreamy fish and chips, crayfish at the side of the road and a chocolate dipped ice cream. No fast food in this town which is what made us want to visit in the first place. Everybody’s really friendly too - the locals really make you feel,welcome.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 16 Sept 2024
Thank you for your epic review and feedback we appreciate you taking the time to write this about your experience and our lovely apartments. We do live in and are located in the most beautiful place I have looked up from my desk to see dolphins dancing and splashing in the ocean just across the road. I am so pleased your stay with us was such a positive one and we hope to have the opportunity to host you again sometime soon. All the very best Poppy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booking was made 6 months prior, and paid for through Bookabach forr the New Years Day celebration period. Only to be told two hours before arriving in Kaikoura that the booking was cancelled. Initially he said they overbook, then he blamed Bookaback/Vrbo for not confirming the booking. And he said they are so bad he doesn’t use them anymore. I note he still uses the site.
After discussion with Bookabach, they stated the owner cancelled the booking the evening we arrived. And that they would cancel his access to the site.
He said there was no rooms anywhere in Kaikoura that night, though could offer a free room for one night the following day, but nothing was available in Kaikoura the last night.
At the very height of the holiday season to cancel a booking made and paid for six months prior, is a low as it gets.
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Date of stay: December 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.
Response from Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 13 Jan 2025
Good morning, I think you, have us mixed up with another company as we are not associated with Bookabach. I would appreciate it very much if you could remove this review from our listing. I am the manager here I am a female we don't have a male managing any of our bookings and we definitely do not give away free rooms. I am sorry that you had to endure that kind of treatment. This kind of thing should not happen and I hope the rest of your holiday was a happy and memorable one. Kindest regards Poppy
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Fantastic modern spacious apartments in excellent location right on the waterfront.
Contactless check in. Quiet. Everything you would need in the room. Very comfortable stay will definitely stay again.
We stayed in a two bedroom apartment with two other families also in two bedroom apartments. The manager made special effort to get us all in rooms next to each other as our booking through hotels.com looked like three different bookings when it got to them. Thank you!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip 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 Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 14 Mar 2024
Hi Jacqueline, thank you for your great review, I am pleased to hear you had an enjoyable stay with us while in Kaikoura. Kind regards Poppy
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One of my pet hates about accommodation these days is a mean approach to tea, coffee, etc supplies. Two tea bags for 2 people, staying almost 24 hours, for example. Not so the Kaikoura Waterfront. This motel was very well stocked with everything, plus we had plenty of cutlery, crockery, etc. All this added up to a satisfying start to a pleasant one night stay. The motel is ideally situated, clean, new, and well appointed. In spite of having a unit near the road, we found the noise levels totally fine. Good value for money too. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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 Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 6 Mar 2024
Thank you for your kind review, we are so pleased your experience was a great one with us. We do hope you will come back and stay with us in the future. Kind regards Poppy.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I can not recommend these apartments enough! Upon arrival - which was late in the day & a bit cool we found the apartment ready and unlocked for us with lights on and heat pump on - very welcoming. A good supply of all condiments and handy to have a small milk in the fridge too. Rooms were very tidy and presentable, extremely clean too! Nice comfortable outdoor furniture to relax in the afternoon sun. The manager here and her staff are very friendly and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Definitely will be back!!
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 6 Mar 2024
Apologies for the delayed response thank you for your great review, we would love to have you back with us in beautiful Kaikoura, Kind regards Poppy
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Very nice apartments but also pretty pricey. Great to have a washing machine, clothes rack and dryer in the unit. Dishwasher was also nice. Full oven etc. Beds were comfy, but bedrooms too small for luggage for two people in the master bedroom. Bathroom was ok, but a bit small and nowhere to hang your towels. Towels are not replaced each day even if you ask without a charge. Unit sleeps 4 but there is only seating for 3 even though the lounge is large. Seating was pretty uncomfortable to be honest, especially the single chair. Dining table and chairs were great. Nice views from top apartments or front apartments. No bike storage, so they need to stay on car or take to unit which is not easy upstairs. Blinds were broken in bedroom, so the light came in early. Close to the beach which is right across the road.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:If you have 4 people be aware there is only three seats in lounge. Great beach to drive or bike...
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 Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 6 Mar 2024
Apologies for the delay in our response to your review. We have only just taken management over 3 weeks ago and truly value feedback from our guests as it allows us to continually improve and enhance the experiences we give our guests. Kind regards Poppy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our stay at the Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments. They have just reopened after being closed for over 3 years due to the earthquake. The beds are very confortable, the sea views fantastic, the balcony a joy to stay on. The fully equipped kitchen meant we could easily make our own meals. Great shower and bathroom with nice toiletries. The double glazed windows mean it's very quiet despite it being on the main road. The sea is less than a minute away, across the street, where you can enjoy the unique Kaikoura coast line. And most of all, the manager Michelle is the best host ever, she really went over and beyond to help make our stay confortable and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
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.
Such a great location and spacious, the room quite comfortable and cozy feels like our home. The location was great, staff were friendly and helpful.
Overall, it was a great and pleasant stayed at Waterfront apartment we really enjoyed even though the weather wasn’t great because it was heavy rain.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip 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 Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments, General Manager at Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Responded 6 Mar 2024
Sorry for the delay in our response, we are so pleased you had a wonderful stay with us in beautiful Kaikoura. Kind regards Poppy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Kaikoura area.
PRICE RANGE
$197 - $352 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
waterfront apartments kaikoura
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionKaikoura
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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