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Sails Motel
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About
#7 of 11 motels in Kaikoura
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
If you’re looking for a quaint motel in Kaikoura, look no further than Sails Motel.
While staying at Sails Motel, visitors can check out Fyffe House (1.1 mi) and The Point Sheep Shearing Show (1.4 mi), some of Kaikoura's top attractions.
Rooms at Sails Motel provide a refrigerator and a kitchenette.
In addition, Sails Motel offers a lounge, which will help make your Kaikoura trip additionally gratifying. And, as an added convenience, there is free parking available to guests.
While in Kaikoura, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Sails Motel, including Coopers Catch Kaikoura (0.8 mi), The Pier Hotel Restaurant (0.8 mi), and Kaikoura Seafood BBQ (1.2 mi).
Best of all, Sails Motel makes it easy to experience some great Kaikoura attractions like Kaikoura Museum, which is a popular history museum.
The staff at Sails Motel looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Quaint
Location
134 Esplanade, 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: 58 out of 100
58
Christchurch Intl Airport
152.4 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
48 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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 needed a night in Kaikoura where we were allowed to have a dog. The unit we were given was a small compact studio. It was clean and tidy and had everything we needed. There is a microwave but no stove. The bed was nice and comfortable. There is a little patio and a nice little garden outside. There is no sea view but a short 5 min walk down the drive and you were at the sea. The driveway is a little on the narrow side so I'm not sure if a large camper van would make it up. We were quite comfortable there and would happily return if the occasion arose.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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.
Spent two nights here and the cabin facilities were fine - clean and tidy and ideal for a short stay. The cabins are located back from the Esplanade and very quiet. 15 minute walk into the town centre. Would be happy to book here again and Kaikoura has plenty to offer for tourists.
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Date of stay: January 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.
We have stayed at most motels along the foreshore, have seen this place but never taken much notice. Not any more. Unit was smallish which suits us, and very clean and tidy. Great shower, comfy bed and a great outlook with Virtually no traffic noise. Host was very friendly and did not hassle anyone. Price was spot on for us and Sails will now be our go to place next time we visit kaikoura. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Make sure you pre book.
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 liked the position , tucked away with private sitting out area. The room felt very cramped and I think this was largely because of the very poor lighting . There wqs only one light high up over the bed , pointing upwards so reading in bed was impossible and the bulbs in the living area were not bright enough ( and the one over the sink was missing) .
We have found this problem in other motels and feel that the owners are not checking on this when designing the units.
We have found this problem in other motels and feel that the owners are not checking on this when designing the units.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Location
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.
I had the most wonderful experience staying in this little family owned complex. It was modern, clean and staff were extremely helpful with my check in and bookings... I really enjoyed the location too! Very central and walkable to allot of things. Will definitely be back Thankyou
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
The room was very comfortable and very beautifully decorated in a nautical theme. Deb and Ted were excellent hosts and very willing to accomodate us with information and additional items we may have needed for grilling our food. The room was right across from the ocean, and in addition, we were able to view the seals within a few feet and unexpectedly (and out of season) we were able to see a group of 5 Orka whales.
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Date of stay: March 2007Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
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 booked a studio room (a larger one was not available for our time in Kaikoura). Booking by email was quick and efficient.
Location
=======
On the Esplande is walking distance (5 to 10 min) to town. You don't have a seaview as the motel is down a driveway away from the water. But the garden setting is rather nice, the driveway coming in you need to navigate a bit because it is a bit of a squeeze for a larger car. But all you could hit is bits of flowers or a hedge so no problem.
Welcome is very friendly. Deb told us a lot about the various attractions and restaurants (she couldn't be stopped really, although on our 4th trip to Kaikoura we did know what we wanted to do.)
Room
=====
Kitchenette (see below for details), table and two chairs, queen bed (comfortable), two shelves next to the bed, a small cupboard to hang clothes, a couch, TV table, small flatscreen TV. Electric sockets near one of the shelves next to the bed (good!) and another spare one next to the TV. Two in the kitchenette from where you could reach the table with an extension lead. No suitcase racks. Studio 4 has the advantage of additional windows on one wall.
Bathroom
========
Toilet, sink with plenty of water and lots of space to put things. Large shower but with very little water. Liquid soap is provided.
Kitchenette
=========
The kitchen had only a microwave, a very small (!) fridge, which despite being small didn't cool well, not even at full cooling power it also needed a deicing. Toaster and kettle are there. You cannot really cook meals or a breakfast in this kitchen. This could easily be solved by a portable two burner and maybe another shelf or cupboard mounted on the wall of the kitchenette.
Outside in front of the unit are two chairs and a table which is rather nice.
There is no wifi, which is sub standard. All accommodation and most restaurants we encountered in NZ had wifi, except here. The unit is serviced daily and very clean. There is no airconditioning (hardly any one has it) but there are also no insect screens so it is really hard to cool the apartment down over night. So it's mosquitos or a really warm room.
In summary: On the plus side: location, cleanliness, value for money, on the negative side: kitchen, ventilation, no wifi. This makes it three points for me, but it could greatly be improved with some investment.
Location
=======
On the Esplande is walking distance (5 to 10 min) to town. You don't have a seaview as the motel is down a driveway away from the water. But the garden setting is rather nice, the driveway coming in you need to navigate a bit because it is a bit of a squeeze for a larger car. But all you could hit is bits of flowers or a hedge so no problem.
Welcome is very friendly. Deb told us a lot about the various attractions and restaurants (she couldn't be stopped really, although on our 4th trip to Kaikoura we did know what we wanted to do.)
Room
=====
Kitchenette (see below for details), table and two chairs, queen bed (comfortable), two shelves next to the bed, a small cupboard to hang clothes, a couch, TV table, small flatscreen TV. Electric sockets near one of the shelves next to the bed (good!) and another spare one next to the TV. Two in the kitchenette from where you could reach the table with an extension lead. No suitcase racks. Studio 4 has the advantage of additional windows on one wall.
Bathroom
========
Toilet, sink with plenty of water and lots of space to put things. Large shower but with very little water. Liquid soap is provided.
Kitchenette
=========
The kitchen had only a microwave, a very small (!) fridge, which despite being small didn't cool well, not even at full cooling power it also needed a deicing. Toaster and kettle are there. You cannot really cook meals or a breakfast in this kitchen. This could easily be solved by a portable two burner and maybe another shelf or cupboard mounted on the wall of the kitchenette.
Outside in front of the unit are two chairs and a table which is rather nice.
There is no wifi, which is sub standard. All accommodation and most restaurants we encountered in NZ had wifi, except here. The unit is serviced daily and very clean. There is no airconditioning (hardly any one has it) but there are also no insect screens so it is really hard to cool the apartment down over night. So it's mosquitos or a really warm room.
In summary: On the plus side: location, cleanliness, value for money, on the negative side: kitchen, ventilation, no wifi. This makes it three points for me, but it could greatly be improved with some investment.
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Try to get a larger unit. If you go for the smaller ones, number 8 has more windows and a bit...
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.
My wife and I were traveling to New Zealand with another couple, I had reviewed several hotels/motels in the area on Trip Advisor and because of our being a little late in our booking most of them showed no vacancy. I decided to contact Sails directly and they had two rooms available. The owner was very helpful in giving me directions to the hotel as well as recommending a place to stop for lunch on our drive from Christchurch. When we arrived, she suggested a great place for dinner. I should also add, the location is great as it is across the road from the bay and close to some restaurants.
The rooms themselves were rather spartan, but clean and the bed was comfortable. While it is not a five star hotel, it is a great value. The next day, when we were ready to leave, she recommended a good place for breakfast, some good stores for shopping in Kaikoura, a good place to stop on our way to Nelson and suggested we go through Picton, as the drive from Picton to Nelson is very scenic. The hospitality of the owner more than offset any shortcoming in the furnishings of the rooms.
The rooms themselves were rather spartan, but clean and the bed was comfortable. While it is not a five star hotel, it is a great value. The next day, when we were ready to leave, she recommended a good place for breakfast, some good stores for shopping in Kaikoura, a good place to stop on our way to Nelson and suggested we go through Picton, as the drive from Picton to Nelson is very scenic. The hospitality of the owner more than offset any shortcoming in the furnishings of the rooms.
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Rooms
Cleanliness
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.
We stayed in Sails for 2 nights - overall the accommodation and Kaikoura itself were our second favourite place in NZ. The owner is very helpful and kind and gave us some goods tips about places to eat and visit in the locality. The motel itself is in a quiet location, just off the Esplanade with good facillities. If it is a clear evening I recommend a walk up Dempsey's Track to the lookout to watch the sun go down behind the mountians.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip 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.
A small family run motel on the Kaikōura waterfront, but down a long drive so don't expect a sea view. Walking distance to the Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin) centre. A great base for a Kaikōura stay, close to it all but secluded. I'll be back.
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Date of stay: April 2019
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.
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"The units are all the same at the back, there was a bigger apartment at the front that may suit a larger group."Read full review
"All rooms appear to be on a par. I don't think any room was better located than any other."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$138 - $164 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sails hotel kaikoura, sails motel kaikoura
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionKaikoura
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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 ListingSAILS MOTEL | Reviews & Price Comparison (Kaikoura, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Sails Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Sails Motel?
Nearby attractions include Ohau Point Seal Colony (1.0 km), Kaikoura Museum (0.9 km), and Kaikoura Lookout (1.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Sails Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a lounge, free parking, and kids activities.
Which room amenities are available at Sails Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Sails Motel?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Sails Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Zephyr Restaurant, Cafe Encounter, and The Whaler.
Is Sails Motel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Kaikoura.
Are there any historical sites close to Sails Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Fyffe House (1.8 km).