Linkwater Motel & Backpackers
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Linkwater Motel & Backpackers
1594 Queen Charlotte Drive Rd1, Linkwater 7281 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 1 motel in Linkwater
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Linkwater motel offers rural country accommodation 21km from Picton. Free WIFI and off street parking as well as plenty of room to park boats and trailers is provided. Continental breakfast is available daily. The rooms range from self-contained studios and family units. All units have a kitchenette with a benchtop 2 hob stove for cooking. Linkwater Motel is 5km from the start of the Queen Charlotte Walk Track and the half way point for the Link Pathway Walk & Cycle Track. The Motel can book tickets for the interislander ferry as well as other local tours and nature activities, including scenic and mussel farm cruises, wine tours and nature walks.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Breakfast available
Bicycle rental
Game room
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Hiking
Horseback riding
Skiing
Snorkelling
Fishing
Table tennis
Shared kitchen
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family 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 Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
1594 Queen Charlotte Drive Rd1, Linkwater 7281 New Zealand
Getting there
47 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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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
Adam and Melissa, the owners of the Linkwater motel are fantastic. We arrived at 12:45 and had made a mistake with the booking (having inadvertently booked for the following month!). Nevertheless, they got out of bed, sorted us out with a room and even offered to bring our bags to the room! We had a lovely stay. The location is excellent for hiking and they can arrange transport via a relative's very reasonable taxi service to various spots on the Queen Charlotte track. It is peaceful and a very convenient for visiting wineries and local towns.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
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.
A group of five of us stayed at this motel recently and we were blown away with how accommodating and kind our hosts were! We saw them do so many acts of kindness and were so welcoming! They genuinely care about their guests experiences and if you need a place to rest for a night or just a nice quiet affordable getaway this is the place for you. Facilities were very clean and convenient and defiantly ask about the cherries!
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Date of stay: December 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Well some people may not like hostels or backpacker accommodation the backpackers accommodation...
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 here late at night in the pitch black after driving along the very narrow and twisty Queen Charlotte Drive, and wondered wha we were letting ourselves in for. On arrival we were greeted by very friendly hosts who got us checked in quickly and showed us to our accommodation in the backpackers wing. The room was small, but had a really comfortable bed. There were plenty of toilet/shower facilties which were really clean and a lovely, well-equipped kitchen. The owners were really helpful and lent us scissors and a needle and thread so we could do some emergency clothes fixing. It was also really nice to be in the middle of nowhere and being able to see the beautiful night sky in all its glory. For the money, this motel is excellent and was probably one of our favourite places we stayed in New Zealand. Definitely worth the short trip out of Picton.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Some of the rooms only have skylights in the backpackers wing. It is probably worth asking at the...
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 motel is modern, clean and set in a beautiful location. On arrival, Katerina (the co-owner) was very friendly and pleasant.
But being visited in our room at 9pm and being shouted at by her was not an experience we had been expecting.
We had made the mistake of believing what was written on the motel's website and advertising materials...
Our mistake: we had a confirmed booking with an online booking service from 10am that morning - we assumed that would mean we would have a room. We didn't realise that a confirmed booking at this motel wasn't really confirmed, at all.
Oops: by 4pm our booking hadn't been processed. I was repeatedly told I didn't have a booking, until I pointed out the print-out on the desk with my name on it. The last available family room was double-booked. The only reason we got it is because we got there first. We hope the other family was ok.
Our mistake: We booked a family room with a bath, as well as shower - as clearly stated (still there as of today) on the motel's website. This was really important for washing our toddler, who is scared of showers and was at risk of going mouldy, after a few days with just flannels!
Oops: there isn't a single bath in the entire complex.
Our mistake: We chose the motel partly for the bath and partly for the free internet access - as confirmed by their website and the online booking system.
Oops: No longer free, as of the day of our arrival. In fact, the most expensive I have found so far in New Zealand.
Our biggest mistake: emailing the booking company (once we had paid for the internet!), through whom we had made the reservation and asking them to update the bath / internet situation in their descriptions. They emailed the owners. This is what produced the previously friendly owner in our room, at 9pm, very angry with us for "getting the motel a black mark" that it "didn't deserve".
So accepting payment for rooms with facilities you don't provide is ok?
I've just checked today and their website still clearly lists the bath and the online booking system's description (as supplied by the motel) still mentions the internet as being free - over a week after we were yelled at for daring to mention it.
We received no apology and no offer of a discount, to make up for the errors in the facility descriptions.
Instead, we were asked to leave, because we had emailed the booking company.
We explained that we would rather stay, having already paid for our room, given that both our young children were already asleep and it wasn't going to be possible to find anywhere else at that late time of night, 30 minutes from the nearest town, with an early ferry to catch the next morning. We were really shaken by the experience.
We were shocked by the way this situation was handled.
From previous, glowing reviews, it would seem that people really like this motel when things go right. But there's absolutely no excuse for getting aggressive with customers who simply hope to enjoy the facilities that are advertised.
But being visited in our room at 9pm and being shouted at by her was not an experience we had been expecting.
We had made the mistake of believing what was written on the motel's website and advertising materials...
Our mistake: we had a confirmed booking with an online booking service from 10am that morning - we assumed that would mean we would have a room. We didn't realise that a confirmed booking at this motel wasn't really confirmed, at all.
Oops: by 4pm our booking hadn't been processed. I was repeatedly told I didn't have a booking, until I pointed out the print-out on the desk with my name on it. The last available family room was double-booked. The only reason we got it is because we got there first. We hope the other family was ok.
Our mistake: We booked a family room with a bath, as well as shower - as clearly stated (still there as of today) on the motel's website. This was really important for washing our toddler, who is scared of showers and was at risk of going mouldy, after a few days with just flannels!
Oops: there isn't a single bath in the entire complex.
Our mistake: We chose the motel partly for the bath and partly for the free internet access - as confirmed by their website and the online booking system.
Oops: No longer free, as of the day of our arrival. In fact, the most expensive I have found so far in New Zealand.
Our biggest mistake: emailing the booking company (once we had paid for the internet!), through whom we had made the reservation and asking them to update the bath / internet situation in their descriptions. They emailed the owners. This is what produced the previously friendly owner in our room, at 9pm, very angry with us for "getting the motel a black mark" that it "didn't deserve".
So accepting payment for rooms with facilities you don't provide is ok?
I've just checked today and their website still clearly lists the bath and the online booking system's description (as supplied by the motel) still mentions the internet as being free - over a week after we were yelled at for daring to mention it.
We received no apology and no offer of a discount, to make up for the errors in the facility descriptions.
Instead, we were asked to leave, because we had emailed the booking company.
We explained that we would rather stay, having already paid for our room, given that both our young children were already asleep and it wasn't going to be possible to find anywhere else at that late time of night, 30 minutes from the nearest town, with an early ferry to catch the next morning. We were really shaken by the experience.
We were shocked by the way this situation was handled.
From previous, glowing reviews, it would seem that people really like this motel when things go right. But there's absolutely no excuse for getting aggressive with customers who simply hope to enjoy the facilities that are advertised.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2011Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
These snobs turned us away after a long day of driving. Their website said they had 5 rooms available, and the vacancy sign was out. However the owner was adamant they had no rooms when we enquired at reception and told us to keep driving.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Nice people and beautiful location but its a decent distance from the ferry - about 30 minute drive - so not ideal if you have to be at the ferry by 5.30am for the first sailing of the day.
Food at the local inn (Linkwater Inn) was very average
Food at the local inn (Linkwater Inn) was very average
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
We stayed here two years ago and loved the peace and quiet of the location. I didn't like the motel quite so much on this visit, but would be happy to stay again if in the area, so any criticisms are quite minor. To be honest, I was a bit put off by the number of men - friends of the owner, I think - who were gathered around drinking beer in the car park the afternoon we arrived. It may be the owner's home, but it's also his business and this was unprofessional.
Rooms are simple, perhaps even basic, but they are clean and efficient, though the grey and blue colour scheme is a bit depressing. Some units are upstairs, but most are traditional ground floor units with the car parked out the front. Some of the freshness has vanished since our last visit, like the tubs along the road frontage which now grow weeds rather than flowers. There is a nice pool, but some poolside furniture would have been welcome.
The countryside around the motel, and the views from it are - as they say these days - awesome.
At NZ$100 for our unit it was also very good value.
Rooms are simple, perhaps even basic, but they are clean and efficient, though the grey and blue colour scheme is a bit depressing. Some units are upstairs, but most are traditional ground floor units with the car parked out the front. Some of the freshness has vanished since our last visit, like the tubs along the road frontage which now grow weeds rather than flowers. There is a nice pool, but some poolside furniture would have been welcome.
The countryside around the motel, and the views from it are - as they say these days - awesome.
At NZ$100 for our unit it was also very good value.
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Date of stay: February 2013Trip 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.
Our room was big and very modern. We had a beautiful view and it was very quiet. The price is very low for that kind of quality! The service was good. Also it is a good stop, if you want to walk the queen charlotte track as it is very close by. I can highly recommend this Motel.
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Date of stay: December 2012Trip 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.
Yes it is about 20 km from Picton but the location, price and the very scenic drive is awesome.
Complex is fairly new, and units are very clean, spacious and modern. Hosts were very friendly and have a great sense of humour. We stayed two separate nights, one upstairs and more comfortably on the ground floor on the second which was more ease of access for oldies..
Early morning exercise Walking is easy with a "footpath" on the main road.
Hospitality was excellent
No coat hangers in room on second visit. Self catering kitchen has everything including hot plates and microwave.
Absolutely perfect for self catering travellers, either overnight or a longer duration.
Pat and Katerina and the Maltese (which also was welcoming and friendly to strangers) went that little bit extra for our stay which was appreciated.
The Linkwater Inn where we ate on two occasions proved not up to scratch.
The bowl of salad was excellent and very enjoyable. Overcooked fish first night, a basic cheese sandwich being cold and cheese unmelted
with chips served cold on second visit. This establishment is not part of Linkwater Motel but is a few kilometres down the road and the only food establishment nearby (within 20 Minutes).
Complex is fairly new, and units are very clean, spacious and modern. Hosts were very friendly and have a great sense of humour. We stayed two separate nights, one upstairs and more comfortably on the ground floor on the second which was more ease of access for oldies..
Early morning exercise Walking is easy with a "footpath" on the main road.
Hospitality was excellent
No coat hangers in room on second visit. Self catering kitchen has everything including hot plates and microwave.
Absolutely perfect for self catering travellers, either overnight or a longer duration.
Pat and Katerina and the Maltese (which also was welcoming and friendly to strangers) went that little bit extra for our stay which was appreciated.
The Linkwater Inn where we ate on two occasions proved not up to scratch.
The bowl of salad was excellent and very enjoyable. Overcooked fish first night, a basic cheese sandwich being cold and cheese unmelted
with chips served cold on second visit. This establishment is not part of Linkwater Motel but is a few kilometres down the road and the only food establishment nearby (within 20 Minutes).
Read more
Date of stay: January 2013Trip 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.
Spacious room, stunning quiet location. Room wasn't very clean but had everything we needed.
Take food supplies as the closest "tavern" (Linkwater Inn) has a limited menu, mostly deep fried with chips cooked in old cooking oil. Other nearest eateries are 17km away in Havelock
Tip: Request a room on ground floor if you are unable/have difficulty using stairs
Note: Rooms aren't serviced (unless staying more than a week) so hang your towels up & make your own bed!
Take food supplies as the closest "tavern" (Linkwater Inn) has a limited menu, mostly deep fried with chips cooked in old cooking oil. Other nearest eateries are 17km away in Havelock
Tip: Request a room on ground floor if you are unable/have difficulty using stairs
Note: Rooms aren't serviced (unless staying more than a week) so hang your towels up & make your own bed!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2012Trip 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.
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"If you have the choice, book a room on the upper level in order to get the best view!"Read full review
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandMarlborough RegionLinkwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
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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Frequently Asked Questions about Linkwater Motel & Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Queen Charlotte Track (3.4 km), Queen Charlotte Sound (7.2 km), and Tirimoana Reserve (2.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Linkwater Motel & Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.6 km away from the centre of Linkwater.
Are there any historical sites close to Linkwater Motel & Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Edwin Fox Maritime Museum (8.3 km).
Is Linkwater Motel & Backpackers accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.