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Punakaiki Beachfront Motels offer quality West Coast accommodation right on the beachfront in Punakaiki. Well-appointed studio, family motel units with kitchenettes, and brand new fully self-contained Cabins have all the features you need for your Punakaiki getaway. All fully self-contained with hot plates, fridge, microwave, electric fry-pan, tea & coffee, convection heater, 42" flat-screen TV with free-view, DVD, and Free WiFi. Guest laundry, BBQ area, and garden setting for all guests. Pets negotiable by arrangement.
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
Charming
Family
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Mabel Street, Punakaiki 7873 New Zealand
Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
3.8 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
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Upon arrival we were not clear how/where to check-in. We had to call to be told that check in was at the local restaurant. For the first time in our 2 weeks in NZ we were asked to pay the stay up front. The allocated cabin was ok but had a view of the communal carpark. There was no washing machine which is more or less a standard in NZ. No shower gel or shampoo dispensers but a measly piece of soap and sachet shampoo of cheap/poor quality. Same for the tea and coffee sachets and general amenities of the cabin. The plastic plants in the cabin also didn't add much value...
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Don't stay in Cabin 10 as the communal bbq pit is right behind the cabin!
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.
Nestled along the rugged West Coast of New Zealand, Punakaiki Beachfront Motels offer a serene and unforgettable stay right by the ocean. The location is nothing short of breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and the famous Pancake Rocks just a short walk away.
Accommodation:
The units are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed to maximize the natural beauty of the surroundings. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves and stepping out onto a private deck to enjoy the sea breeze is a highlight. The interiors, while not overly luxurious, are cozy and well-equipped, featuring comfortable beds, modern kitchenettes, and clean bathrooms.
Location:
The property’s location is its crown jewel. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Paparoa National Park, with its lush rainforests and limestone formations. The nearby Truman Track, a short walk from the motels, is a must-see for its stunning coastal views and unique rock formations.
Highlights: • The beachfront access is a two minute . Watching the sunset over the Tasman Sea from the comfort of your room or a nearby bench is an experience you’ll cherish. • Proximity to key attractions like the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes means you’re never far from adventure. • It’s a peaceful retreat, perfect for those looking to unwind amidst nature.
Considerations: • The Wi-Fi can be a bit patchy, but that’s part of the charm of escaping into this remote coastal paradise. • Some units are slightly dated, but the charm and cleanliness more than make up for it. And have no aircon so of it’s a hot day then you’ll need to open the windows
Overall:
Punakiki Beachfront Motels is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking to disconnect and recharge, this place has something special to offer. I’d recommend staying at least two nights to fully soak in the beauty and tranquility of the area.
Rating: 4/5
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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.
I stayed here one night before and one night after the Paparoa Guided Walk.
I booked a studio unit both times. The cost was NZD200 per night. Expensive. As I had stayed one night in Hokitika for NZD150
It was not disclosed on the website and I happened to find out just by chance that check-in for the Motels was 500m return down the road at the Punakaiki Tavern.
The lady at the Tavern at my first one night stay at check-in took payment and simply pointed me down the road by way of direction to my unit.
It was a different experience the second time I stayed, a lovely gentleman at check-in and a very pleasant older lady at the motel site.
They do not store luggage, perhaps with good reason.
West Coast Hospitality!
Neither units were beachfront, both were dated and tired from wear and tear.
The facilities were adequate as I only needed a bed for the night.
Location was down the hill from the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks within walking distance.
Get onto the coastal sea wall and it's a lovely stroll with great views of the Rocks behind and the surf (riders) out to sea.
Did not catch any stunning sunsets due to weather conditions, still west coast scenery is breath taking!
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
I would not recommend this stay for any solo or single travellers because of the insensitive actions of the hostess.
My partner passed away three years ago and this holiday I decided to tour the west coast to take my mind off Christmas and the holiday season.
When I arrived I asked the hostess if it is possible to stay two nights instead of one as I might as well enjoy Christmas on a beautiful beach. I was told they are fully booked. Siting in my single unit, I found on Booking.com that they actually do have accommodation available. I walked back to the hostess and asked if she maybe missed this one that is available for me to rent. I was told that this is a family unit and that would not suit me. That it's too big and that she'd rather keep it available should a family need it. I felt sad and alone and for the first time in a long time was reminded of the family I had planned for my life and didn't have.
I'd like to remind the owners of this motel that every solo traveller has a story and that our money is just as good as a family's money. Maybe you should add t's and c's that families are preferred. * Stay was average with no seaview.
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Date of stay: December 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.
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The plant is distributed over two areas. In our area stood 5 small detached cottages that were practically new. These are very close to the sea but do not have a sea view.
On about 25-30 m2 distributed a bedroom, living-dining area and bathroom with shower. In front of it there is a small veranda with seating. Everything is very lovingly decorated and was clean.
The keys we had to pick up before in the pub - since there too the reception.
The Internet could have been more stable. For that, you were woken up by the sound of the sea.
Conclusion: Beautiful complex, directly on the sea - gladly again!
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Automatically translated
Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Es gibt einen gemeinsamen Barbecue-Bereich zur freien Verfügung.
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.
Fantastic location behind the seawall. Our studio was a great size for 3-4 people. Good sized kitchenette with fridge and freezer. Our unit had a fenced garden with a deck suitable for small dogs (bigger dogs or jumpers could probably jump the fence if motivated), the other units had small gardens but not secure. Separate guest laundry. Short walk down the seawall to a local bar/restaurant or a slight longer walk (10min) up the hill to the Pancake rocks and a breakfast restaurant. Not sure the beach is swimable as a lot of blue bottle jellish had washed up on the beach so noone was swimming the day we were there.
Unit was clean, check in was via the pub. Tight parking so larger vehicles (motor homes) might need to use the neighbors parking area.
Will definitely stay there again. Loved listening to the crashing waves.
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Date of stay: January 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.
This is an old Kiwi motel, clean and roomy, with a nice manager. Its behind a high sea wall, with no views, no beach: don’t be fooled by ‘beachfront’ . Room amenities are minimal: no tissues, a few soap chips, ‘on demand’ water heating in the shower - plastic curtain. These things are forgivable at the right price, which is $40-$50 less than current rates. The owners seem tone-deaf to their domestic market. Kiwis are smart people, they will figure this out. Near the end of a four week trip of the South Island, this is BY FAR the poorest value for money we have had. Its a pity. We won’t return.
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Date of stay: February 2021
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.
Unit 4 was not great; it had a damp smell in the kitchen cupboards and around the bed-head. The mattress really sagged so much I had to prop it up with a spare pillow to avoid sliding out of the bed. Our TV didn't work even tho we could see other rooms had working TV's. The fridge made a weird humming sound - it desperately needed defrosting but there was far too much ice in it for us to switch it off overnight without flooding the place. We know times have been difficult with Covid, but this motel needs to find a way to invest in maintenance or it will die a quiet death. Unfortunately the beach is not visible until you step up onto the rock retaining wall that has been built to prevent erosion of the area.
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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.
This place was way better than advertised! There are not many lodging options in Punakaiki, but I can't believe this can be topped. It does not feel at all like a "motel". Even bungalow seems too cheap. Yes, we drove right up to our room, and yes it was a one-story building with several rooms, those rooms are huge, spacious and downright luxurious in terms of comfort, quality bedding, bath supplies, etc.
It's also walking distance to the only pub/restaurant in town and a couple nice hiking attractions (Punakaiki Cavern was interesting but not much, but the Pororiro River Track was very worthwhile). But the highlight was the absolutely magical sunset from the the seawall overlooking the Tasman Sea. Just stunning... and a short walk across the parking lot from your room.
I can't compare Punakaiki to Hokitika or Greymouth, but if you want to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes (also stunning, very worthwhile), then this is the place to overnight. I could spend a week here and just stare at the ocean and those sunsets.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
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.
We were initially very disappointed when we arrived at our Tui cottage to find it wasn’t overlooking the beach as it appears on the advertising photos. We were SO looking forward to being in front of the beach not behind other units and trees. But the cottage itself was very well equiped, clean and comfortable and we could hear the waves at night.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Just don’t expect to have beautiful beachfront views.
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Punakaiki area.
PRICE RANGE
$180 - $239 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Punakaiki Cottage Motels
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandWest Coast RegionPunakaiki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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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