Motels in Northland, New Zealand

A classy, comfortable, immaculately clean, well equipped yet affordable waterfront accommodation in the most perfect location in Paihia. Breakwater is a stones throw from the main centre but far enough out to be surrounded by sea sounds and birds in the forest right next door. This was our second stay at Breakwater Motel in Paihia and just as it were the first time around, we had a wonderful and relaxing time. Lyn and Ken, the owners and hosts were warm and accommodating to all our needs without being intrusive. They are truly great. The one thing I appreciated so much was their hard work at doing everything properly, from the beautiful gardens to the filter coffee provided, sky TV and well equipped kitchen. It made self catering so easy. The sheets were perfectly clean and of great quality, the showers and bathroom facilities were beautiful and big and there was a TV in the lounge and bedroom. We watched the sunrise over the ocean, parasailers, dogs being walked, swimmers swimming off to the islands just off the coast and birds in the beautiful gardens below all from the comfort and privacy of our balcony over a warm cup of coffee. Honestly, I'd go back over and over and can't wait to take family to Paihia and stay there knowing all our needs will be so well met.

My daughter and I were delayed an extra day in Paihia due to Cyclone Gabrielle We stayed at Aloa in clean, well set up self contained unit .John who runs the motel could not have been more helpful We were so lucky to find such a wonderful kind person to help us

Arriving in Kaitaia after 10pm most Motels were closed or full. My wife and I eventually found Kaitaia Motor Lodge situated just on the edge of town. The owner, Gina, opened the office up with a smile and a welcome. There was only a two bedroom family unit available which we happily took. To our surprise Gina only charged us for a single room unit rate. That says all you need to know about the owners. They made us feel like family. The units are well designed, convenient, very comfortable and spotlessly clean. The location was perfect for exploring the northern peninsular and our one night stopover was extended to three nights. Certainly the best Motel we found on our two week road trip around the North Island. We highly recommend Kaitaia Motor Lodge and certainly plan to return.

We booked this as it looked to be good value for money and close to town. We also really liked how honest the room advertisement was, as we booked the 'petite studio' so we knew to expect a small room and not to take lots of luggage (thanks to the honest advertising). When we arrived we were blown away by the friendly and warm welcoming. Everyone that worked here was SO LOVELY and kind to us, it really made for an awesome experience. We even got upgraded to a much larger room for our 3 night stay which was incredibly generous! Our room felt very clean, the bed was comfortable and it was really well equipped. Every part of this motel demonstrates the passion the wonderful owners have for their region and trade. We have stayed a lot of places this summer and because of the wonderful humans here, Edelweiss was definitely our favourite :)

Our family has just had the most incredible week staying at Motel Russell and we cannot recommend the facilities and hosts highly enough! Wendy, James and Linda are AMAZING hosts - unbelievably friendly and helpful, super accommodating to our needs and truly genuine people. The accommodation is warm, quiet and comfortable, and is kept spotlessly clean at all times - as are the rest of the facilities (including a gorgeous pool and BBQ area). It was also brilliant having access to a washing machine and dryer to use while we were away. Located at short, flat walk to all nearby restaurants, shops and the wharf, Motel Russell is ideally situated. It was the perfect family holiday and we will definitely be back for another relaxing week at Motel Russell soon. Thanks once again James, Wendy and Linda - we absolutely loved our time here with you all!

Stopped for 1 night and had a good nights sleep, Comfortable bed with lovely sheets, great hot shower and fluffy towels. The bathroom floor did look like it could do with a good clean and the internet is terrible. We could hear road noise and in the morning could hear people moving around upstairs. It is an older style motel but the price reflects this.

On arriving for my 3rd stay at Bounty, I was delighted to find Paul the manager, was still working there. As usual, I was greeted to a very warm welcome, more like an old friend than a casual visitor. The motel offers very clean and comfortable rooms, at a very competitive price when compared to others in Paihia. Its location is only 2-3 minutes' walk from all the shops, bars and restaurants and only 1 minute from the waterfront.

A classy, comfortable, immaculately clean, well equipped yet affordable waterfront accommodation in the most perfect location in Paihia. Breakwater is a stones throw from the main centre but far enough out to be surrounded by sea sounds and birds in the forest right next door. This was our second stay at Breakwater Motel in Paihia and just as it were the first time around, we had a wonderful and relaxing time. Lyn and Ken, the owners and hosts were warm and accommodating to all our needs without being intrusive. They are truly great. The one thing I appreciated so much was their hard work at doing everything properly, from the beautiful gardens to the filter coffee provided, sky TV and well equipped kitchen. It made self catering so easy. The sheets were perfectly clean and of great quality, the showers and bathroom facilities were beautiful and big and there was a TV in the lounge and bedroom. We watched the sunrise over the ocean, parasailers, dogs being walked, swimmers swimming off to the islands just off the coast and birds in the beautiful gardens below all from the comfort and privacy of our balcony over a warm cup of coffee. Honestly, I'd go back over and over and can't wait to take family to Paihia and stay there knowing all our needs will be so well met.

My daughter and I were delayed an extra day in Paihia due to Cyclone Gabrielle We stayed at Aloa in clean, well set up self contained unit .John who runs the motel could not have been more helpful We were so lucky to find such a wonderful kind person to help us

We booked this as it looked to be good value for money and close to town. We also really liked how honest the room advertisement was, as we booked the 'petite studio' so we knew to expect a small room and not to take lots of luggage (thanks to the honest advertising). When we arrived we were blown away by the friendly and warm welcoming. Everyone that worked here was SO LOVELY and kind to us, it really made for an awesome experience. We even got upgraded to a much larger room for our 3 night stay which was incredibly generous! Our room felt very clean, the bed was comfortable and it was really well equipped. Every part of this motel demonstrates the passion the wonderful owners have for their region and trade. We have stayed a lot of places this summer and because of the wonderful humans here, Edelweiss was definitely our favourite :)

On arriving for my 3rd stay at Bounty, I was delighted to find Paul the manager, was still working there. As usual, I was greeted to a very warm welcome, more like an old friend than a casual visitor. The motel offers very clean and comfortable rooms, at a very competitive price when compared to others in Paihia. Its location is only 2-3 minutes' walk from all the shops, bars and restaurants and only 1 minute from the waterfront.

BE AWARE IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL CONDITIONS DON”T BOOK THROUGH BOOKING.COM. I booked more than 6 months in advance, asking for a bottom floor as my elderly mother (who needs a knee replacement) can't get up stairs. I get to hotel to find out we are on top floor up steep stairs. I speak to Asian man at reception who tells me no English (Hmmm I thought I was in NZ?), I demand to speak to someone, he calls manager, I explain situation - she asks did I use booking.com or expendia I said ”yes”, she said oh nothing much can be done unless you use our own website as those companies don't know the configuration of the motel. Lucky for us a beautiful lady and her granddaughter overheard all this and offered to swap - as the motel was not going to assist in any way. ANYWAY, it only gets better ..... be aware the rooms look NOTHING like the pictures. Plug points don't work, shower head won't stay up so you need to hold it - oh and it's a shower curtain situation YUK! There is an air con unit looks like from the 1980's and that does not work. I could say more but you get the general warning. I don't like to give this type of feedback in these tough times but $700 (hard earned $$) for 3 nights, I would expect more and not assisting us with our request because we used another agency that ”you advertise on” - is very unfair ...... thank goodness for kind soles who overheard this, as Mum would have never got up the stairs. Disappointed. *The cleaning staff are absolutely lovely ladies, very accommodating and friendly - hard to clean when the place is this rundown. To be fair there is a new section to this hotel - this review is for the grey part of the hotel shown in the pictures. *Wish I took pictures of this room :(

This is one motel where first impressions can be wrong. Walking into the apartments they can appear a bit stark and functional. However, they have a reasonably equipped kitchen, they are clean (serviced daily), spacious, quiet at night and can quickly be made to feel like home for a few days ... there was even fresh milk in the fridge for us when we arrived. Hosts are lovely. Top tip for any folks from the UK - avoid the Gumboot tea sachets ... they are not Yorkshires finest! From the Marlin, it's a very easy walk down to the various bars and restaurants along the waterfront as well as being a good base for going on trips. The pool, located in the corner of the carpark, is well maintained and ideal for letting children burn off some energy. We enjoyed our stay at the Marlin Court Motel and would recommend it to others.

The room is generally good, and the wife is quite satisfied! The room key is in a box with a code lock next to the door. When I went there, there was no one at the front desk. After ringing the doorbell, I told me the code and room number through the intercom. I took the key to open the door, which was very convenient. The wireless signal is very weak and the wifi password is not working well, so I didn't go to find someone to solve it after staying for one night.

We had a great couple of days in this lovely accommodation then Cyclone Gabrielle hit. Fortunately we were well looked after by Penny and her staff while we sheltered it out. The advice we got about road and travel conditions was invaluable. If we had to sit it out anywhere this was the most comfortable place to be Lovely accommodation and staff in a beautiful place Anne and Don , Scotland

My husband and I stayed at Ala Moana for a month (mid-February to mid-March) and were very happy with this accommodation. John is a marvelous, friendly, helpful host, and he and staff member William keep the units clean, fresh, and comfortable. The daily service was more than we needed, but they always checked and offered. John accommodated our requests and went out of his way to be sure we had everything we needed. He even ordered a couple of beach chairs so we could sit in the shade at the beach! (YES! This beach has shade, some benches, and calm, peaceful, protected waters. Whether first thing in the morning or later in the day, it makes for a delightful refreshing swim!) The location directly across from the beach and at most a 5-minute walk to shops, the wharf, and restaurants, was perfect! Some have mentioned the bar next door. Even though it looks like a fun, local place, we knew there was live music some nights, and we wondered if noise would be a problem. At least from our location in #3, noise was NEVER an issue. It was perfectly quiet. We had a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchenette (no oven or freezer) (unit #3). The bed is very comfortable, the area is spacious, the basics for cooking and dining are provided. (I should note that we didn’t really cook at all, but we brought things in for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks and ate there frequently.) There was a comfy sitting area for reading, doing projects, playing games, enjoying wine and cheese, or watching TV. The decor was simple and tasteful. For us, comfort trumps decor, so we weren’t looking for high-end interior design. Furnishings included a kitchen table with chairs, a coffee table in the sitting room, sofa, day bed, small patio table and chairs on the little deck, plus a fantastic view balcony patio overlooking the bay for shared use (which makes up for the fact that the unit’s deck faces the parking spots). Other shared amenities include washers, dryers, clothesline, ice. Some things that make me especially happy: lots of storage (closets, drawers) to unpack everything, ample towel racks and hooks for wet linens, beach towels, bathing suits, shelves in the bathroom to organize toiletries, plenty of outlets for charging phones, laptop, etc. These are little touches that so many places lack and that greatly enhanced the convenience and enjoyment of our stay. While most guests were there for one night to a few nights, we would definitely recommend it for a short or longer stay and hope to return for 1-2 months again!

Spacious and not too far to walk to the quay. The included breakfast was a very good value for money. Plenty of choices and good size serving. While initially it felt like Faulty Towers, the staff warm up and were friendly. They helped us with planning our route for our holiday. The bathroom and toilet could do with a little bit of upgrade. The place is looking a bit tired and could do with a little bit of touch up. Also, being in the main road, it's pretty noisy from the traffic. The weather was quite warm so we're unable to close the window which made sleeping difficult.

Clean very good beds good location

Was an ok stay for one night slightly higher pricing and the mattresses were a bit past so not a good sleep unfortunately then we were rudely awoken by someone bashing on our door and didn't stop til we opened it only to go sorry wrong room this was at 7am unfortunately we left before open hours of the office or we would have asked for a partial refund on our stay

Really nice place. Roomy and great overnight place when on a road trip through the northern part of the north island.

The hosts Jennie and Peter were very approachable and knowledgeable. They went the extra mile to make me feel welcome and looked after. The motel is close to a New World and a Countdown, the Octagon Theatre which offers excellent theatre and dinner deals, one of Whangarei's favourite restaurants Suk Jai Thai restaurant, bus stops, and many cafes. Great value for money. Highly recommended.

Tim and Jan at reception were very friendly and accommodating. Due to bad weather, we decided to change our bookings and leave early. They were very receptive to our concerns and did not mind it one bit. The room we got was great! It was clean and tidy, with double-glazed windows, so it turned out to be a short but very comfortable and peaceful stay. Since we were new to the area, Tim was also kind enough to offer suggestions on places to visit/eat, bearing in mind we had two young kids. Highly recommend!

Arriving in Kaitaia after 10pm most Motels were closed or full. My wife and I eventually found Kaitaia Motor Lodge situated just on the edge of town. The owner, Gina, opened the office up with a smile and a welcome. There was only a two bedroom family unit available which we happily took. To our surprise Gina only charged us for a single room unit rate. That says all you need to know about the owners. They made us feel like family. The units are well designed, convenient, very comfortable and spotlessly clean. The location was perfect for exploring the northern peninsular and our one night stopover was extended to three nights. Certainly the best Motel we found on our two week road trip around the North Island. We highly recommend Kaitaia Motor Lodge and certainly plan to return.

Stopped for 1 night and had a good nights sleep, Comfortable bed with lovely sheets, great hot shower and fluffy towels. The bathroom floor did look like it could do with a good clean and the internet is terrible. We could hear road noise and in the morning could hear people moving around upstairs. It is an older style motel but the price reflects this.