Breakwater Motel

One of the nicest places we stayed in New Zealand. Our room was spotlessly clean, and the young Canadian woman who checked us in was both professional and friendly. Beautiful place with ocean views.

We were really happy we stayed here and would highly recommend this motel. It’s across the road from a beautiful beach, and town is only a 5-10 minute walk depending on your pace. Our large waterfront suite, room 14, was on the second floor with a balcony looking over the plants and sea. There was plenty to like inside too. The self contained suite had a dining table with four chairs, a well equipped kitchenette with stovetop, sink, plates, cutlery, pots, fridge, kettle, toaster and coffee plunger. The pullout couch was already made up with sheets, and there were two comfortable chairs, a small coffee table and a TV. Sliding doors led from the living room and bedroom onto the same large balcony, which had a small table and two chairs. The bedroom had a queen bed, TV, bedside tables, and a cupboard with extra pillows, blankets and drawers. There was a separate entrance to the bathroom. It had a heated towel rack, a large but somewhat slippery shower, toilet, sink and hair dryer. An iron and ironing board were in a cupboard off the living room. There were loads of conveniently placed electrical sockets in the bedroom, living room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. It’s a compact, comfortable room with what you’d need for an extended stay. There’s a shared BBQ and guest laundry, with washer loads costing 2 x $2 and dryer loads costing 2 x $2 per 60 minutes. I had three complaints. It was difficult to navigate our parking spot with two larger cars on either side, and if we’d had an SUV, I don’t think all three vehicles would have fit. The upstairs rooms are on a huge hill, then you have to climb 14 steep stairs. I guess that’s what you put up with for a view. And, for such a beautiful room, I’d have thought a king bed would be the norm, but there wasn’t one.

We liked the waterview room so much we added an extra night. It was at the front and had a stunning view. The room was immaculate and had everything we needed, including tour bookings, and the staff were helpful with everything. The location was brilliant. Definitely recommend!

The kitchen was nice, and we could cook simple food, but this is a motel and definitely not worth $500+ a night during peak season. We stayed in room 25 a while back. The beds and dining chairs were uncomfortable, and the chairs had no support in the middle, so you couldn’t sit on them for long. The worst part was bugs biting us on the couch, so we refused to sit there. My spouse was bitten too while sleeping on the daybed, had an allergic reaction to whatever bit him, and still has scars from it. We were all a little traumatized by the stay.