5 Best Hotels in Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

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Like mellow places around the world, you'll find plenty of comfortable bed-and-breakfasts and stylish motels, but both Coromandel and Bay of Plenty also have a sprinkling of luxe boutique lodges tucked away in the forest or along coastal coves. In peak season, from October through March, advance booking is essential across the board and many of the better places have long-term customers who book as much as a year in advance.

Awa Motel

$$ | 15 The Strand, Whakatane, 3120, New Zealand

This motel is across the road from the marina and within walking distance of town. Rooms have a fresh nautical, cream-and-blue color scheme with marine-life art on the walls.

Pros

  • Friendly hosts
  • Clean and relaxed
  • On-site café

Cons

  • Seagulls can be noisy
  • Thin walls in units and loud plumbing
  • One room upstairs with no elevator
15 The Strand, Whakatane, 3120, New Zealand
07-308–9500
Hotel Details
27 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Harbour City Motor Inn

$$ | 50 Wharf St., Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand

This bright, modern inn features spacious, self-contained studio and one-bedroom units, all with cooking facilities; you can also order breakfast (full or continental) to be delivered. The bathrooms have spa baths. The motel is in Tauranga's central district, so you're in walking distance to the wharf, restaurants, and shops. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Units have cooking facilities
  • Bathrooms have spa baths

Cons

  • Built around a parking lot
  • No outdoor spaces
  • Basic design
50 Wharf St., Tauranga, 3110, New Zealand
07-571–1435
Hotel Details
20 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Palm Pacific Resort & Motel

$$ | 413 Port Rd., Whangamata, 3620, New Zealand

These self-contained apartments are located right in the heart of Whangamata, only minutes walking from shops, restaurants, and the beach. Each apartment has full kitchen facilities, and the grounds of the motel feature a pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a tennis court. 

Pros

  • Convenient location
  • Range of activities, including bowls and a playground
  • Spacious units

Cons

  • Lower level apartments can be noisy if people are moving around above
  • Fire station is located right next door
  • Pool isn't heated
413 Port Rd., Whangamata, 3620, New Zealand
07-865–9211
Hotel Details
27 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Pipinui Motel

$$$ | 805 Martyn Rd., Whangamata, 3620, New Zealand

Tucked away down a quiet street, yet just a two-minute walk to Whangamata marina and a 10-minute walk to the beach, this motel has two studios and two one-bedroom units, all self-contained with modern kitchens, big bathrooms, peaceful pastel colors, and small private decks. The three-bedroom Pipinui Beach Road Apartment, which is just around the corner, is also available. Hosts Barry and Jenny will tell you all about the local walks, cycleways, and attractions.

Pros

  • Modern and spacious
  • Well-serviced
  • Good location

Cons

  • If you want to stay around Christmas you'll need to book months ahead
  • Breakfast not included
  • A bit expensive for what you get
805 Martyn Rd., Whangamata, 3620, New Zealand
07-865–6796
Hotel Details
5 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Tairua Shores Motel

$$ | 156 Main Rd., Tairua, 3508, New Zealand

Simple, straightforward one-bedroom units and garden chalets in this harborside hotel offer kitchenettes and private patio areas. Amenities also thoughtfully include beach towels and shovels. The motel is well located; to reach the center of Tairua, it's a 10-minute walk around the waterfront, with views of Mount Paku along the way.

Pros

  • Close to the waterfront
  • Espresso coffee machines in the units
  • Complimentary use of washing machine

Cons

  • Only one room has a sea view
  • Just off the main road, so not always peaceful
  • Parking can be a little tight
156 Main Rd., Tairua, 3508, New Zealand
07-864–8520
Hotel Details
5 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Something incorrect in this review?