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Akaroa Criterion Motel

4.5 star property
Travelers find a peaceful spot to catch up on reading at this quiet terrace retreat, where the surroundings invite relaxation and literary escape

Choose dates to view prices

The Akaroa Criterion Motel offers a peaceful getaway with amenities like laundry facilities and free self-parking. Enjoy quiet moments on the terrace, browse the library, and stay connected with WiFi. Friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel at home.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry room
  • Room service
The current price is NZ$230
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Standard Studio

In-room dining

Standard Studio

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor

Blackout curtains, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio Mid Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Top Floor

Studio Top Floor | View from room

Studio Top Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor Sea View

Blackout curtains, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio Mid Floor Sea View

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the area

Akaroa is home to Akaroa Criterion Motel. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Montgomery Park Scenic Reserve and Duvauchelle Showgrounds, while Akaroa Museum and Maori & Colonial Museum are cultural highlights. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Akaroa travel guide
View more Motels in Akaroa
Map
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520

What's nearby

  • Akaroa Museum
    Akaroa Museum
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Akaroa Wharf showing a coastal town, tranquil scenes and general coastal views
    Akaroa Wharf
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Akaroa Lighthouse featuring a bay or harbour and a lighthouse
    Akaroa Lighthouse
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Artisans Gallery
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Linton The Giant House
    10 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
    96 min drive

Restaurants

  • Akaroa Corner Cafe
    3 min walk
  • Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar
    7 min walk
  • Crater Cafe Akaroa
    1 min walk
  • Grand Hotel
    7 min walk
  • The Common
    2 min walk

About this property

Akaroa Criterion Motel

Property highlights
You can look forward to a terrace, a library and laundry facilities at Akaroa Criterion Motel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Continental breakfast (surcharge), barbecues and smoke-free property
  • Tour/ticket information and luggage storage
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Akaroa Criterion Motel have perks, such as air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and sound-insulated walls.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers, free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 45-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, balconies and fridges

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award – a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8 AM to 10 AM for a fee: NZD 16 for adults and NZD 16 for children

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 45-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.5 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: from approximately NZD 16 for adults and from NZD 16 for children
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.5 per cent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a security system
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

Akaroa Criterion
Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Motel
Criterion Akaroa
Criterion Motel
Criterion Motel Akaroa
Motel Akaroa
Akaroa Criterion Hotel Christchurch
Akaroa Criterion Motel Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel Akaroa
Akaroa Criterion Motel Motel Akaroa

Frequently asked questions

Is Akaroa Criterion Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

As of 9 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Akaroa Criterion Motel on 13 Mar 2026 start from NZ$230, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is Akaroa Criterion Motel located?

Situated in Akaroa, this motel is steps away from Akaroa Museum and Artisans Gallery. St Patrick's Catholic Church and Akaroa Wharf are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Akaroa Criterion Motel Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 469 out of 609 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 129 out of 609 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 609 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 609 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 609 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

L.Kelvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Location by park great, staff very helpful, room clean basic, bed comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeni

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful large room, comfortable bed. Everything was very neat and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Verena

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great view - great staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent motel & location. Room was huge & very comfortable with great views. Loved our stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Bronwyn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and staff were friendly
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, nice large, clean and comfortable room with an absolutely stunning view of the bay. Walking distance to everything. What an absolute gem of a hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fabulous motel, lovely rooms, big bathroom and shower, great facilities and incredibly friendly staff. Probably the best motel i have stayed in in NZ Stayed here a couple of years ago and that was great, still fabulous
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
These motels are well appointed, spotlessly clean and in a good location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent Franklin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Incredible views and centrally located by shops and restaurants. Very clean and courteous staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dayle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was ideal, safe, quiet, handy to shops, eateries, and the beach. The unit we had was very well presented, bed good, shower brilliant, in fact the upkeep of the whole complex is very well presented!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Fabulous location. Spotlessly clean, beach towels provide and a small patio. Top motel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yannic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A gorgeous Motel. Right next to Restaurants and a Supermarket. The rooms are very spacious und tidy. Everything you need is provided. Murray is great Host. We can totally recommend to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was well situated around restaurants and shops. We were able to walk to the beach and lighthouse without any difficulties. The staff was very friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neftali

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great views from top floor. Clean and spacious room.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property in an excellent location.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shahnaz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel is well located in the township with easy walkable distance to the area and amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

roy and penny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a relaxing stay here. Love the location. Rooms are spacious and we love the water view.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daile

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This stay was just as good as the last! Big rooms, great bed, lovely fluffy towels and walking distance to several restaurants etc. Nothing bad to say about this place :)
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great. So great we stayed an extra day. We opted for the third floor and the view was sensational. Great location on the “French” side of town. Near some excellent restaurants and shops and close to a grocery store. Inside lots of space and nicely appointed. Very clean, marvelous shower and the bed was very comfortable. Air conditioned bliss. You can’t go wrong staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denis

Great stay!!

This is a great spot minutes from everything and a great view from balcony,loved it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great motel, with nice friendly owners and nice clean room with excellent views.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jesus Ivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent hotel, beautiful views and friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely motel - great location, views of the waterfront with restaurants and shops on the doorstep. Very well maintained and clean property as well.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024