Boutique Hotel Kaikoura, Kaikoura

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About the Hotel

146 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Perfect

8.3

9.0

/10

4.1

“The fine ocean view was a highlight of my stay!”view full review

Four-star Boutique Hotel Kaikoura, an historic waterfront property on Kaikoura's Esplanade, features a sun-soaked courtyard garden and prime positioning for whale watching by boat, helicopter, or small plane.

Designer Ocean-View Rooms

Guest rooms at Boutique Hotel Kaikoura showcase Marimekko-inspired interior design with bespoke furniture. First-floor waterfront rooms offer balconies with ocean views, while courtyard-facing rooms provide garden vistas. Each space includes air conditioning, smart TVs, and New Zealand-made luxury amenities.

Scenic Mountain-View Dining

The Kaikoura Boutique Hotel serves house-made lavosh and grissini against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ocean panoramas.

Marine Wildlife Experiences

The tour desk coordinates whale-watching expeditions and seal encounters at Ohau Waterfall, where seal pups learn swimming skills. South Bay hosts a resident mega-pod of dolphins.

Central Coast Location

Located 6 miles from Kaikoura center, the hotel stands within walking distance to premier restaurants and attractions. Notable nearby sites include Art & Design Gallery and Dolphin Encounter (0.3 miles), Kaikoura Marine Aquarium (1 miles), and Ohau Point Seal Colony (1 miles).

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Junior Waterfront

2 persons

32 m²

1 King-size bed

Water view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard Courtyard Room

2 persons

15 m²

1 King-size bed

Courtyard view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior Courtyard Room

2 persons

24 m²

1 King-size bed

Courtyard view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Historic Waterfront Room

2 persons

34 m²

1 King-size bed

Water view

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments

Stylish and Comfortable

“During my stay, I enjoyed a Courtyard Beautiful room that was stylishly decorated, clean, and very comfortable. The vibrant decor, complete with contemporary touches, made the atmosphere feel inviting and well thought out.” view full review

Super Comfy Bed

“The bed in my room was exceptionally comfortable, providing me with restful nights and ensuring I woke up refreshed each morning. It truly enhanced my overall stay and made me look forward to heading back after a day of exploring.” view full review

Good Culinary Experience

“The hotel's dining options were a highlight of my visit. I enjoyed the diverse menu, particularly the fresh local seafood dishes that were expertly prepared, creating a good culinary experience during my stay.” view full review

Convenient and Garden-Like

“I loved that the parking was relocated to the side of the hotel with a lovely garden courtyard between the rooms. This design made the environment feel much friendlier and more spacious compared to traditional motels that have parking right outside each room.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Canoeing
Skiing
Hiking
Tennis court
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid shuttle service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

146 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Map view

146 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand

City landmarks

Landmark

Ohau Point Seal Colony

2.0 km

Landmark

Kaikoura Coastal Track

750 m

Museum

Kaikoura Museum

1.5 km

Landmark

Kaikoura Marine Aquarium

1.4 km

Landmark

Whale Watch Kaikoura

1.5 km

Landmark

Kaikoura Lookout

1.4 km

Landmark

Fyffe House

2.8 km

Landmark

Seal Swim Kaikoura

1.5 km

Landmark

Maori Leap Cave

2.2 km

Beach

Jimmy Armers Beach

2.4 km

Landmark

Peninsula Walkway

2.4 km

Landmark

Ohau Stream Walk

2.7 km

Landmark

Canterbury Regional Council

2.1 km

Landmark

Peninsula Seal Colony

2.7 km

Landmark

New World Supermarket Kaikoura

2.7 km

Landmark

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

2.5 km

Landmark

Point Kean Viewpoint

2.7 km

Landmark

Kaikoura Peninsula

2.7 km

Landmark

South Bay Reserve

3.4 km

Nearby

Gallery

Art & Design Gallery

40 m

96 Esplanade

Dolphin Encounter

40 m

Restaurants

Cafe Encounter

280 m

96 Esplanade

Getting around

City Centre

Kaikoura16 min · 1.3 km

Airports

Kaikoura (KBZ)12 min · 7.8 km

Woodbourne Airport (BHE)208 min · 138.1 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

Steven

United Kingdom, February 2025

7.2/10

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel, with spectacular sea views and a cozy room that felt modern and comfortable. It's in a perfect location, just a short walk from town. However, the service was hit or miss, and the breakfast could use significant improvement. The overall experience was pleasant, but there's room for enhancement, particularly in the dining area.

Rooms

8.0

Our room had a great view and was quite cozy and nicely remodeled, making it a comfortable place to stay.

Service

6.0

The staff was friendly, but their knowledge about the hotel amenities was lacking, which was a bit disappointing.

Location

9.0

The hotel is ideally located along the esplanade, making it easy to walk to town and nearby restaurants.

Dining

5.0

Breakfast was quite disappointing; I expected better with the price, especially when it came to the quality of the food served.

Facilities

8.0

The patio area was lovely and well-maintained, perfect for enjoying the sun.

Great sea views

Breakfast quality poor

Victoria

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.2/10

I had a wonderful experience at this boutique hotel, which is beautifully designed and impeccably clean. The views from my room were breathtaking, with the ocean and mountains right outside. While the breakfast was a little basic for my taste, it didn't take away from the overall experience. The location provided a perfect balance of quietness and accessibility to restaurants and cafes nearby.

Rooms

10.0

The room was beautifully decorated, clean, and had an extremely comfortable bed that made for a restful night's sleep. I especially loved the large balcony with stunning views.

Service

10.0

The service was exceptional, with staff going out of their way to ensure I felt welcome and taken care of. They helped me with dinner reservations and shared wonderful local recommendations.

Location

10.0

The hotel is in a perfect location right across from the beach and just a short drive or walk to the main area filled with cafes and restaurants.

Dining

7.0

While the breakfast was decent with coffee that exceeded my expectations, I would have preferred more variety in the options.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel had lovely facilities including a charming common area that made my stay even more enjoyable.

Don

United Kingdom, January 2025

9.0/10

I had a wonderful time at this boutique hotel right by the sea. The room we stayed in was gorgeous, and I loved the spacious balcony. The staff were so welcoming, making our short stay feel special. However, the breakfast could have more variety, as it felt a bit limited. Overall, it was a fantastic experience with beautiful views and comfortable accommodations.

Rooms

10.0

The room was beautiful, clean, and high quality with a comfy bed and a lovely balcony overlooking the sea.

Service

10.0

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, ensuring that we felt welcome throughout our stay.

Location

10.0

The hotel is ideally located, just a quick walk or short drive to the main cafes and restaurants, right on the beach for morning strolls.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was nice, but the options were somewhat basic with limited selections.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities included a champagne bar and ample parking, which added to the convenience of our stay.

Nicholas

United Kingdom, December 2024

8.0/10

I had a lovely experience during my one-night stay at this hotel. The courtyard room was nice and clean, and I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere while sipping a drink in the bar area overlooking the ocean. Jen and Warren were excellent hosts, and I appreciated the tips they provided about local attractions. However, the breakfast seemed a bit overpriced for what was offered. Overall, a cozy place to rest, but there's some room for improvement in dining.

Rooms

8.0

The courtyard room was clean and comfortable, although it lacked stunning views.

Service

9.0

Jen and Warren were very welcoming and helpful throughout our stay.

Location

9.0

The location was ideal, right by the ocean and close enough to walk to local restaurants.

Dining

6.0

Breakfast was included, but felt a bit overpriced considering the limited options available.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel had a cozy bar area with comfortable couches overlooking the ocean.

Clean and comfortable room

Overpriced breakfast

Phil

United Kingdom, December 2024

6.8/10

I had a lovely stay at this boutique hotel, which provided some delightful touches and a comfortable atmosphere. The rooms were beautifully styled and clean, making for a pleasant experience. However, the service was a bit lacking, with some inflexibility and delays that could be improved. Additionally, while the breakfast was good overall, there were moments of inconsistency that left something to be desired. Overall, a nice stay, but a few adjustments would elevate the experience further.

Rooms

7.0

The Deluxe Courtyard room was beautifully styled and spotlessly clean. However, the bedroom felt cramped compared to the spacious bathroom, and the view was limited to a small side window.

Service

5.0

The service was friendly at times, but overall felt quite inflexible. There were moments when staff seemed rushed and not as accommodating as one might hope.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located just outside the main strip in Kaikoura, making it easy to explore the area. It's also right across the street from the beach, which is a huge plus.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast offered a lovely selection but had some inconsistencies, like missing scrambled eggs on one day and an odd choice of tinned fruit. Overall, though, it was a decent start to the day.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offered great amenities, including good toiletries and in-room drinks for purchase, but lacked some common hotel facilities like a full restaurant.

Beautifully styled rooms

Inflexible service