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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

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Photo gallery for Akaroa Criterion Motel

Studio Top Floor | View from room - Akaroa Criterion Motel (Akaroa)
Studio Top Floor | Blackout drapes, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - Akaroa Criterion Motel (Akaroa)
Studio Top Floor | Blackout drapes, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - Akaroa Criterion Motel (Akaroa)
Studio Top Floor | Front of property - Akaroa Criterion Motel (Akaroa)
Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor | View from room - Akaroa Criterion Motel (Akaroa)
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 WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Room service

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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor

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

Studio Mid Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio Top Floor

Studio Top Floor | View from room

Studio Top Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor | Blackout drapes, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor Sea View

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

Studio Mid Floor Sea View

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

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 miles
  • Akaroa Wharf
    Akaroa Wharf
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Akaroa Lighthouse
    Akaroa Lighthouse
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Artisans Gallery
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Linton The Giant House
    10 min walk - 0.5 miles

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
  • La Thai Restaurant
    8 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), smoke-free premises, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Luggage storage
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Akaroa Criterion Motel include comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and sound-insulated walls.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers, free toiletries, and hair dryers
  • 45-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Wardrobes/closets, balconies, and refrigerators

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 transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 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
  • Smoking not allowed

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 available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.5 percent 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

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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 is parking?

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?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Akaroa Criterion Motel located?

Situated in Akaroa, this motel is steps 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 select 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. 477 out of 619 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 131 out of 619 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 619 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 619 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 619 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really great stay here. Best location for
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, easy parking, comfortable room. Great bed.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great comfortable room with walkable location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good location
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zoe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very roomy and the bed super comfy. Large bathroom, had everything we needed. Glad to have good wifi though the TV was pretty glitch. Overall a great place to stay, easy parking and location so close to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was spotless, Staff were great, location was great, view was stunning.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verena

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

8/10 Good

Bronwyn

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Spotless room, comfortable and a great view over the roof tops to the water. So handy to cafes and supermarket as well as boutique shopping. Courteous staff on arrival and a later checkout of 11:00am completed a most enjoyable stay.
From balcony
Harbour view
A bay and beach
From bed in the morning
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Francis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Criterion Motel was very good. It is well located in the heart of town with our room overlooking the harbor as all rooms do from what I could see and included a balcony. Our room was large and spacious, clean with all amenities to be self sufficient with the exception of washing machine, clothes dryer and dishwasher. Staff were friendly and helpful although I could not get the wifi to operate so relied on my eSIM data hot spotting from my mobile phone. There was good on site parking. Bathroom/toilet facilities were clean and well presented. My wife and I enjoyed our two nights at the Criterion and would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tami

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

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Dale

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

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