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Akaroa Criterion Motel

4.5 star property
4.5-star eco-certified motel with free WiFi

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Photo gallery for Akaroa Criterion Motel

Studio Top Floor | View from room
Studio Top Floor | Blackout drapes, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Studio Top Floor | Front of property
Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor | View from room
Front of property - evening/night

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520
  • Pohatu Penguin Habitat
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Akaroa Wharf
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Akaroa Lighthouse
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)

Room options

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor

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

Studio Mid Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 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
(14 reviews)
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Studio

In-room dining

Standard Studio

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

View all photos for Studio Mid Floor Sea View

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

Studio Mid Floor Sea View

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

About the neighborhood

Akaroa

Akaroa retreat .Your stay at this motel will put you steps from Akaroa Museum and a 5-minute walk from Artisans Gallery. St Patrick's Catholic Church and Akaroa Wharf are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Motels in AkaroaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Akaroa Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Pohatu Penguin Habitat - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Linton The Giant House - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Akaroa Wharf - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Akaroa Lighthouse - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Little Bistro - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Grand Hotel - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Mandala - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Thai Restaurant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Kaimoana - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Akaroa Criterion Motel

4.5-star eco-certified motel with free WiFi
As a guest of Akaroa Criterion Motel, you'll find a library, a terrace, and barbecue grills. WiFi is free in public spaces. The eco-certified Akaroa Criterion Motel also features tour/ticket assistance, laundry facilities, and room service (during limited hours). Self parking is free.

This 4.5-star Akaroa motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • No smoking on site
Akaroa Criterion Motel offers 12 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Rooms open to balconies. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 45-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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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  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
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The price is $99
Sep 9 - Sep 10
Total with taxes and fees
Akaroa Waterfront Motels

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 45-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), key retrieval

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

For the benefit of our customers, we have provided a rating based on our rating system.

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

How close is Akaroa Criterion Motel to the airport?

Akaroa Criterion Motel is 54 mi (66-min drive) away from the Christchurch International Airport (CHC) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Sep 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Akaroa Criterion Motel on Sep 14, 2025 start from $86.49, excluding 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.

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Akaroa Criterion Motel.

How close is Akaroa Criterion Motel to the beach?

This motel is 12.8 mi (23-min drive) from Le Bons Bay Beach and 13.5 mi (17-min drive) from Okains Bay Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Akaroa Criterion Motel, but continental breakfast is offered for a fee of NZD 16 for adults and NZD 16 for children. It's available every day from 8 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a casino at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

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

Is there free parking at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have a pool?

Akaroa Criterion Motel does not have a pool.

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Akaroa Criterion Motel to downtown Akaroa?

Akaroa Criterion Motel is 0.1 mi away from Akaroa.

Akaroa Criterion Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 440 out of 576 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 125 out of 576 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 576 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 576 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 576 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a terrific stay at the Criterion - Felicity was very welcoming on arrival and her sidekick [apologies, I didn't get her name] was very helpful throughout our stay. The room was very clean, bed was very comfortable - I like a reasonably firm bed, and the choice of pillows was good. Nice fluffy towels, good water pressure in the shower and a spacious room. Would have liked instructions re the heatpump, as I'm not familiar with operating heatpumps, and the shower 'leaks' in one corner, but apart from those small issues, our stay was excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay and lovely hosts
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Holiday

Excellent views, roomy unit
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shahnaz, FLAT BUSH

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night 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

richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room with view over the lake
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

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

10/10 Excellent

James

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for us on a week long trip and a quick stop into akaroa The staff are so lovely and the rooms were the best on our trip We loved the deck chairs and tables too as we like to play cards ( not very rock n roll is it!) and a short walk to Everything.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tami

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

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a fabulous place to stay. The location is perfect. Park your car because you can walk everywhere in the village from here. It is steps from the water. Try for a sea view on the 2nd or 3rd floor.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean rooms, friendly staff, convenient location. Couldn't ask for more. Will highly recommend any time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann-Christin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best location in Akaroa

We loved our 2 nights stay at the Criterion Motel. The room was spacious and nice with sofa and armchair. The bed was very big and had lovely linen and pillows. Close everything in this cute little town.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent studio with beautiful views of Akaroa

We stayed 3 nights in a top floor studio with a gorgeous view of beautiful Akaroa harbour from the balcony. The studio was spacious and well equipped with a microwave, toaster and all the crockery and cutlery we needed. The shower was good and the bed comfortable. Very good value for a premium spot. Helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaretmary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location to town
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was super and we could walk around
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful room that was thoroughly cleaned and all rooms had a beautiful view. The owners were very friendly too. This will be our new go to place when visiting Akaroa.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice spacious rooms with a view of the lake. Easy to walk to restaurants and shopping. Yummy French bakery next door. Easy access to some hiking trails and tour companies. Very friendly and helpful staff on site. I would return.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dereck

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great central spot, very spacious. Third floor has great view over the harbour
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Dale

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

8/10 Good

Jose

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was just within reach and central town
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Karla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sae

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Akira

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024