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Akaroa Criterion Motel

4.5 star property
Motel in Akaroa with free parking

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Photo gallery for Akaroa Criterion Motel

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

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Laundry
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
75 Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520
  • Place, Akaroa Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Linton The Giant House
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Akaroa Wharf
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Christchurch (CHC-Christchurch Intl.)

Room options

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

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

Studio Mid Floor

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 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
(19 reviews)
  • Sea 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

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
(11 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Akaroa

Akaroa Criterion Motel places you next to Akaroa Museum and within a 5-minute walk of Artisans Gallery. Each of the 12 rooms at this 4.5-star motel includes a balcony, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Motels in AkaroaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Akaroa Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Artisans Gallery - 3 min walk - 0.2 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

  • ‪Bully Hayes Restaurant & Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Crater Cafe Akaroa - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Common - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Akaroa Corner Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Aihe Restaurant & Bar - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Akaroa Criterion Motel

Motel in Akaroa with free parking
At Akaroa Criterion Motel, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a library, and a terrace. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Additional amenities include laundry facilities and barbecue grills.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 45-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include balconies, refrigerators, and microwaves.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

View from room
Akaroa Village Inn
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 129 reviews
$140 nightly
The price is $161
Dec 22 - Dec 23
Total with taxes and fees
Akaroa Village Inn

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

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

  • Barbecue grill
  • 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no 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

Are free cancellation options available at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Akaroa Criterion Motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Dec 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Akaroa Criterion Motel on Jan 12, 2026 start from $112.49, 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.

What can I see around Akaroa Criterion Motel?

This motel is located in Akaroa, just steps from Akaroa Museum and Artisans Gallery, and within a short walk of Akaroa Wharf. You'll also find Akaroa Lighthouse and Britomart Monument within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel feature a casino?

No, Akaroa Criterion Motel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is Akaroa Criterion Motel good for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a terrace and a library plus some guestrooms include sea views.

Are there hot tubs at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Akaroa Criterion Motel offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Will Akaroa Criterion Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Akaroa Criterion Motel.

Are there connecting rooms at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Akaroa Criterion Motel?

Yes, every guestroom at Akaroa Criterion Motel comes with a balcony with some featuring sea views.

Akaroa Criterion Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 457 out of 594 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 126 out of 594 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 594 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 594 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 594 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

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

Don

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

Passing through

Convenient location and great service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Georgie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, great view, warm and comfortable, spacious with nice extra's in the bathroom. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Christchurch

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely location and Maggie the property manager was so helpful and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely spacious room with great seaviews. Friendly helpful staff, and a very civilised 11am check out. We'll be back!
View from balcony.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 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

Jason

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Michael

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

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