I had booked this motel for my first night and my final night on the South Island for around NZ$110. It was a $32 (10 minute) cab ride from the airport. Nice looking motel from the road, cheerful check-in at a very early 8am which was appreciated.

The motel (which I understand has been for sale for a year), is a family affair. A couple of kids playing outside the ground floor unit, enjoying their summer break (as kids do), made a midday snooze impossible.

The room itself had all the usual comforts one expects, but the level of cleanliness left a lot to be desired. Very dusty room, looked like it hadn't been used lately. Items of cutlery in the kitchenette were not clean having greasy slicks on them.

The bed was old and worn, but still comfortable enough, although (what felt like) dust mites had me itching all night, and also made sleeping difficult. There are no services (like breakfast) available but a small 24/7 corner store nearby has most everything you... more