Nestled in a picturesque setting, Akaroa Criterion Motel offers a tranquil retreat with laundry facilities and free self parking. Relax on the terrace or get lost in a good book from the library while staying connected with WiFi. The helpful staff has left guests feeling at ease.
St Patrick's Catholic Church - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Linton The Giant House - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
Akaroa Wharf - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Akaroa Lighthouse - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Christchurch International Airport (CHC) - 66 min drive
Restaurants
The Little Bistro - 4 min walk
Grand Hotel - 8 min walk
Crater Cafe Akaroa - 1 min walk
Bully Hayes - 7 min walk
La Thai Restaurant - 8 min walk
About this property
Akaroa Criterion Motel
Akaroa Criterion Motel is a great choice for a stay in Akaroa. Freebies like WiFi and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
12 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Continental breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8 AM–10 AM
Barbecue grills
Room service (limited hours)
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Fishing nearby
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Terrace
Library
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Room amenities
Be entertained
45-inch flat-screen TV
Digital TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
More
Daily housekeeping
Special features
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.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Continental breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately NZD 16 for adults and NZD 16 for children
Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 2.5 percent
Policies
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 does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a security system on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.
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
Does Akaroa Criterion Motel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Akaroa Criterion Motel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Akaroa Criterion Motel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Akaroa Criterion Motel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like fishing and hiking.
Does Akaroa Criterion Motel have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
What's the area around Akaroa Criterion Motel like?
Akaroa Criterion Motel is a short 9-minute walk from Akaroa Wharf and 16 minutes' walk from Akaroa Lighthouse.
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Akaroa Criterion Motel Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
View
Service staff
Room
Location
Restaurant
Bay
Balcony
Bed
Cafes
Store
What guests liked
Parking was easy and central, allowing guests to park and walk to nearby shops and restaurants. (4 reviews)
The property is close to a great choice of restaurants, cafes, and a lovely coffee shop. (4 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 19, 2025
Passing through
Convenient location and great service
Don
Don, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 1, 2025
Great stay and lovely hosts
Laurie
Laurie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 18, 2025
Lovely property in an excellent location.
Tami
Tami, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 5, 2025
This motel is well located in the township with easy walkable distance to the area and amenities.
Shahnaz
Shahnaz, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 27, 2025
Always a relaxing stay here.
Love the location.
Rooms are spacious and we love the water view.
roy and penny
roy and penny, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jan 19, 2025
Very friendly would stay again.
Dale
Dale, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 16, 2025
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 :)
Daile
Daile, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 7, 2025
Holiday
Excellent views, roomy unit
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 7, 2025
Lovely room with view over the lake
richard
richard, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 28, 2025
Great location. Friendly staff.
Kimberly
Kimberly, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 12, 2024
Really nice Motel.Large room comfortable and clean.Friendly and helpful staff.
J
J, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 28, 2024
Super clean, friendly staff, would happily stay again and good value.
John
John, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 26, 2023
Very nice stay
Josh
Josh, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 4, 2024
Great motel, with nice friendly owners and nice clean room with excellent views.
Mike
Mike, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2024
We really enjoyed our stay. Staff were really friendly and gave us great information on where to dine and other options on walks, Great view from our really comfortable room,
Annette
Annette, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 15, 2024
Great location.
CRAIG
CRAIG, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 22, 2024
Excellent hotel, beautiful views and friendly staff
Jesus Ivan
Jesus Ivan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 11, 2024
Excellent location, clean, excellent view and friendly happy management
Paula
Paula, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2025
Spacious
Jason
Jason, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 11, 2025
Nice Big and clean rooms
Maximilian
Maximilian, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 14, 2025
Clean rooms, friendly staff, convenient location. Couldn't ask for more. Will highly recommend any time.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 10, 2024
Lovely motel - great location, views of the waterfront with restaurants and shops on the doorstep. Very well maintained and clean property as well.
Richard
Richard, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2025
Location to town
Margaretmary
Margaretmary, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 19, 2023
Nice place to stay, center of the town, walking to boat tours, restaurants, grocery.