Akaroa Criterion Motel

4.5 star property
Enjoy the free WiFi at this 4.5-star Akaroa motel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Akaroa Criterion Motel

Studio Top Floor | View from room
Studio Top Floor | Front of property
Studio Top Floor
Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor | View from room
Studio Top Floor

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.)
    ‪84 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Studio

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

Studio Mid Floor

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

Studio Top Floor

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

Studio, Sea View, Ground Floor

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

Studio Mid Floor Sea View

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

About the area

Akaroa

Akaroa retreat .At this motel, you'll be steps from Akaroa Museum and Artisans Gallery. St Patrick's Catholic Church and Akaroa Wharf are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Akaroa Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • 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) - 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
  • ‪The Common - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Akaroa Criterion Motel

Enjoy the free WiFi at this 4.5-star Akaroa motel
As a guest of Akaroa Criterion Motel, you'll find a library, a terrace, and barbecue grills. WiFi is free in public spaces. 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.

Similar properties

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

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

Akaroa Criterion Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 466 out of 604 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 127 out of 604 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 604 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 604 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 604 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Travelled with partner
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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Neftali

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great views from top floor. Clean and spacious room.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Balcony was mid level. Decided to stay for 2 extra days as got offer to go up top for a bit extra but was happy where we were. Room spacious. Had all facilities. Unable to cook but lots of eateries but mostly have same menu except one pub which food was excellent. Steak and sliders, ribs. Bathroom large. Shower good. 4 towels which is rare without asking 🤔. .Most places walkable if u love a hill. Drivable as well. Traffic ok. Parking ok. Self parking at hotel. Hosts lovely helpful. Have laundry. Cheapest one yet.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas, Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great. So great we stayed an extra day. We opted for the third floor and the view was sensational. Great location on the “French” side of town. Near some excellent restaurants and shops and close to a grocery store. Inside lots of space and nicely appointed. Very clean, marvelous shower and the bed was very comfortable. Air conditioned bliss. You can’t go wrong staying here.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Huy, Las Vegas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Firas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gemma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Well located accommodation and I stayed in a room with bayview and kitchenette; the room was clean and well equipped. Parking was on-site and always available during my stay. Felicity was incredibly friendly assisting with local tips and went above and beyond during my stay by loaning me a waterproof pouch for a kayak trip - highly recommended.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

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