Catlins Area Motel — Hotel in South Island

Our one-bedroom unit was spotlessly clean and well equipped for our three-night stay. Nobody at reception on our arrival, but a noticeboard advised us which unit was ours (key in the door). We made use of the communal laundry facilities ($2 coin to use machine; provide your own laundry detergent). Dryer available for $4. We found Owaka to be a good location from which to explore The Catlins. Spoke to our host on the telephone a couple of times, but didn’t actually meet her. As our card details were taken on booking, we simply dropped the key in the key box on departure.||Would thoroughly recommend eating at The Lumberjack Bar & Café which served excellent food. Be sure to make a reservation, especially for dinner. Great coffee at Tahatika Coffee Traders.||Everything’s within easy walking distance...

Great wee motel. Spacious rooms. Good size kitchen. Comfy bed & nice shower. Sunny..when the sun is out! Lol Radiators in every room for those colder days. Lots of great wee touches..tissues & handsoap dispenser in bathroom ..paper towels in kitchen..books on the Catlins to borrow. Good daily servicing too. Very quiet. Very clean..even sparkling windows! Friendly staff. Highly recommend this motel for a base while exploring the Catlins. Stayed for a second time 3 years on..these motels are fabulous..still sparkling! Very well maintained, with fresh paint, new curtains & lovely art work. Such a pleasure to stay here. Sun shining in throughout the afternoon, lots of extra touches.. pump hand soap, beautiful white towels, exquisite sheets, big TV!...

My wife and I stayed for two nights last weekend, 1st and 2nd December 2018. We arrived before the 2pm check in time to enquire what was the earliest time we could check in, but were met by an unfriendly cleaning lady who was terse and clearly not pleased to see us. After an hour or so we returned and were checked in by the same woman, more subdued this time, and found our unit to be absolutely first class. Everything from cleanliness to a well-furnished kitchenette was ours to enjoy. On the second morning as we were about to depart I had the privilege of meeting Tess, the owner. She is a lovely, gracious and friendly woman who obviously enjoys meeting people. We look forward to the next stay when we again explore the wonderful Catlins area. Paul...