9

1,442 reviews

Panorama Motel

Panorama Motel

266 Esplanade, Kaikoura, 7300, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Skiing

Snorkeling

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Parking On Site

Terrace

Panorama Motel

Panorama Motel is a breezy beachfront escape in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Nestled at 266 Esplanade and just 0.7mi from the city center, this seaside stay puts you within easy reach of town strolls and ocean views.

Featured amenities read like a mini adventure kit: free WiFi, private on-site parking (free), and a kitchenette for hungry travelers; non-smoking rooms and wheelchair accessibility; plus a terrace, patio, and balcony to soak up the mountain-view and sea breeze. Pet-friendly options are available with extra charges, and there are opportunities for snorkeling, skiing, horseback riding, and a nearby golf course (additional charges apply).

With 1,442 reviews, Panorama Motel stands as a popular pick for travelers seeking a comfy, beachfront base in Kaikoura.

Picture a breezy beachfront base where the scent of salt air lingers and the surf keeps time with the day. A handy kitchenette keeps snacks ready, while a terrace, patio, and balcony frame mountain views and the sea breeze for easy evenings al fresco.

For day trips and outdoor thrills, snorkeling, skiing, and horseback rides offer Kaikoura moments, with a nearby golf course just a swing away. Pets are welcome on request, with charges possibly applying, inviting four-legged companions to join coastal strolls and sunsets.

With 1,442 reviews backing its laid-back appeal, Panorama Motel remains a popular pick for travelers seeking a comfy beachfront base in Kaikoura.

Closest airports

Kaikoura Aerodrome

0.2mi

Most popular amenities

Skiing

Snorkeling

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Patio

Kitchenette

Horseback riding

View

Balcony

Rooms

Two-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor  in Panorama Motel

Show 6 photos

Apartment, 2 Bedroom, Groundfloor

1 Queen Size Bed

1 Twin Bed

1 King Size Bed

580 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Terrace

+

More details

Located on the ground floor, this apartment features sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining/lounge area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 (see Hotel Policies).

One-Bedroom Apartment - Ground Floor in Panorama Motel

Show 5 photos

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Groundfloor

1 Queen Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

375 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Terrace

+

More details

Located on the ground floor, this apartment features sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining/lounge area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower. Please note that the price is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 (see Hotel Policies).

Two-Bedroom Apartment - Top Floor in Panorama Motel

Show 5 photos

Apartment, 2 Bedroom, Highfloor

1 Queen Size Bed

2 Twin Beds

570 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

+

More details

Located on the top floor, this apartment features a balcony and sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining/lounge area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower.

Show 5 photos

Studio, Queen Size, Groundfloor

1 Queen Size Bed

300 sqft

Kitchenette

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Located on the ground floor, this studio features sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower.

King Studio - Ground Floor in Panorama Motel

Show 5 photos

Studio, King Size, Groundfloor

1 King Size Bed

300 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

+

More details

Located on the ground floor, this studio features sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower.

King Studio - Top Floor in Panorama Motel

Show 4 photos

Studio, King Size, Highfloor

1 King Size Bed

300 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

+

More details

Located on the top floor, this studio features a balcony and sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower.

One-Bedroom Apartment - Top Floor in Panorama Motel

Show 4 photos

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Highfloor

1 Twin Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

410 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Balcony

+

More details

Located on the top floor, this apartment features a balcony and sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining/lounge area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with a shower.

Show 4 photos

Studio, Accessible

365 sqft

Kitchenette

Balcony

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Located on the ground floor, this studio features sea and mountain views. It features a TV with cable channels and a kitchenette with a stove, microwave and fridge. It offers electric blankets, a dining area, ironing facilities and an private bathroom with access facilities.

Studio - Disability Access in Panorama Motel

Show 4 photos

Studio, 1 Twin Bed, Accessible

1 Twin Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

365 sqft

Mountain view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Terrace

More details

Guest reviews

9

1,442 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Natalie

10

June 2025

We were traveling down from Wellington to Christchurch with our animals (two cats and a dog) and the owners were so accommodating. We were very stressed about the trip, so we split it up by staying in Kaikoura. We were able to check out slightly later as we were waiting on settlement for our house in Christchurch, which was amazing! It helped us out a lot. The room itself was lovely and the location was great, right beside the beach. We can’t thank you enough for having us. I’m sure we will be back at some stage, maybe just with the dog this time as I don’t think the cats enjoyed traveling much. Thank you for taking the stress out of the trip.

Nothing at all!

🇬🇧

Nicola

10

April 2025

We loved this accommodation. It is at the far end of the Kaikoura bay as you head to the peninsular. It's a pretty quiet part a bit further away from the bars and restaurants. We asked for a top floor room to enjoy the views and loved sitting on the balcony or in the room looking out. Although a smaller unit than others we stayed in on our trip it had everything we needed and was very cosy and clean. We were able to park right outside the room too. There was an excellent laundry room as well which was appreciated. We really like that part of Kaikoura. You can walk along the top of the peninsular or down on the beach and see lots of seals. Do not walk on the bird breeding area or get too near the seals (as some people were doing). More seals can been seen heading north alone the coast road at Ohau Point Lookout. We saw a lot of vintage cars and understand there was a museum there but it seemed like it was closed. We also had a really good nightsky one night.

na

🇬🇧

Jacqui

10

February 2025

WOW the view from our room looking out to sea, was fabulous to sit with a glass of wine early evening before sunset. Apartment was wood cabin style, very clean, comfortable armchairs facing ocean if you want to sit inside, also for watching Sky tv which has sport / movies etc., Fabulous comfy bed, excellent shower. Kitchen was well equipped for cooking & preparing meals. Excellent location for walks, shops & restaurants. We did use the car to go into town. Must not forget the wonderful host, didn’t get her name but was so lovely & helpful at all times We highly recommend staying here

We only stayed 3 nights ☹️

🇳🇿

Sarah

8.2

January 2025

Rooms were comfortable and clean. The view was amazing and the location perfect for both walking into town and visiting the seal colony

The room was a lower ground floor one and there was not any soundproofing for the one above. It was very noisy. The people above us sounded like they were going to come through the floor. They got up at 530am on Sunday and stomped around for 2 hours. You could hear everything they said and the male’s snoring at night. Detracted from our stay somewhat. The TV screen in the room also was not working well- the picture colours were very distorted. Not that this was a huge problem but may need fixing soon

🇬🇧

Robert

8.2

December 2024

Lovely views across the bay to the mountains beyond - probably the best view we had from any motel we stayed in during our 6 weeks in New Zealand! Our room was clean and comfortable, reasonably quiet, and within walking distance (20mins) of the main town. Highly recommend walking around the headland from the hotel for spectacular views and hundreds of seals!

Didn't like leaving the view!! However, a note that the kitchen facilities are a little limited - some extra shelving/work top space wouldn't go amiss - and the bathroom is a little dated, although perfectly functional.

🇺🇸

Leigh

10

November 2024

This location has the most magnificent view! It's also within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants, bars, and a lot of activities. If you are traveling to Kaikoura, you MUST stay here. The owners were helpful and friendly, and very patient with our change in plans for check-in and check-out. The room was excellent; there was a bed in it's own room and another in the living room with a clear view of the beach! A full kitchen was in the room, and parking was convenient. Everything was very clean and comfortably cozy.

Not to do with the hotel, but due to the season (I think), all of the restaurants closed early. It made getting anything to eat after 9 very difficult.

🇳🇿

Jngaere

10

January 2025

The whole shebang!!! Never stayed here and I stay in Kaikoura all the time . EXCELLENT ESTABLISHMENT well maintained from the staff to the rooms to the outdoor spaces and gardens. I lived it here and I highly recommend it to all. This place is beautiful with exceptional views from your room. Best thing I loved on top of everything about this place is they allow fur babies and my fluff ball LIVED on the balcony , he loved it just as much as I did 😄 KIA ORA PANORAMA MOTEL KAIKOURA, YOU WILL BE SEEING US AGAIN VERY SOON.

🇦🇺

Paula

10

March 2025

The interim managers saw us stuck outside when our Taxi didn't show and leapt to the occassion by using their own personal car to drop us at our Whale Watching Tour. The interim managers were so friendly and helpful and watched our bags after checkout until our tour ended. The rooms were clean and in a beautiful location directly opposite the ocean. They have set a very high standard!

Just a little bit of a hike from the main tourist strip, but this shouldn't be a problem for most travellers with a car

🇳🇿

Melanie

10

April 2025

Amazing service and the hosts were so welcoming, which is few and far between nowadays; we have a Teacup pomeranian who has alopecia so unfortunately having him usually lands us in the dingiest of rooms, but not here. The room was exactly as advertised and exceptionally neat and clean. The only thing I can fault is the fact we haven't stayed here earlier!! 5* at this price.

The fact we had stayed in the familiar accommodation, not branching out! Can't fault the accommodation

🇬🇧

Angela

9.1

February 2025

We were on the first floor and had exceptional views. We also liked the private balcony, the comfortable settee and the easy parking. I appreciated the little bottle of milk provided. It was great being within easy walking distance from the Pier Bar and Restaurant which was superb with amazing views too.

Nothing much really to mention. However, the shower was a bit small but we managed. It would not have been the case if we were much bigger - we are quite slim!

Points of Interest Around Panorama Motel

Airports

Kaikoura Aerodrome

0.2mi

Amenities of Panorama Motel

Skiing

Snorkeling

Beachfront

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Beach

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Patio

Kitchenette

Horseback riding

View

Balcony

Stay rules - Panorama Motel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property