Oamaru Motor Lodge

391 Thames Highway, 9400 Oamaru, New Zealand
HOTEL OVERVIEW
You know what struck me first about Oamaru Motor Lodge? It’s actually positioned perfectly on Thames Highway where you get this nice balance – close enough to everything but far enough out that you’re not dealing with whatever passes for traffic noise in Oamaru (which honestly isn’t much anyway). The place has that solid, well-maintained feel that immediately tells you someone actually cares about keeping things running properly. I mean, you can tell the difference between a place that’s just getting by and one where they’ve put real thought into the details.
The rooms themselves are genuinely comfortable – not fancy in a flashy way, but comfortable in that “I could actually live here for a week” sort of way. Good beds, proper heating (trust me, you’ll appreciate this in Oamaru winters), and the kind of practical layout that makes sense when you’re actually living out of a suitcase. What I really liked was how quiet it gets at night. You’re close enough to walk into town – it’s maybe a 10-minute stroll to the Victorian precinct where all the limestone buildings are – but you’re not hearing every car that drives by. The parking situation is straightforward too, which sounds boring but you’ll be grateful when you’re not circling around looking for a spot after a long day exploring.
Here’s the thing about staying in Oamaru – you’re perfectly positioned for some genuinely cool stuff that a lot of people don’t know about. The blue penguin colony is obviously the main draw, but honestly, I found myself spending more time just wandering through the historic district and checking out the steampunk stuff (yes, really). From the lodge, you can easily get to Bushy Beach to see the yellow-eyed penguins during the day, then come back, freshen up, and head out for the blue penguin tours in the evening. The staff actually knows the timing for all this stuff and can point you in the right direction without making you feel like you’re getting a rehearsed tourist spiel. They also know which local cafes are worth your time – and in a town this size, that local knowledge actually matters quite a bit. It’s the kind of place where you check in planning to stay one night and end up extending because you realize there’s more to see than you expected, and you’re comfortable enough that staying longer feels like a good idea rather than a compromise.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS


Reviews
Staff: 8.8
Comfort: 8.9
Location: 8.6
Free WiFi: 9.0
Facilities: 8.7
Cleanliness: 9.0
Value for money: 8.5
Raelene from New Zealand (21 June 2025)
Lovely and clean and warm
What could be improved: Everything was good so nothing bad to say about this motel
Sharyn from New Zealand (27 May 2025)
Good location, nice spacious room, comfy beds
Amanda from New Zealand (25 May 2025)
Location
What could be improved: Slightly drafty when in bed
Helen from Australia (20 May 2025)
Quick overnight stop out of town.
Graeme from New Zealand (17 May 2025)
Clean & tidy, warm.
What could be improved: Bed a bit soft, but just personal preference.
Kylie from New Zealand (27 April 2025)
Easy to find, nice clean space. Staff were helpful providing us with ice.
Quiet location.
Ritsuko from New Zealand (23 April 2025)
Big room and bathroom, clean and today. The first day we stayed, the weather was horrible, cold and wet. But the room was very warm ( we didn’t use the heater) and we enjoyed watching sky tv movie. Jacuzzi was nice, too. What could be improved: The wall was thin? We heard all noise from our neighbours and upstairs. The stand light in the room...
June from Australia (21 April 2025)
Spaciousness of unit and excellent amenities. BBQ facilities available although we didn’t use them. Recommend to stay here.
What could be improved: A couple of lights not working. Was going to tell on leaving but key to go in box as office unattended.
Helen from Australia (20 April 2025)
Lovely big room. Older style and very comfortable. Staff friendly and helpful.
Apphia from Singapore (1 April 2025)
Very clean, situated on the edge of town but accessible to attractions like the penguin viewing
SURROUNDINGS
What's nearby:
- Waiareka Park: 5 km
- Gardens at Rockvale: 8 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Pizza Hut: 300 m
- Restaurant Delectables: 250 m
- Restaurant Jumbos Burger Bar: 10 m
Natural beauty:
- Lake Oamaru Reservoir: 2.7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Bushy Beach: 5 km
Public transport:
- Train Harbourside: 2.4 km
- Train Oamaru Station: 1.8 km
Closest airports:
- Oamaru Airport: 15 km
- Richard Pearse Airport: 94 km
ROOMS
- Estimated price from: $118. King Studio with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $124. Studio with Spa Bath with 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 2


FACILITIES
Bedroom:
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Kitchen:
- Toaster
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Bathroom:
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Sun terrace
- Barbecue
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
- Garden
Wellness:
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
Activities:
- Bicycle rental Additional charge
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
Living Area:
- Sofa
- Seating Area
- Desk
Food & Drink:
- Breakfast in the room
Languages spoken:
- Mandarin
- English
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- Satellite channels
- Radio
- Fax
- Telephone
Reception services:
- Invoice provided
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Business centre Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- Spa and wellness centre
- Private bathroom
- Parking
- Fitness centre
- Free WiFi
- Flat-screen TV
- Room service
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
Parking Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and charges may be applicable.:
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Accessible parking
Other for your stay:
- Electric blankets
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Carpeted
- Soundproof rooms
- Family rooms
- Ironing facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Iron
- Wake up service/Alarm clock
- Room service


HOUSE RULES
Pets:
- Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Groups:
- When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 21:00
Check-out:
- From 07:30 to 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
HOTEL ADDRESS
391 Thames Highway, 9400 Oamaru, New Zealand
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