Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site. However, parking is limited.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee of approximately NZD 20.5 per person.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Guests planning to arrive after 6:00 PM should contact the property in advance.

What accessibility features does the property offer for guests with disabilities?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas. Specific accessibility features in rooms are not detailed.

Where is the property located in relation to key attractions?

The property is located in Hangatiki, within a 10-minute drive of Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Opapake Pa. It is approximately 4.9 km from Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre and 6.3 km from Opapake Pa.

Are children allowed to stay at the property?

Yes, children are welcome at the property. The minimum age for children to stay for free is not specified.

Caves Motor Inn Waitomo

What guests think

Across recent reviews, travellers describe Caves Motor Inn Waitomo as a simple, good-value base near the Glowworm Caves, with consistently friendly hosts and generally clean rooms, but noticeable traffic and train noise from the adjacent highway.

Rooms are basic to older, some spacious with balconies or country views; earplugs are often provided. Guests frequently note tasty dinners and decent value breakfasts, though menu choice can be limited and the restaurant is occasionally closed. Maintenance issues crop up, particularly potholes on the driveway and parking areas, and a few reports of housekeeping lapses or musty odours. Overall, expect a straightforward roadside motel with warm service and easy access to the caves.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site restaurant and bar are available, and parking is convenient next to rooms. Several guests mention large potholes and general maintenance needs around the driveway and parking areas.

Related guest reviews

8

michele

Mar 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly. Even though the food selection at the hotel restaurant was limited, the food was excellent.

6

Alison

Feb 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic accommodation at a basic price. The restaurant is convenient - but quality could be improved and quite expensive.

6

Sushila

Jan 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Ok value for money. Use vouchers for Wifi - vouchers provided initially had been used. Restaurant was closed.

6

Judith

Feb 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The property needs a lot of maintenance, especially the driveway and parking areas. Huge potholes. It is not good for older people to have to walk up and down steep steps to be admitted and get a key.

8

Eric

Nov 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great little spot right near the glow worm caves... Very nice room with one full wall of windows leading to a cozy balcony... Clean, bright, and very comfortable... Friendly staff and easy check in... Nice on-site restaurant... It is directly off the highway, so it's a bit noisy, but not terrible, just cars whooshing by frequently...

8

Elizabeth

Mar 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious room with good facilties. Great restaurant, and very helpful, friendly staff.

10

Saeko

Feb 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was a massive pot hole on driveway

6

Anja

Dec 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Motel lebt nur von den Tagestouristen die zu den Glow Worm Caves wollen. Einrichtung schon in die Jahre gekommen. Frühstück wird nur optional angeboten und ist leider nicht empfehlenswert. Wird am Vortag nur in den Kühlschrank gestellt. Zimmer riechen alt und modrig. Im Schrank war noch Kleidung vom letzten Gast. Parkplatz war reichlich vorhanden. Warmwasser funktioniert nicht.

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8

Anna

Dec 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location. Friendly staff offering an upgrade on our room. Restaurant on site, although not open the night we stayed.

10

Stephen

Mar 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent enough accommodation, good facilities, easy to find and can park by your room. We had no problems with road noise. Bar area is nice and the food (evening meal) was freshly cooked and good quality. The staff were really nice and friendly.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms are generally clean and tidy, but several reports cite missed bathroom details, musty odours, or maintenance lapses like empty dispensers and occasional hot-water issues.

Related guest reviews

8

Lisa

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy access to cave and attentive helpful friendly manager. Super noisy road first night with trucks going by and no earplugs, room was road facing. Second night quieter. The room however was clean tidy and comfortable and had a lovely country view.

6

anne-marie

Mar 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Previous guest bar of soap in shower. Long hair in the sink. Did staff clean the bathroom? Pillows were flat.

8

Marek

Jun 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a clean but old arrangement. The update of rooms and bathrooms and addition of ventilation would definitely help to eliminate the smell of mold. But this could be a comment to nearly all small motels around NZ.

8

Sharon

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and newly fitted Comfy bed Speedy check in despite late arrival Earplugs excellent!

6

Anja

Dec 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Das Motel lebt nur von den Tagestouristen die zu den Glow Worm Caves wollen. Einrichtung schon in die Jahre gekommen. Frühstück wird nur optional angeboten und ist leider nicht empfehlenswert. Wird am Vortag nur in den Kühlschrank gestellt. Zimmer riechen alt und modrig. Im Schrank war noch Kleidung vom letzten Gast. Parkplatz war reichlich vorhanden. Warmwasser funktioniert nicht.

Translate

6

Francis R

Mar 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Basic but clean but lacking things - like empty shower soap dispenser etc. Very noisy highway with no noise or temperature dampening in the building.

8

Nicolle

Apr 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and easy

10

John

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean and facilities provided good. Good value for the price we paid. The staff team and owner were really friendly and made us feel welcome. Need a car to get to the caves, but these were then quite accessible. Generally all good, and would stay again.

8

Sandra

Nov 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was large and clean. A little noisy with large trucks rolling by all night. The dinner was delicious and the staff friendly. Close to the Glowworm caves

8

Kay

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Balcony view was beautiful Lovely clean room and staff had turned on heater and electric blanket so walked into cosy room

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are basic to older, with some large units and balconies or country views; Wi-Fi uses limited vouchers. Road-facing rooms experience traffic or train noise, and earplugs are often provided.

Related guest reviews

6

Sushila

Jan 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Ok value for money. Use vouchers for Wifi - vouchers provided initially had been used. Restaurant was closed.

8

Eric

Nov 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great little spot right near the glow worm caves... Very nice room with one full wall of windows leading to a cozy balcony... Clean, bright, and very comfortable... Friendly staff and easy check in... Nice on-site restaurant... It is directly off the highway, so it's a bit noisy, but not terrible, just cars whooshing by frequently...

10

Priten

Feb 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I was sad I only stayed here for one night, as the staff were friendly, the room was beautiful, the comfiest bed I’ve slept on in 7 months of travelling. Lots of room amenities, great hot water and a private terrace too. Only slight issue we had was wifi in the room is restricted to 500mb per voucher, and we ran out of data between two of us. You can buy more however we chose not too. Wouldve expected free wifi the whole stay but we got by.

8

tania

Feb 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to put your head down😀 just a little noisy at about 4am when train comes through or trucks start their day

8

Eryn

Jun 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I have to say a huge thank you to the hosts for accommodating our late check in/ last minute booking and coming down since my phone did not have a signal by the door. The property was a little older but clean and tidy! A nice warm place to spend the night as you travel.

10

David

Oct 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Was only for one night as I visited the Caves. I was given a mountain view room with a balcony which was nice. I ate in the restaurant and the food was lovely. The room was perfect, great hot water and pressure in the shower. If you are facing the road, you may experience traffic noise, but there are earplugs in your room.

6

Carla

Jan 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The accommodation was basic but clean. The staff were very friendly. Unfortunately the bed was extremely uncomfortable and our room was right on the main road. They provide earplugs for the room which was a red flag!

6

Francis R

Mar 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Basic but clean but lacking things - like empty shower soap dispenser etc. Very noisy highway with no noise or temperature dampening in the building.

8

Sandra

Nov 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was large and clean. A little noisy with large trucks rolling by all night. The dinner was delicious and the staff friendly. Close to the Glowworm caves

8

Kay

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Balcony view was beautiful Lovely clean room and staff had turned on heater and electric blanket so walked into cosy room

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff and owners are frequently praised as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with easy check-in and occasional upgrades.

Related guest reviews

6

John

Mar 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in lady really great and owner great. Meal was very nice

8

Thierry

Nov 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly staff.

8

Lisa

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy access to cave and attentive helpful friendly manager. Super noisy road first night with trucks going by and no earplugs, room was road facing. Second night quieter. The room however was clean tidy and comfortable and had a lovely country view.

8

Sue

Oct 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Was ideal for a 1 night stop over whilst travelling around NZ. Friendly staff that were very helpful

10

JENEFER

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, delicious dinner and great value breakfast

8

Eryn

Jun 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I have to say a huge thank you to the hosts for accommodating our late check in/ last minute booking and coming down since my phone did not have a signal by the door. The property was a little older but clean and tidy! A nice warm place to spend the night as you travel.

8

Sharon

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean and newly fitted Comfy bed Speedy check in despite late arrival Earplugs excellent!

8

Anna

Dec 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location. Friendly staff offering an upgrade on our room. Restaurant on site, although not open the night we stayed.

10

John

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean and facilities provided good. Good value for the price we paid. The staff team and owner were really friendly and made us feel welcome. Need a car to get to the caves, but these were then quite accessible. Generally all good, and would stay again.

10

Stephen

Mar 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent enough accommodation, good facilities, easy to find and can park by your room. We had no problems with road noise. Bar area is nice and the food (evening meal) was freshly cooked and good quality. The staff were really nice and friendly.

Was this helpful?

AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient for the Glowworm Caves and easy to reach. Being next to the highway and near a rail line brings noticeable noise for some rooms.

Related guest reviews

8

Lisa

Jan 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Easy access to cave and attentive helpful friendly manager. Super noisy road first night with trucks going by and no earplugs, room was road facing. Second night quieter. The room however was clean tidy and comfortable and had a lovely country view.

8

Eric

Nov 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great little spot right near the glow worm caves... Very nice room with one full wall of windows leading to a cozy balcony... Clean, bright, and very comfortable... Friendly staff and easy check in... Nice on-site restaurant... It is directly off the highway, so it's a bit noisy, but not terrible, just cars whooshing by frequently...

8

tania

Feb 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to put your head down😀 just a little noisy at about 4am when train comes through or trucks start their day

10

Te Awe

Jan 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Awesome kind helpful staff, scrumptious meals, separate toilet and shower, air con, comfortable beds, well supplied kitchenette, spacious, and loved our room was upgraded .. don't know why but we loved it and Tv that works. Proximity to local towns, really enjoyed the quiet so we could rest. Highly recommended. Cheers

10

Subhash

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent views and convenient and comfortable stay before the Waitomo Caves

8

Anna

Dec 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location. Friendly staff offering an upgrade on our room. Restaurant on site, although not open the night we stayed.

10

John

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean and facilities provided good. Good value for the price we paid. The staff team and owner were really friendly and made us feel welcome. Need a car to get to the caves, but these were then quite accessible. Generally all good, and would stay again.

10

Stephen

Mar 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent enough accommodation, good facilities, easy to find and can park by your room. We had no problems with road noise. Bar area is nice and the food (evening meal) was freshly cooked and good quality. The staff were really nice and friendly.

6

William

May 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Train near by

8

shashank

Jan 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Owner have maintained property really well. however, its close to highway and night can be noisy to some ppl.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Many guests enjoyed the on-site restaurant and bar, praising tasty dinners and good-value breakfasts. Selection can be limited, the venue is occasionally closed, and a few found breakfast or pricing underwhelming.

Related guest reviews

8

michele

Mar 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly. Even though the food selection at the hotel restaurant was limited, the food was excellent.

6

Alison

Feb 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic accommodation at a basic price. The restaurant is convenient - but quality could be improved and quite expensive.

6

Sushila

Jan 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Ok value for money. Use vouchers for Wifi - vouchers provided initially had been used. Restaurant was closed.

10

JENEFER

Feb 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, delicious dinner and great value breakfast

8

Elizabeth

Mar 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious room with good facilties. Great restaurant, and very helpful, friendly staff.

10

David

Oct 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Was only for one night as I visited the Caves. I was given a mountain view room with a balcony which was nice. I ate in the restaurant and the food was lovely. The room was perfect, great hot water and pressure in the shower. If you are facing the road, you may experience traffic noise, but there are earplugs in your room.

8

Anna

Dec 10, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location. Friendly staff offering an upgrade on our room. Restaurant on site, although not open the night we stayed.

10

Stephen

Mar 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent enough accommodation, good facilities, easy to find and can park by your room. We had no problems with road noise. Bar area is nice and the food (evening meal) was freshly cooked and good quality. The staff were really nice and friendly.

8

Sandra

Nov 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Our room was large and clean. A little noisy with large trucks rolling by all night. The dinner was delicious and the staff friendly. Close to the Glowworm caves

8

Paulette

Jan 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place to stay, friendly staff & comfortable rooms. Great to have restaurant facility. Meals were yum ! Our room was a little noisy being road front but earplugs were supplied & it didn't impact my sleep.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $73	2 $78	3	4 $83	5 $84	6 $73	7 $73
8 $73	9 $73	10 $73	11 $73	12 $78	13 $74	14 $73
15 $70	16 $73	17 $78	18 $73	19 $73	20 $73	21 $74
22 $78	23 $71	24 $69	25 $69	26 $79	27 $70	28
29 $69	30 $72

Caves Motor Inn Waitomo

About this property

Location

Room options

Premium Studio (Studio Premium)

King Studio

Economy Double Room

Family Studio (Family King Studio)

Comfort Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Family Unit)

Guest reviews of Caves Motor Inn Waitomo

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Caves Motor Inn Waitomo

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23 $69	24 $82
25 $73	26 $78	27 $125	28	29	30	31