Awesome Accommodation in Karamea, New Zealand

Last Updated: 25th August, 2023

Karamea is a small town at the northern tip of the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is known as the gateway to the incredible Kahurangi National Park, and a fantastic base if you are looking at completing the famous Heaphy Track! Here we have created a list of the best accommodation in Karamea for any budget and preference, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly holiday parks! Happy travels!

In this post I will give you a little run-down on the best accommodation that Karamea has to offer! From boutique hotels, stunning holiday homes, to fantastic budget accommodation, there is something for everyone!

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Karamea

1. Riverstone Retreat

If you are looking for a little slice of paradise nestled in the stunning surrounds of Karamea, then Riverstone Retreat is a perfect option for you! This beautiful accommodation is located just outside of Karamea township, along the banks of the Karamea River. It is incredibly secluded, offering beautiful river and rainforest views.

There is a range of accommodation options at Riverstone Retreat, catering for any preference and group size. Choose from a luxurious private chalet, romantic deluxe studio, or lodge accommodation which is ideally suited for large tramping or family groups. Some options includes a fully-equipped kitchenette, private balconies with mountain views and BBQ facilities, and access to a hot-tub (perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking around Karamea!).

2. The Last Resort Karamea

This incredible accommodation is one of the best hotels in Karamea, and an awesome place to stay while exploring the area! This hotel is located right in the heart of town, with stunning views over the river. They offer an incredible range of comfortable accommodation options – ranging from self-contained cottages, luxurious en-suite lodge rooms, and backpacker style dorm rooms for those budget-conscious travelers!

Another awesome feature of this hotel is it’s fabulous onsite bar and restaurant, perfect for a cold glass of something refreshing after a day’s adventuring! They even offer a continental or full slap-up English or Irish breakfast in the mornings, what could be better!

3. Karamea River Motels

Karamea River Motels is perfect if you are looking for a comfortable and self-contained accommodation option for your visit. These quiet suites offer incredible views over the Kahurangi National Park from your private lounge! Each suite is lovely and spacious, giving you plenty of room to spread out and relax after a day of exploring the area. There is a broad native garden separating each separate accommodation to ensure privacy during your stay.

Each unit is self-contained, and offers all the comforts of home! There is a private seating and dining area, a satellite TV, a small kitchen, and modern bathroom. Choose from one or two-bedroom suites (perfect for families) or a compact and cosy studio unit for a romantic weekend getaway!

4. Karamea Village Hotel

The Karamea Village Hotel was judged the ‘Best Country Hotel in 2011’ by Hospitality New Zealand, and have maintained their incredibly friendly and welcoming environment. The hotel is located in the heart of Karamea, in a beautifully restored heritage building.

The Karamea Village Hotel offers 9 modern units separate from the hotel, with 3 being fully self-contained. If you are travelling in a larger group or as a family, a larger self-contained flat offers a comfortable home-away-from-home option! There is also a bar and restaurant onsite, where you can enjoy incredible local produce and a hearty home-cooked meal after a day exploring the region. Bliss!

5. Wild-Weka Eco Stay | Waimari

This is an absolute hidden gem accommodation option on the West Coast, and is filled to the brim with character and luxurious West Coast charm. This is the perfect accommodation for a escape into paradise, offering seclusion with panoramic ocean views. What makes this accommodation pretty special and unique is that it is off-grid, using solar power and rain-water collected sustainably!

This holiday home is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a gorgeous open-plan kitchen, and 2 bathrooms (including a bath!). Each bedroom has a private en-suite and balcony overlooking the native bush, where you can sit an soak up the vivid West Coast sunsets. This holiday home is around an hours drive south of Karamea, however it is a absolute gem of the West Coast and will make for a memorable holiday!

4 Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options in Karamea

1. Little Wanganui Hotel

Although not technically in Karamea, this cute and cosy hotel is such a good budget-friendly accomodation option I had to add it to the list! This hotel is nestled in-between the lush rainforest and wild beaches of the West Coast, around 15 minutes drive south of Karamea. It had a wide range of cheap accommodation options, including self-contained cabins for large groups and families, hotel rooms, and camping sites for those travelling in a tent or motorhome!

The cabins are cosy and fantastic value, including a kitchenette, an en-suite bathroom, and a private balcony with a gorgeous view of the gardens. There is even an onsite restaurant serving up modern, hearty pub food and kiwi classics, as well as a range of awesome New Zealand beers! Choice!

2. Karamea Memorial Domain Camping Ground

The Karamea Memorial Domain Camping Ground is a fantastic option for travellers looking for a place to camp in the heart of Karamea! This campground is small and quiet, with spacious camping sites for both tents and motorhomes. Their amenities are fairly basic but good, with a fully-equipped kitchen, showers, laundry and toilets. There is also a shared lounge and dining room with a TV and pool table – an awesome place to hang out when the famous West Coast rain sets in!

3. Wangapeka Backpackers and Atawhai Farmstay

This is an awesome place to experience some true, charming New Zealand hospitality! This is an authentic farmland cottage, owned by the welcoming locals Bill and Leitu. You can either stay in a room in their peaceful house, or camp in their spacious garden. They have a kitchen that you can use to cook, or else they are happy to provide delicious home-cooked meals in the evenings (including fantastic company and a good story or two!). This is perfect accommodation for backpackers who want a welcoming and homely accommodation experience on the wild West Coast!

4. Karamea Holiday Park

Karamea Holiday Park is another awesome budget-accommodation option for those planning to explore the incredible Kahurangi National Park! They have a mix of power sites and unpowered sites, perfect for those travelling around the West Coast by motorhome. There are also several cabins available, catering for couples and up to large family groups, with communal kitchens and bathroom facilities. There is also a communal lounge, with a TV, books, table and comfortable couches for guests to use!