Guest Experiences

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what our guests have experienced at our coastal sanctuary — and we'd love to hear from you too.

A selection of recent guest reviews

TripAdvisor

"Perfect base for Poor Knights — we'll be back"

"Stayed two nights before our dive trip to Poor Knights and couldn't have asked for more. Room was immaculate, huge balcony overlooking the marina, and the restaurant downstairs was genuinely one of the best meals we had on our whole trip up north. Staff remembered our names by the second morning which was a lovely touch."

Jemma H

Auckland, New Zealand

July 2026
Read full review →
Booking.com

"Exceeded expectations completely"

"Honestly wasn't sure what to expect from a hotel in Tūtūkaka but this place blew us away. Spacious room, spotless bathroom, and the view over the marina from our bed was something else. Breakfast was fresh and generous. The pool is a real bonus after a day out on the water. Already recommended it to three friends."

Marcus

New Zealand

July 2026
Google

"Stunning location, warm staff"

"We stopped here on a road trip up Northland and it was the highlight of our whole holiday. The marina views are absolutely breathtaking, the room was huge and very well appointed, and every single staff member we encountered was genuinely warm and helpful. The restaurant is a must — we ate there both nights."

Priya Nair

Google Reviewer

June 2026
TripAdvisor

"A hidden gem in Northland"

"We've been coming to Tūtūkaka for years for the diving and have finally found our go-to accommodation. The apartment-style room with full kitchen and laundry is perfect for longer stays. Beds are incredibly comfortable, the pool is well maintained, and the BBQ area is a great touch. Service is always prompt and friendly."

Campbell & Sue

Wellington, New Zealand

June 2026
Read full review →
Booking.com

"Will definitely return"

"Beautiful hotel in a stunning location. Room was very clean and modern with a gorgeous marina outlook. Lovely pool area. The team at reception went out of their way to help us plan our days — nothing was too much trouble. Restaurants within walking distance are excellent. A wonderful experience from start to finish."

Lisa

New Zealand

June 2026
Booking.com

"Comforting, quiet and homely room"

"The room was a fantastic size. Normally when we're in a hotel, we only feel like being in the room to sleep and maybe eat — but here, we would have been happy to stay inside all day! Lovely bed, sofa, coffee table, marina view. It felt very homely, and it was also lovely and quiet."

Gary

New Zealand

May 2026
Booking.com

"Excellent breakfast and the location of the hotel"

"Everything was excellent."

Elena

New Zealand

April 2026
Booking.com

"Great location and comfortable stay"

"There was nothing we didn't like. Our room was bigger than average and had its own aircon unit, which was great! The bed was very comfy and the unit presented very clean. Walking distance to the pub and restaurants along the marina and they didn't disappoint. Recommended."

Carol

New Zealand

March 2026
Booking.com

"Wonderful"

"Location perfect for our stay."

Day

New Zealand

March 2026
Booking.com

"Wonderful stay"

"Clean, spacious room."

Steve

New Zealand

March 2026
Google

"Absolutely fantastic hotel"

"Absolutely fantastic Hotel, fantastic restaurant as well, good food, very generous. Recommend staying here."

Robert Turner

Google Reviewer

2026
Google

"This place punches well above its rating"

"We booked a balcony room, which was large, quiet, well appointed and beautifully clean. The view was amazing. The staff were friendly, full of smiles and very thoughtful. The hotel manager was super efficient and friendly, coming herself to help us deal with a small problem with our TV — all done with a smile. There are several excellent eating places within easy walking distance. We will certainly be back and have already recommended it to friends."

Sylvie Wilkinson

Google Reviewer

2025
Google

"Great and very solid for a 3 star hotel"

"The whole experience was great and very solid for a 3 star hotel. They allowed us to check in late in the evening when we arrived, and were super flexible with us needing an early checkout the next morning. They were so helpful with making the process stress free. The room was lovely, spacious, clean and comfortable — absolutely no issues and overall great experience."

Caitlin Lee

Google Reviewer

2025
Google

"Location is unbeatable"

"We stayed for only a night for a scuba diving trip to Poor Knights. Location is unbeatable — there are multiple restaurants and a grocery/convenience store literally on the same block. The marina is right across the road with great views. The highlight is the amazing staff. Shout out to Diana — one of the nicest front desk staff I've ever encountered."

Kanika Verma

Google Reviewer

2025
TripAdvisor

"Great stay"

"Very nice, professional hotel, with lovely staff. My room was large and nicely designed. Good wifi. Across from the big marina. Would happily stay again."

Nancy T

California, USA

November 2024
Read full review →
TripAdvisor

"2 bedroom apartment is excellent"

"Very impressed! We got a 2 bedroom apartment with a HUGE deck area. Really big — bigger than my house! 2 bathrooms, a laundry, big lounge, full perfect kitchen. Very quiet, very nice staff. Will definitely be back!"

jhgfhsdg

Auckland, New Zealand

July 2024
Read full review →
TripAdvisor

"Finally, a hotel that has quality to back up the name"

"The dive shop had recommended I stay here, being convenient is an understatement. The staff at the front desk were wonderful, very personable and friendly. My room was perfect — incredibly spacious with a gorgeous view of the marina."

Amy

Denver, Colorado

March 2023
Read full review →
TripAdvisor

"Outstanding hospitality and service"

"The warmth and friendly service from the staff at Oceans is memorable. Besides offering clean, spacious and very comfortable rooms, the people who work there go above and beyond to ensure their guests are well cared for."

Kate Carlisle

TripAdvisor Reviewer

May 2022
Read full review →
TripAdvisor

"Great place to stay"

"Our room was really clean and comfortable, loved the outlook over the marina. We used the pool after diving. Other than that the room and service was really good."

Melanie T

TripAdvisor Reviewer

April 2022
Read full review →
TripAdvisor

"Wonderful stay"

"Our rooms were great — very spacious and clean. The pool is really nice and there's a BBQ area too. Lovely staff — very friendly and helpful. Great location for the Poor Knights. Highly recommend this hotel and we will go back."

Karamsay

Auckland Central, New Zealand

January 2022
Read full review →
See all our reviews on TripAdvisor →See all our reviews on Booking.com →