The Waterfront offers stylish suites with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and full bathrooms with amenities. Enjoy the convenience of full laundry facilities and internet access during your stay.
Relaxing Facilities and Services
Guests can unwind in the heated swimming pool, utilize the barbeque area, and take advantage of secure undercover parking. The concierge service ensures a seamless stay for all visitors.
Ideal Location for Exploration
Situated near Paihia Wharf, the hotel is perfect for exploring the Bay of Islands. With free parking and proximity to Kerikeri Airport, The Waterfront is the ideal choice for a luxurious and convenient stay.
Book your stay at The Waterfront now for a memorable experience!
✦HAPPI HIGHLIGHTS
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Great location
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Lovely accommodating staff
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Clean rooms
At the hotel
Popular amenities
25 listed
Accessible train station shuttle
Air conditioning
BBQ facilities
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Exercise/lap pool
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Fax/photocopying
Free wired internet
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
View all amenities
Pools & wellness
Swimming pool
Fitness & outdoors
Japanese garden
Rooms & comfort
Non-smoking rooms
Safety & cleanliness
Safety deposit box
Getting around & access
Lift / Elevator
No accessible train station shuttle
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Parking
Self parking (surcharge)
Guest services
Invoice provided
Luggage storage
Supervised childcare/activities
Tour desk
Services & essentials
Internet access
Swimming nearby
Review in focus
120 reviews
10/ 10
We enjoyed 2 nights at the suites. We were in unit 108 which was handicap accessible, so the bathroom was weird. No space for your toiletries. But the shower worked well. We enjoyed the kitchenette and the living space. We especially appreciated the washer/dryer, which were much faster on cycles than others we have seen in NZ. The location is good - right in the middle of the Paihai shopping/ restaurant area and across the street from the waterfront.
annelQ3351OU · Couples · 2025-03-16
The guest experience
9.3out of 10 120 verified reviews
Loved most
Great location
Lovely accommodating staff
Clean rooms
Heated pool
Worth knowing — Front counter staff demeanor · Pricing concerns · Variety in amenities
How guests scored the stay
Location8.7
The hotel is located in perfect proximity to key landmarks and amenities.
Overall Experience8.5
Majority of guests had a positive experience and highly recommend the hotel.
Service8.4
Service was generally appreciated, although a few guests mentioned minor issues with warmth.
Cleanliness8.3
Guests consistently mentioned cleanliness as a positive aspect.
Room Quality8.2
Rooms were comfortable and well-equipped, with minor warmth suggested for improvement.
Amenities8.2
Satisfactory amenities provided with a notable mention of the heated pool and room facilities.
Value for Money7.3
Mixed reviews on pricing, with some guests feeling it was slightly high for the offerings.
Food and Beverage7.3
Positive feedback on breakfast and dining services, with suggestions for more variety.
Live guest feedback
Guest reviews
Consistent
95% of 20 recent stays rated 8+
9.3120 reviews
Very pleasant stay
10/10
annelQ3351OU · Couples · 2025-03-16
“We enjoyed 2 nights at the suites. We were in unit 108 which was handicap accessible, so the bathroom was weird. No space for your toiletries. But the shower worked well. We enjoyed the kitchenette and the living space. We especially appreciated the washer/dryer, which were much faster on cycles than others we have seen in NZ. The location is good - right in the middle of the Paihai shopping/ restaurant area and across the street from the waterfront.”
Guest review
10/10
Karen · partner · 2025-03-06
“Loved our stay. 1st time in NZ. Great place to stay and drive around the area or get ferry to explore Russel Island too ”
The Perfect Base in the Bay of Island
10/10
maritimeexplorer · Family · 2025-03-02
“The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's most sought after tourist destinations and the little resort town of Paihia is the perfect place to stay. Here you'll find no chain hotels or restaurants, no buildings over three stories, one street light which is for pedestrians not cars, a slew of really decent restaurants and a laid back vibe that is appealing to be both the older and younger crowds. However, the main reason people come here is the bay and the islands. Whether your up for a boat tour, diving, fishing, sailing, parasailing, island hiking, birding, you name it, Paihia has it. And right next door within walking distance is the most important historical site in New Zealand, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where you can also take a hike to Hararu Falls.
There is also a regular passenger ferry across the bay to the oldest European town in New Zealand, Russell which has a number of interesting historical sights and a very nice waterfront.
There are a lot of motels and small resorts along Marsden Road, the main street of Paihia that has the bay on one side and businesses on the other. Everything comes to a head at the Paihia Pier which is where all the waterfront action starts. Directly across from it is Williams Road where most of the interesting shops are located.
Which brings me finally to The Waterfront Suites. Their location only a minute from the pier and Williams Road cannot be beaten. However, if you are the expecting hustle and bustle usually associated with staying near 'where the action is', forget bit. This place is an oasis of tranquility. Yes there are a few suites that are facing Marsden Road, but most are set well back in U shape around the pool.
The suites are ultra modern, with a full living area, a real kitchen, a large bedroom and a large bathroom. There are also washers and dryers. Each unit has its own underground parking spot. Also somewhat unusually these days, you get daily housekeeping service.
I simply cannot sing the praises of this place enough. We spent six days here and it was the perfect base not only for exploring the Bay of Islands and Waitangi, but the entire Northland Peninsula as well.”
Guest review
10/10
Graeme · partner · 2025-01-09
“Great clean property with friendly staff in a convenient location”
Guest review
10/10
Louise · partner · 2024-12-25
“Excellent - lovely apartment with everything we needed. Really nice staff- friendly and really helpful. Thankyou”
Guest review
10/10
Karrina · family · 2024-11-05
“Quality Accomodation close to dining and wharf options.”
Guest review
10/10
Chris · partner · 2024-10-05
“It was a beautiful property. Very accessible to lots of dining options.”
Superior accommodation, have stayed previously and would stay again.
10/10
SoniaI574 · Family · 2024-09-19
“Stayed 4 nights in a two bedroom suite, lovely view and a short 5 minute walk from ferry terminal, 15 minute ferry trip to Russell. Close to shops, cafes etc. About 5 minute drive to Waitangi, well worth a visit. Friendly and helpful reception. Well maintained accommodation, quiet.”
Guest review
10/10
Louise · family · 2024-08-23
“Very helpful with organising day trips ”
Guest review
10/10
Rebecca · family · 2024-08-09
“Wonderful place to stay in Paihia - two bedroom apartment was ideal for the whole family and gorgeous views!”
Fabulous
10/10
Alexandra · 2024-08-01
“We had a lovely comfortable, spacious suite close to shops and restaurants, on the waterfront and easy parking.”
Guest review
10/10
Carol · 2024-07-24
“Great place to stay nice and handy to restaurants and shops. Nicely presented and very clean, highly recommend to stay”
Guest review
10/10
Mereana · 2024-06-30
“Its amazing love the look of the whole room and suites. Everything complinets the rooms well. ”
Guest review
10/10
Anna · 2024-04-21
“The receptionist was lovely. Very helpful ”
A clean and modern facility, close to the action!
8/10
gaylec569 · Couples · 2024-04-08
“Pros-Close to all the action, modern clean facility with a lane pool to share. Basement parking with lifts to your floor. Full kitchen and laundry facilities. Bed is very comfy, as are pillows. Nice thick robes to wear.Has aircon.Yay!
Cons-Layout a bit strange. Open only door for a breeze, no window. Stairwell intrudes into ensuite/ laundry. Need to be a contortionist to access wash machine. Couch is very low and uncomfy. Had to use bed to layout suitcases.
Without a major layout reno, I think the couch could be replaced and a luggage rack or two placed near the door, and the bedroom tv be in working order.
Management and workers very helpful and friendly. Would I go again? Indeed I would!”
Guest review
4/10
John · partner · 2024-03-17
“Rude aggressive receptionist. No view. ”
Guest review
8/10
Gillian · family · 2024-03-05
“Air con wasn’t working but otherwise a fabulous property and location”
Exceptional
10/10
Ann Marie · 2024-02-21
“This is our second time staying here & it doesn't disappoint ,fabulous, spacious suites, Great location on the bay, close to all restaurants , the grounds are beautifully landscaped, secure underground parking, extremely friendly staff, would highly recommend ”
Guest review
10/10
Isaac · partner · 2024-01-14
“Great location, good coffee next-door and Terra restaurant very close. Loved being so close to everything and the beach. Comfortable clean room. The pool was great for some morning exercise. We were very happy with our short stay here. ”
Lovely place - pity about the Wi-Fi
8/10
Alan · 2023-10-22
“My wife and I stayed at the Waterfront Suites for three nights in October 2023. Our room was very nice and well-appointed, and the location was perfect. I would have rated it as five stars except for the very poor internet connection through the Wi-Fi. When I brought it up at reception, I was told to call an outside number (I have to say that the personnel were lovely – this is a management decision). As I didn't have a NZ phone, I had to call from reception. Of course, no one answered, and we had to put up with very slow, or non-existent internet access for our entire stay (I couldn’t even upload a single image). A good internet connection is essential these days, almost as important as electricity. Making the guest call a third-party service provider is akin to having to call the local electric company when the power is out. Waterfront management should improve the connection and take control of support. ”
