Local accommodation among best in the business
Looking for a world-class place to stay in the top of the south? Look no further than Motueka and Kaiteriteri.
Awatea Tasman Bay in Motueka and Bay Vista in Kaiteriteri have been named as some of the best accommodation in the country as they have both consistently receive perfect 10 scores on Booking.com from guests.
The two were among 13 other New Zealand properties that made the website’s annual Guest Review Awards.
Awatea Tasman Bay owners Scott Starling and John Hutton have been providing bed and breakfast accommodation in Motueka for the last eight years.
Starling said they provided guests with a relaxed environment near the Motueka River, with views across Tasman Bay to Nelson.
‘‘Our location is obviously one of the big drawcards for guests that stay with us, we have a fantastic view.’’
He said guests could watch people skydiving from the nearby aerodrome and the boats out on Tasman Bay.
Both Starling and Hutton were passionate about the region and they made a point of providing breakfasts with local produce and suggesting tourism operators in the area based on people’s individual tastes.
The award was recognition of the work they put in to provide a unique experience for guests.
‘‘I think it gives people confidence when they are booking from overseas.’’
Bay Vista, a luxury threebedroom house in the popular holiday destination Kaiteriteri, also made the list of the best in the country.
Owner Sheila Creighton said she thought the property received such positive reviews from guests as it was well appointed, had great views and was handy to everything in Kaiteriteri.
‘‘I set a standard in the house and stick to it,’’ Creighton said.
‘‘People say we have thought of everything.’’
There are currently 4538 New Zealand properties on Booking.com.
The number of Kiwi properties receiving awards had more than doubled from six in 2016 to 13 this year.
Booking.com country manager for New Zealand Luke Ashall said the jump in award recipients was a sign of the growth in quality Kiwi accommodation and how owners are making the most of the tourist boom.
‘‘This is obviously great news for the properties that receive awards as well as the New Zealand tourism industry and economy.’’