A small boutique hotel in a historic building on the Esplanade in Kaikōura, halfway along the waterfront, run by husband and wife Johnny and Deb with their team. The website describes a relaxed, intimate stay where guests can get away from the crowds. The five luxe waterfront rooms are on the first floor, with sea views, king beds, rainwater showers and balconies, and four of them have balconies. The Courtyard rooms are on the ground floor and open onto a sheltered garden, and the Deluxe rooms have queen beds and courtyard views. All rooms have air conditioning, a smart TV and Wi-Fi. The ground floor holds reception, the breakfast room and the BooTeek Bar, which opens at 2 pm and serves wine, local craft beer and platters until 8 pm.
The hotel staff arrange whale watching by boat, helicopter or small plane, and can point guests to the seal colony on the foreshore, the Ohau Waterfall about 20 minutes north, and dolphin trips from South Bay. The website says winter is the best time to watch whales. The hotel can be reached on 03 319 5748.