In a hotly contested competition, Ngāti Awa owned Awa Motel in Whakatāne has taken out the prestigious Hospitality NZ Awards

Awa Motel, Whakatāne takes out prestigious Hospitality NZ Award

In a hotly contested competition, Ngāti Awa owned Awa Motel in Whakatāne has taken out the prestigious Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence in the Best Motel over 25 rooms category at a gala event held at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.

The hotel sits in an iconic location nestled between the pōhutakawa clad escarpment that surrounds the township and the majestic Whakatāne river with views out to Moutohorā Island.

The motel has been in business for over 25 years, changing its name to Awa Motel in 2022. It is well known for its popular café, Café Awa, a favourite eatery for locals that boasts indigenous kai on its menu, such as creamy mushrooms on toast with kawakawa and feta, alongside traditional favourites like Berry French Toast and Eggs Benedict.

The judges were impressed with the diverse range of accommodation offered at Awa Motel at prices to suit all travellers, from those visiting for work to family groups and holidaymakers.

The main motel complex offers ten different types of rooms, from budget twin studios to two and three-bedroom apartments ideal for whānau staying together. In 2015 the motel added nine micro village cabins adjacent to the main motel but designed to feel like a bach, each having its own private deck and luxurious Californian king bed. For those guests wanting additional space, the historic Villas offer private gardens and generous traditionally styled bedrooms and living areas.

The Awa Motel was purchased by Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited (NAGHL) in 2017 and since then, has consciously integrated manaakitanga and kaitiakiatanga into every aspect of the business.

General Manager, Patrick O’Sullivan said:

“We want our guests to have a unique, authentic experience when they stay with us that starts the moment they walk through the door and lasts until they check out. Wherever possible, we aim to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression so that our guests come back time and time again. We are extremely fortunate to have a team of dedicated staff working tirelessly to ensure that our guests have a great experience when they stay with us.”

NAGHL Chief Executive, Tracey Hook said:

“We have long known what a fantastic business we have here in Awa Motel. We are ideally located for visitors wanting to explore everything Whakatāne has to offer in the awa and moana, from swimming to fishing or for the more adventurous a tour to the Moutohorā Island Sanctuary which we provide through our tourism business.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised by Hospitality NZ, and our thanks to award sponsors Seekom for sponsoring the award. It’s a real credit to Patrick and the team at Awa Motel and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Additionally, Awa Motel has also received a 4 Star Plus Qualmark rating with a Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award, an upgrade from its previous silver status, in recognition of the motel’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

Credit: waateanews.com