We spent eight nights over the Christmas holidays at this motel - a lovely complex and in a superb location. Unit 8, on the corner, has to be our favourite but all the units look inviting. Ours had superb views from our lounge and deck right across the water and down to the wharf and cafes and restaurants and the wharf itself were just two minutes walk away. Excellent kitchen facilities, spacious bathroom, separate bedroom (also with balcony) all bright, modern and oh so clean. Our car happened to break down on Christmas Eve and Lyn and Ken were quick to offer transport for shopping should we need it. And on the Day itself Lyn delivered to our unit a lovely bottle of wine and some delicious chocolates! So, despite the car dramas, we returned home feeling we'd had one of the nicest Christmas breaks ever . . . . . thanks to hosts second to none - and Breakwater. We can't wait to go back!

This motel was just perfect. A view overlooking the bay with rooms recently modernized clean and fresh. Staff were extremely helpful and the central location ideal for local bars and restaurants. No need to take the car.

Stayed here in October for four nights with friends. Have finally found a bit of time to write a review. This is an excellent motel in one of my favourite spots in New Zealand. The Breakwater is very close to everything in Paihia, the facilities are pristine and the service is very friendly and knowledgeable. I have stayed in Paihia many times in the past ten years and would now not stay anywhere else other than the Breakwater. Thanks Lynn and Ken for a fantastic time, we will be back.

My partner and I decided on a last minute trip from Auckland to Paihia over Christmas/New Year and most properties were booked.

We found this one on Wotif and it ticked all the boxes and seemed to do the trick

Reception was very friendly and the recently renovated room was very nicely presented.

Separate bedroom with a comfortable pullout bed in the lounger area. Large bathroom (shower only) was clean and tidy with nice soaps

There's a small kitchen area where you can do some light cooking but they ask you not to cook anything "odiferous" like fish - which is reasonable I guess but as many people catch fish in this region, it's a bit limiting.

Quick walk to main pier and restaurants as well as Waitangi. This also meant there was a lot of foot traffic outside the room's beach views.

The only thing preventing me from giving a higher rating is value for money. The room rate was too high (in my mind) for what you got, but what you got was nice.