Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
22 Salisbury Road Waikanae Beach, Gisborne 4010 New Zealand
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Avg. $130 /night, 3/17 - 3/18
$140
per night
$129
per night
$117
per night
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Mar 17
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Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
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About
#2 of 16 motels in Gisborne
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.4
Value
4.5
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.7
Sleep Quality
4.6
Beachfront Apartments Step from your apartment to the beach. Or relax on the balcony and enjoy the view.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Beach
Children's television networks
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Wifi
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Wine / champagne
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun umbrellas
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Bay View
Location
22 Salisbury Road Waikanae Beach, Gisborne 4010 New Zealand
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 53 out of 100
53
Gisborne Airport
2.4 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
60 Restaurants
within 0.75 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 104
- 45
- 8
- 1
- 0
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Detailed Reviews
An excellent stop over on our tour of New Zealand. Check in was quick and easy and we were even given a small bottle of milk. Our room was on the first floor, it was spotlessly clean and very well appointed with a bedroom, separate lounge area overlooking the ocean, small kitchen and shower room.
I would highly recommend this motel as it was excellent value for money.
I would highly recommend this motel as it was excellent value for money.
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an upstairs room - great view with a small balcony you can sit on to enjoy it.
The layout is a bit unusual, but probably quite a clever use of space. The motel is right on the beach, there is a walkway next to it which is constantly used by walkers (a lot with dogs) and cyclists. Even though it was very busy there was no problem with noise. All in all we had an enjoyable stay and would happily recommend and stay again if we were on Gisborne.
The layout is a bit unusual, but probably quite a clever use of space. The motel is right on the beach, there is a walkway next to it which is constantly used by walkers (a lot with dogs) and cyclists. Even though it was very busy there was no problem with noise. All in all we had an enjoyable stay and would happily recommend and stay again if we were on Gisborne.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This motel is a hidden gem.
We were down for the waka ama long distance nationals and this place was next level only meters from the beach the kids and wife enjoyed this whole experience.
The rooms are very very clean and the layout is really cool.
We had a ground floor unit and the unit had a queen bed in one room and a king in the living area. The TV had SKY and YouTube so that kept the kids happy.
The owners are amazing they are so cruisy which makes things that much better.
I would highly recommend this property to anyone it’s an absolute hidden gem.
Thanks Mark.
Hemi MST.
We were down for the waka ama long distance nationals and this place was next level only meters from the beach the kids and wife enjoyed this whole experience.
The rooms are very very clean and the layout is really cool.
We had a ground floor unit and the unit had a queen bed in one room and a king in the living area. The TV had SKY and YouTube so that kept the kids happy.
The owners are amazing they are so cruisy which makes things that much better.
I would highly recommend this property to anyone it’s an absolute hidden gem.
Thanks Mark.
Hemi MST.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful place to stay. We received a very warm welcome and the room was ready. It was all spotlessly clean and well equipped. The furnishings were or a high standard. But the best thing is the view of the sea and beach. It was wonderful to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine listening to the waves. Unfortunately we only stayed one night as I could have stayed forever.
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed for 2 nights in an upper level unit with a balcony. We loved sitting there and enjoying our morning coffee or lunch and just taking in the view.
We arrived during a hot spell and appreciated the standing fan to help keep us cool while we slept.
Very interesting use of space with walk through kitchenette and walk through bathroom. Kitchen well equipped though we only had light meals while there so did not use the stove, or the BBQ.
Excellent beach right at the property, one minute and you are playing in the waves.
We arrived during a hot spell and appreciated the standing fan to help keep us cool while we slept.
Very interesting use of space with walk through kitchenette and walk through bathroom. Kitchen well equipped though we only had light meals while there so did not use the stove, or the BBQ.
Excellent beach right at the property, one minute and you are playing in the waves.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded Feb 8, 2020
Thanks for your great review we really appreciate the feedback thanks again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a fantastic motel with a great location, right on Waikanae beach and an easy few minutes drive to central Gisborne. Our room was exceptionally clean and well equipped. We loved it! Highly recommend and would love to go back there one day.
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Date of stay: December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded Jan 2, 2020
Thanks for you great review glad you enjoyed Gisborne Hope we see you again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is our third trip to Whispering Sands, we love it. This time we bought two sets of friends and they loved it to. The motel is spotless, right on the beach, the best hosts, and easy walking distance to town. Honestly so relaxing.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Best location
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith A Martin, Other at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded Feb 1, 2022
Thankyou so much for the lovely review. Wish you well for the coming year.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great spot to stay in Gizzy. Was a little more than we usually spend (mostly used to campsite costs!) but worth it for the rooms and view.
We stayed on the first floor to have the view, which was gorgeous. Perfect for a swim between the flags or a walk along the boardwalk.
5 mins walk to the awesome Sunshine Brewery too and only 15 mins to town centre.
We stayed on the first floor to have the view, which was gorgeous. Perfect for a swim between the flags or a walk along the boardwalk.
5 mins walk to the awesome Sunshine Brewery too and only 15 mins to town centre.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded Jan 31, 2020
Thank you for the lovely review. Yes Sunshine Brewery is a great place for refreshments.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent room with a very recent upgrade. The new finishers are trendy and fresh. This is the best motel we stayed in during our East Coast road trip.
We took a ground floor room , the fist floor rooms have a better Seaview but the balcony’s are not big.
We took a ground floor room , the fist floor rooms have a better Seaview but the balcony’s are not big.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed in unit 3which has been renovated. We loved it. Bed,linen was wonderful and location on the beach front fabulous. Spotless,modern unit maybe a bit small for four adults but perfect for a couple. The board walk to us was an added bonus. Would definitely stay here again probably nicest motel we have stayed in for along time.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded Feb 5, 2020
Thanks for your review glad it means alot to us to get such positive feed back Thanks again
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No results found. • Try changing or clearing your search to read questions and answers.
"First floor balcony great view. Ground floor have garden outside and walk straight onto the walkway and beach.so something for everyone."Read full review
"Ask for second story. Beach or carpark refers to front an back room. So for one or two sharing you will have a beach view."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$134 - $150 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGisborne RegionGisborne
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingWHISPERING SANDS BEACHFRONT MOTEL - Updated 2025
Frequently Asked Questions about Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Nearby attractions include Dome Cinema (0.6 miles), Muirs Bookshop (0.7 miles), and Gisborne i-SITE Mini Golf (0.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and kids activities.
Which room amenities are available at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Portofino, Bollywood Star Indian Tandoori Restaurant, and The Rivers Restaurant and Bar.
Is Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the center of Gisborne.
Are any cleaning services offered at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Yes, self serve laundry and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Siege of Waerenga-a-Hika Memorial (7.1 miles).
Does Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.