Awatea Park Motor Lodge
by the TopOfHotel team
Awatea Park is the closest stay on this list to Massey University — a 4-star motel with a full kitchen and an 8.6/10 score.
Awatea Park is the closest stay on this list to Massey University — a 4-star motel with a full kitchen and an 8.6/10 score.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Awatea Park Motor Lodge is a high-quality 4-star motel sitting close to Massey University, with an 8.6/10 review score on Agoda. Rooms run from Studio to 1-Bedroom, 2-Bedroom and Family Unit, and every one has a full kitchen — an induction stove, fridge, microwave, kettle, coffee maker and cookware. The rooms are clean, done in a contemporary motel style, with roomy bathrooms.
Food and amenities
There's no restaurant on site, but the owner is happy to steer you toward good local places. What the motel does have is a washer and dryer on the property — useful on a longer stay — plus free Wi-Fi and a Smart TV with Netflix. The owner runs the place personally and pays attention to the details, handling special requests like an early check-in or directions to Massey.
Location and getting there
It's 2 km from the city center and The Square, and 2 km from Massey University — the closest stay on this list to campus. The nearest supermarket and shops are 1 km away, and Palmerston North Airport (PMR) is 3 km out. Figure on a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute bus into town, so a car helps.
Things to know before booking
You're 2 km out from the center and The Square, so without a car you'll be walking 30 minutes or catching the bus. There's no restaurant in the building, and no pool or gym — standard for a motel, but plan meals around the in-room kitchen and the supermarket 1 km away.
Our take
Awatea Park is the pick for parents visiting a student at Massey, families on a longer stay, and anyone who wants a proper home setup with their own kitchen. The 8.6/10 score reflects the quality and the care the owner puts in.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The closest stay on this list to Massey University, just 2 km away — a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk.
- A full kitchen in every room, with a stove, fridge and microwave, so you can cook your own meals.
- Free parking right outside your room, the way New Zealand motels are meant to work.
- A washer and dryer on the property, handy if you're staying several days.
- Owner-run service that pays attention to the details, more like an Airbnb host than a hotel desk.
- It sits 2 km from the city center and The Square, so a car helps — it's a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute bus ride into town.
- There's no restaurant on site, though the owner will point you to good local spots.
- No pool and no gym, which is normal for a motel but worth knowing.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Book a two-bedroom unit if you're visiting a student as a family — it works out better than two separate hotel rooms.
- Stop at the supermarket 1 km away to stock the kitchen and save a lot on meals.
- It's a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute bus into the city center, so plan around that or keep a car.