Hawera Motels — What to Expect & How to Choose

Hawera has around half a dozen motels, making it the main hub for motel accommodation in South Taranaki. Whether you're in town for work, visiting family, or using Hawera as a base for exploring the region, this guide helps you compare what's available and choose the right motel for your needs.

What Hawera Motels Have in Common

Most motels in Hawera offer a similar baseline: self-contained studio or one-bedroom units with an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette (typically a microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster), free Wi-Fi and on-site parking. Queen beds are standard, with many rooms also offering a single bed for a third guest. Rates for two adults generally fall between $100 and $180 per night. All are owner-operated — you're dealing with locals, not a corporate chain.

Where the Differences Are

The differences between Hawera motels are in the details. Here's what to compare:

• ✓ Room condition — Some properties have been recently renovated; others are older but functional. If room quality matters, check recent Google Reviews rather than star ratings.
• ✓ Location — Motels on State Highway 3 (Waihi Road) are easy to find from the highway and suited for travellers passing through. Those closer to the town centre are a shorter walk to shops and cafes.
• ✓ Parking — All offer car parking, but not all can accommodate trucks, trailers or heavy vehicles. If you're driving something larger than a car, check before booking. See our truck-friendly accommodation guide.
• ✓ Pets — Not all Hawera motels accept pets. Those that do usually charge a per-night fee and limit pets to specific rooms. Pet-friendly motels are worth confirming before you arrive.
• ✓ Booking method — Some motels only take bookings through OTAs (Booking.com, Expedia), which add fees. Others let you book direct on their own website, often saving you the booking fee and giving you a direct line to the motel if plans change.
• ✓ Extras — A few motels offer extras like a pool, BBQ area, or function space. If you need something specific, it's worth asking.

Tips for Choosing

A few practical tips when booking a motel in Hawera:

• 1. Check Google Reviews — they're the most current and honest source. Look at recent reviews (last 6 months), not just the overall score.
• 2. Book direct when you can — you'll usually avoid booking fees and get better communication with the motel.
• 3. Ask about long-stay rates — if you're staying a week or more for work, most motels offer discounted weekly rates. Long-stay accommodation in Hawera is common for contractors.
• 4. Book ahead for events — Hawera fills up during the Taranaki Garden Festival, major sports events and Egmont Racing Club weekends.

Other Motels in Hawera

Besides The Furlong, Hawera's motel options include The Park Motel (near the Aquatic Centre, with a pool), Kiwi Court Motel, Avon Motel, Kerry Lane Motel, Hawera Central Motor Lodge and Mount View Motel. Most are on or near SH3 or Victoria Street. Each has its own character — it's worth reading recent Google Reviews to see which suits your priorities.

About The Furlong Motel

The Furlong is one of Hawera's larger motels with 25 renovated studio rooms on Waihi Road (SH3). It's been operating since 1975 and was recently refurbished with new kitchenettes, heat pumps, Smart TVs and modern bathrooms. Pet-friendly rooms are available, and there's on-site parking for trucks, trailers and heavy vehicles. You can book direct on the website with no booking fees, or view the rooms and amenities to see if it suits your stay.