Bennetts Thermal Pools Motor Inn

Bennetts Thermal Pools Motor Inn adds a different flavour to the Tauranga hotel scene. Most visitors to the Bay of Plenty think first of the beaches at Mount Maunganui, the walk up Mauao and the harbour waterfront, and the accommodation that serves them tends to be either beachfront apartments or city hotels. A motor inn with thermal pools offers something more restful: the chance to finish a day of walking, swimming or sightseeing by soaking in warm mineral water. New Zealand motor inns are a much loved style of stay, with units that usually include a kitchenette, a bathroom, parking close to the door and a straightforward, friendly welcome. They suit families, couples and travellers on a road trip along the North Island, and they usually cost less than a hotel of comparable size. Tauranga is a convenient base for the region, with the Mount, the Historic Village, the dolphin and whale watching cruises, kayaking and the Kaimai Range all within reach, and Rotorua and its geothermal parks are an easy day trip away.

When you compare units, look at the number of bedrooms, whether there is a full kitchen or only a kitchenette, and whether you want a ground floor unit with a short walk from the car or an upper level for a better outlook. Families often prefer a two bedroom unit, which gives the children a room and keeps the evenings relaxed. Check whether the thermal pools are for guests only and what hours they are open, as pool times and rules can change during the year.

Self-catering is one of the great advantages of a motor inn. Supermarkets and bakeries in Tauranga are good value, and cooking a few breakfasts and dinners in the unit can save a lot of money over a week. Fresh fish, kiwifruit, avocado and the produce of the Bay of Plenty are all easy to find, and the region has a strong cafe culture for the days when you would rather eat out. Ask about laundry facilities if you are travelling for more than a few nights, because they make it easy to travel light.

Think about the season. Summer, from December to February, is the busiest and most expensive time, with beach crowds and school holiday demand, so book well ahead. Autumn and spring offer mild weather, quieter walking tracks and better rates, while winter is cool and wet at times but is when a thermal soak is most appealing. Some activities and cruises run less often outside summer, so check schedules before you plan your days. Always check cancellation terms before you commit, and consider a flexible rate if the weather may change your plans.

The motor inn style is best for visitors who have a car, since public transport around Tauranga and the Mount is limited compared with a large city. If you plan to cruise out of the port or visit the beach and the summit walk, confirm the distance and parking arrangements when you book. For anyone who wants a comfortable, unfussy stay with a touch of hot water relaxation, it is a practical and sociable option.