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Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel

22 Salisbury Road Waikanae Beach, Gisborne 4010 New Zealand
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Traveller (55)
Room & Suite (10)
Pool & Beach (4)

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Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#2 of 16 motels in Gisborne
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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
Clothes dryer
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Mid-range
155Reviews0Q+A57Room tips

Reviews
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jokiwitraveller wrote a review Feb 2024
Tauranga, New Zealand247 contributions56 helpful votes
We had a very enjoyable stay at Whispering Sands. We were two couples. We had the top floor room (1st floor) and our friends stayed on the ground floor. We had drinks on their patio area which also had a bench seat and sun umbrella on the grass area. We also loved sitting on our balcony overlooking the beach and sea. What a fabulous view and location! The beds were super comfortable and there’s a little kitchen in the middle of the apartment separating the bedrooms. Everything was spotlessly clean and the guy who helped us check in was friendly and cheerful. We’ll definitely stay here again when we visit Gisborne. Loved the Motel and the nearby boardwalk.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: There is no lift to the first floor so take that into consideration when booking.
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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.
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pamela wrote a review Nov 2023
Hamilton, New Zealand3 contributions
Beautiful beach front positioned motel which has been tastefully refurbished with many thoughtful details. Jacky the manager went above and beyond to accommodate our changing travel needs when we needed an extra night stay due to medical requirements. She is a real asset to this business . The motel was meticulously clean and the beds very comfortable and the accommodation experience was excellent value. Highly recommend . Pamela and David
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
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Response from Whispering Sands Motel, General Manager at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded 25 Nov 2023
Kia ora Pam and David, Thank you for taking the time to review us. It was a pleasure to accommodate you both :-) Nga mihi Jaki
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Susie wrote a review Apr 2023
Napier, New Zealand1 contribution
Fabulous Waikanae beach front location for a family catch up. Fresh decor, very helpful staff, and relaxed warm welcome. Handy kitchen and bbq facilities, but also great proximity to restaurants. Loved the beach and boardwalks right in front.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled 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.
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angelC3476SL wrote a review Sept 2022
Auckland, New Zealand183 contributions49 helpful votes
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.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled 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.
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Sally S wrote a review Jan 2022
Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand30 contributions12 helpful votes
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
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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.
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Response from Judith A Martin, Other at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded 1 Feb 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.
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andrewcX4295LO wrote a review Mar 2020
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions1 helpful vote
Dropped into Gisborne on a road trip around the North Island. Blew a tyre inbound so had to extend my stay here to two nights - very glad I did. Room had been recently renovated. Bright and airy very nicely appointed. Bookmarked at both ends with floor to ceiling windows and ranchslider. One end looks out over balcony to unobstructed view to boardwalk & beach. Clever design - bedroom on entry then access to lounge and balcony through bathroom on the left or kitchen on right. Oven, hot plates, microwave and fridge - all new. Short & pleasant walk into town and beach & boardwalk just outside Judith at front desk was very accommodating - on hearing I was without a vehicle - even offered me her car to get dinner on first night after a long day! This place is great - highly recommended
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
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Philip wrote a review Mar 2020
Mangawhai Heads, New Zealand18 contributions1 helpful vote
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.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled 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.
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Ian wrote a review Feb 2020
Torquay, United Kingdom1383 contributions590 helpful votes
We always stay here when visiting Gisborne. A modest motel with a fab beach front location. Spacious and fully equipped although a tad dated. Bbq facility. Only a 20 minute walk into town and wharf whilst similarly in the opposite direction to the eclectic and wonderful Smash Palace pub.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled 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.
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Travlr wrote a review Feb 2020
Kelowna, Canada164 contributions87 helpful votes
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.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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Location
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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.
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Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded 8 Feb 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.
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DavidMcI2016 wrote a review Feb 2020
12 contributions3 helpful votes
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: Travelled 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.
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Response from Judith A M, Owner at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Responded 5 Feb 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.
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PRICE RANGE
€134 - €141 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGisborne RegionGisborne
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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WHISPERING SANDS BEACHFRONT MOTEL - UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Price Comparison (Gisborne, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Nearby attractions include Dome Cinema (1.0 km), Muirs Bookshop (1.1 km), and Gisborne i-SITE Mini Golf (0.6 km).
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 Bollywood Star Indian Tandoori Restaurant, Portofino, and USSCo Bar & Bistro.
Is Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Gisborne.
Are any cleaning services offered at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Siege of Waerenga-a-Hika Memorial (11.3 km).
Does Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.