Ōamaru’s Mariner Suites has been recognised for being the gold standard in New Zealand motel accommodation.

The 22-unit complex opened in January 2021, and is only one of four motels in New Zealand to be awarded a Qualmark 5-Star Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award.

Owners Ross and Debbie Ward gained a 5-Star Silver award in their first Qualmark assessment in 2023 and have been working towards achieving the Gold since then. 

They are proud to have earned the award, and to be one of only four (all from the South Island) makes it so much more special, Debbie says.

“It highlights our dedication to guest satisfaction and quality accommodation and it’s nice to receive recognition for all of our hard work.

“We have a dedicated and loyal team helping us too, so this is a real testament to their hard work and passion as well,” she says.

The Gold Sustainable Tourism Award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything they do. It identifies those businesses leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world-class sustainable visitor destination.

Debbie says to earn and maintain their 5-star rating, they have to consistently represent “best practice” in the exterior of the complex (buildings and gardens), public areas, guest bedrooms, guest bathrooms and services.

Their Qualmark assessor commented that the Wards had gone to “huge lengths” to achieve architectural and colour harmony with Ōamaru’s Victorian Heritage precinct, "with the judicious use of lines, height, pigments, and Oamaru stone on your one-acre high profile site”.

“I remain very impressed by your complex and the thought behind its design and architecture,” they say.

“The complex has been built to maximise natural sunlight angles with over-spec insulation and high-spec double glazing.”

The assessor also comments on the Ōamaru family’s community-minded approach and their support of an “impressive array” of local charities and initiatives.

“Your complex still appears as new, and is very high-spec in fittings, chattels, beds and appliances. Your guest lounge and quality meeting room are a welcome feature.

"The views and location are superb. It is well-presented with superb standards of cleanliness, maintenance and gardening evident in every corner and surface,” the assessor said.