We were far happier with the Salt House Motel than with the surrounding attractions. Our room was clean and well-organized, with a fabulous view of Porpoise Bay and its long, sandy beach. We were there in mid-spring, though, so it wasn't beach weather or Hector's Dolphin season, and the nearby attractions were disappointing. The "Petrified Forest" was underwhelming, and the yellow-eyed penguins were scarce. We did find a terrific hike nearby though -- the Waipohatu Waterfalls Track.
The motel offers to provide a supply of breakfast food by pre-arrangement. What we didn't realize is that that's the ONLY way to get breakfast in the area. There are no grocery stores anywhere nearby, or cafes serving breakfast. So take the motel's offer, or bring groceries with you.