After a scenic three-hour Aratere Interislander ferry crossing from Wellington, we finally arrived in Picton. Tired and eager to settle in, all we wanted was to check into our accommodation, grab a meal, and get a good night’s rest. For me, the exhaustion was more than just travel fatigue, I was still settling into my new routine as Finlay’s full-time carer on this five-week holiday break. Although it was only Day 3, I knew that with time, we’d find our rhythm and adapt to spending every moment together, embracing the challenges and joys that come with travelling as a team.
Finding Accessible Accommodation in Picton
Travelling as a mum with three teenagers, one requiring a fully accessible room brings its own set of challenges. Accessibility in accommodations is often lacking, and when available, accessible rooms are typically designed for two, sometimes three, people. As a family, we often have no choice but to book two hotel/motel rooms, significantly increasing travel costs.
While researching options in Picton, I was surprised by how many places didn’t cater to wheelchair users. I had assumed accessibility was a standard requirement, but the reality proved otherwise. Then, I found Jasmine Court Motel, and I was relieved that it offered an accessible unit, though we still had to book two rooms since it only accommodated three guests.
Our Stay at Jasmine Court Motel
Jasmine Court Motel is centrally located in Picton, right across from a Fresh Choice supermarket, a super handy location. The only drawback was that the reception wasn’t wheelchair accessible due to steps. However, the staff had a system in place; they could see guests arriving and would come down with a portable EFTPOS machine for check-in. If you haven’t got someone in your party who can tackle steps I’d recommend just giving them a call on their 0800 421 999 to pop down.
Number 15 is the one-bedroom access unit with parking right outside the door, already a win for convenience. The moment we stepped inside, I knew the space would work well for us.
Space & Accessibility – A Carer’s Perspective
One of my biggest concerns when booking accommodations is whether the space will function well for Finlay’s needs, as well as mine as his carer.
The room was thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, making our stay much more comfortable. Bedside lamps meant we didn’t have to get back up to turn off the lights. Both the living area and bedroom had TVs, though we rarely watch them these days. On this trip, I noticed how everyone was absorbed in their screens with headphones. It made me nostalgic for the days when we’d sing along to the same music on road trips, a shared experience I truly miss.
Bed clearance was excellent, making hoist transfers effortless, and the sleeping arrangements worked out well. Finlay had a king single, while I enjoyed the rare luxury of a king bed all to myself. That was until my youngest decided to give his sister a break and jumped in with me instead! If anyone truly lucked out on our trip down to Central Otago, it was my daughter, she somehow managed to score a room to herself on countless occasions.
The smooth carpet made wheelchair and hoist movement effortless, which significantly reduced my fatigue. I also appreciated the large cavity sliding doors, which created a sense of space and privacy by separating the lounge and kitchen from the bedroom.
We found plenty of charging points for Finlay’s powerchair and mobile hoist, all were easily accessible. A lack of charging points can be a real drag when there aren’t enough or you have to move furniture to access them.
The kitchen was well-equipped and thoughtfully set up. The microwave, dishwasher drawer, and kettle were all accessible. The cups, plates, glasses, and plunger were up out of reach on a shelf.
A coffee plunger and big mugs were a welcome surprise, as many accommodations now offer capsule coffee machines, which don’t quite satisfy my need for a proper morning coffee. I was glad to see the humble plunger in the room.
The Bathroom – Practical, But With Some Limitations
The wet-floor bathroom was spacious and worked well overall, though there were a few things to keep in mind.
While there was no fold-down shower seat, a portable one was available from reception, ensuring a more comfortable shower experience. Some features, like the soap dish and shelving, were positioned too high, making them inaccessible for wheelchair users.
The hinged bathroom door and shower curtain were functional, though a sliding door might have been a more practical choice. I noted the moveable corner cabinet, which could be utilised in the shower if needed.
Final Thoughts
Jasmine Court Motel provided a comfortable, well-thought-out accessible stay in Picton. While no place is ever perfect when it comes to accessibility, this accommodation ticked a lot of important boxes for us. The small inconveniences were manageable, and the spacious, well-equipped unit made a significant difference in our ability to settle in comfortably.
For families or travellers seeking wheelchair-accessible accommodation in Picton, the Jasmine Court Motel is a reliable option. However, if you’re travelling with a group, you will need to book additional rooms. The one-bedroom access unit is easy to reserve directly through their website: www.jasminecourt.co.nz, which is a real bonus. Given the limited availability of wheelchair-accessible accommodations in Picton, it’s best to book well in advance. If more options are needed, Blenheim township is just a 25-minute drive away via State Highway 1. This can be a good backup, especially if you’re looking to explore the wider region.