So first off it should be noted that I sought out the cheapest room within easy reach of my desired location, and you get what you pay for right?
I found the manager to be helpfully flexible when the airlines cancelled my original flight due to weather and made me a day late. Unfortunately, because of the change they were unable to accommodate me for the full length of my stay and I was forced to seek an alternative for my final night. This is mostly due to all of Christchurch's more affordable accommodation options being near capacity with government funded welfare beneficiaries and "emergency" housing beneficiaries.
The motel is on one of the area's busiest streets and is also just across the road from Christchurch's train switching yard. So between the incessant throbbing of train engines, and the roar of trucks and local lead-footed drivers the room is far from quiet. I was in a room closer to the street and the motel did have some rooms that were set back quite a ways so maybe they are quieter.
The room was threadbare, the settee cushions split, the bed mattress had well worn hollows from many previous patrons, although the sheets and towels seemed clean. The shower lining was coming off in places. Everything was dated and worn.
Once bitten, twice shy.