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Kowhai motel

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Kowhai motel

Hot springs
2 indoor pools, outdoor pool
2 indoor pools, outdoor pool
City Apartment | Private spa tub
Garden

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
The current price is AU$141
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar

Explore the area

View map
1232 Ranolf St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010
  • Place, Rotorua Night Market
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Rotorua Central Mall
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Eat Street
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Premium Studio

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Business Apartment, 1 Bedroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Comfort Apartment

  • 45 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Family Apartment

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Economy Apartment

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 60 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Single Beds and 2 Queen Beds

Premium Suite

  • City view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 10
  • 6 Single Beds and 2 Queen Beds

City Apartment

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

One Bedroom Apartment With Kitchen

  • Sleeps 4

One-Bedroom Apartment With Spa Bath

  • Sleeps 4

Studio With Kitchen

  • Sleeps 2

Three-bedroom

  • Sleeps 10

Two-Bedroom Unit

  • Sleeps 4

Two-Bedroom Apartment With Air Conditioner

  • Sleeps 6

Superior Apartment

  • Sleeps 6

Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 5

Premium Suite

  • Sleeps 10

Comfort Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

City Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Premium Studio

  • Sleeps 2

About the area

Rotorua

Kowhai motel places you in the centre of Rotorua, steps from Kuirau Park and within a short 5-minute stroll of Lakes Performing Arts Centre. Highlights at this motel include 2 indoor swimming pools, and in-room kitchens and free WiFi. .This smoke-free motel offers an outdoor pool and free WiFi in public areas, and has luggage storage. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Inner City motel include Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.

What's nearby

  • Kuirau Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Rotorua Night Market - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Rotorua Central Mall - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Eat Street - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Tamaki Maori Village - 10 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Poco. - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Thai Central Restaurant Rotorua - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Delhi Hut - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pig & Whistle - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Chicking - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Kowhai motel

As a guest of Kowhai motel, you'll find 2 indoor swimming pools and an outdoor pool. Public spaces have free WiFi. Self parking is free.

This Rotorua motel is smoke free.

  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • No smoking on site
Kowhai motel offers 12 accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Kitchens offer stovetops, kitchenware and utensils and dishwashers.

Bathrooms include a shower with a hydromassage showerhead. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 50+ Mbps). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • 2 indoor pools
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • 2 indoor pools
  • High chair
  • In-room kitchen
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • No lift
  • Thin carpet in room

More

  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Hydromassage showerhead
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Limited room service
  • Toaster

More

  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 15

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Property is also known as

Kowhai motel Motel
Kowhai motel Rotorua
Kowhai motel Motel Rotorua

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Kowhai motel?

Kowhai motel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Kowhai motel?

As of 16 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kowhai motel on 17 Mar 2026 start from AU$141, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Kowhai motel?

Yep, Kowhai motel has a free self car park.

Does Kowhai motel have a pool?

Kowhai motel has 2 indoor swimming pools and an outdoor pool. The pool is open 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is Kowhai motel family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as 2 indoor pools, as well as highchairs in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Kowhai motel is a hit with families.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Kowhai motel?

No, Kowhai motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Kowhai motel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Kowhai motel?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Kowhai motel?

There isn't one on site, but Government Gardens Golf is a short 18-minute walk away.

Kowhai motel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 55 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Big but old rooms. Everything was in immaculate state, but windows were old. I think, it could be cold in winters, however, there's a heatpump in the unit. In any case, I stayed during the summer, and my stay was perfect! The heated swimming pool is amazing, two hot mineral pools are awesome. There's a good laundry for guests, got my clothes clean and dry very quickly. Staff was very friendly and helpful. I truly appreciate their cincere effort to make my stay with them comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Tony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The air conditioning did cool but internally looked filthy, I'm sure the filters hadnt been done. Kitchen had everything you needed. Main bed was comfy. The carpets, vinyl and painted walls were old and worn for what you pay per night. Check mineral pools before you step, ours was about 50 degrees, i know should have mentioned to staff. Swam in pool, was lovely and warm. TV was at wrong angle to watch so had to move couch around etc. Staff were friendly and close to night market, park and walking distance to lake front.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charmayne

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The people were so friendly and very obliging. The rooms were clean The bed were comfortable Loved the pool We will definitely be staying here again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Kenny

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harrison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Rawinia

Liked: Staff & service
.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was comfortable enough. The king size bed was hard and uncomfortable, my only complaint
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Caroline

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
This motel had everything we needed for a short stay…comfy beds, clean unit and the mineral plunge pool was great. The unit is a bit run down…a few small changes would make a huge difference….Milo or hot chocolate sachets, light fixtures updated, towel rails and the shower boxes are really in need of replacing
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Tanea

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
we have stayed here before and loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mareta

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were granted an early check in as the room was available, kids loved the heated pool (and so did I), it was a bonus to have a spa pool with our room but hot water was not working so great, although it was warm enough for the kids. Pleasant staff, quiet place despite being near the CBC. Beds were comfortable and room was warm.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
SO nice and warm in the winter. The heated pool is a great feature for the kids. Perfect size apartment for the price. It is a bit dated but the price reflects that also. Would definitely stay for a quick trip again :)
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient. Friendly and accommodating staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

M V

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excelente

Confortável, limpo, espaçoso, pessoas gentis. Atendeu muito bem a todas as minhas necessidades.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Janine

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was not the room I had chosen on the website, very disappointed. Photos on sites should be true to what you are expecting and paying for! The area of motel was great as it was central to lots of things.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Brett

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall I enjoyed my stay. A nice warm room with everything I needed. Very conveniently located to local shops and restaurants etc. Just a little noise created by Saturday evening traffic on the busy road fronting the motel
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really lovely helpful staff and owners, also liked the book swap!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Kylie

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Comfortable space for average cost
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Room layout was interesting. Parking was very tight, hard to park and get out of lot
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great room and friendly staff . Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ashvyn

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Poor customer service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025