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Kowhai motel

2.0 star property
Travelers find a refreshing escape at this city center motel featuring two indoor pools, an outdoor pool, and free parking for all guests

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Photo gallery for Kowhai motel

Hot springs - Kowhai motel (Rotorua)
2 indoor pools, outdoor pool - Kowhai motel (Rotorua)
Garden - Kowhai motel (Rotorua)
2 indoor pools, outdoor pool - Kowhai motel (Rotorua)
City Apartment | Private spa tub - Kowhai motel (Rotorua)
Centrally located near Polynesian Spa, Kowhai Motel puts visitors in the heart of the action. Guests can choose between two indoor pools or enjoy the outdoor pool. The property offers complimentary self-parking and convenient luggage storage, making travel easier.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 22 of 22 rooms

View all photos for Premium Studio

Premium Studio | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Studio

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

View all photos for Business Apartment, 1 Bedroom

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Business Apartment, 1 Bedroom

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

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Suite

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

View all photos for Comfort Apartment

Comfort Apartment | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Comfort Apartment

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

View all photos for Family Apartment

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Apartment

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

View all photos for Economy Apartment

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Economy Apartment

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

View all photos for Premium Suite

Premium Suite | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Suite

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

View all photos for City Apartment

City Apartment | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

City Apartment

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

View all photos for One Bedroom Apartment With Kitchen

Private kitchen | Stovetop, dishwasher, toaster, highchair

One Bedroom Apartment With Kitchen

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for One-Bedroom Apartment With Spa Bath

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

One-Bedroom Apartment With Spa Bath

  • Sleeps 4

Studio With Kitchen

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Three-bedroom

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Three-bedroom

  • Sleeps 10

View all photos for Two-Bedroom Unit

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Two-Bedroom Unit

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two-Bedroom Apartment With Air Conditioner

Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

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

One-Bedroom Room

  • Sleeps 4

Apartment with Balcony

  • Sleeps 4

About the neighborhood

Located in Rotorua, Kowhai motel is in the city center. Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Tamaki Maori Village are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Lakes Performing Arts Centre and Waimangu Cauldron. Rotorua Arts Village and Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including winery tours. Visit our Rotorua travel guide
View more Motels in Rotorua
Map
1232 Ranolf St, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, 3010

What's nearby

  • Kuirau Park
    Kuirau Park
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Eat Street
    Eat Street
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Tamaki Maori Village
    Tamaki Maori Village
    10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Rotorua Night Market
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Rotorua Central Mall
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    13 min drive

Restaurants

  • Thai Central Restaurant Rotorua
    4 min walk
  • The Fainting Goat
    8 min walk
  • Poco.
    7 min walk
  • Pig & Whistle
    7 min walk
  • Scope
    7 min walk

About this property

Kowhai motel

Motel located in Inner City
Kowhai motel provides everything you need. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • 2 indoor pools and an outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises and luggage storage
Room features
All guestrooms at Kowhai motel have amenities such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with hydromassage showers and hair dryers
  • Wardrobes/closets, kitchens, and dishwashers

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site

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 elevator
  • Thin carpet in room

More

  • Smoking not allowed

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
  • Kitchen
  • Limited room service
  • Stovetop
  • 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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

Does Kowhai motel have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 Indoor pools and an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 7:30 AM–10:00 AM.

Is Kowhai motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Kowhai motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Kowhai motel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kowhai motel located?

Located in Inner City, this motel is within a 5-minute walk of Kuirau Park and Lakes Performing Arts Centre. Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Kowhai motel Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 56 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Shihwa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great mineral pool and pool. Clean and roomy family suite. Close to downtown shopping and restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Erin

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff , great location, spacious rooms . Could be cleaner in places and the rooms are very hot.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charmayne

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Verena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the hot pools, motel is easy walking distance to town, good price
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jun

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire room was worn down. Plates and cutlery were dirty. Bugs in room. Cockroach was found in the kitchen. The cleaner was friendly and helpful. However, the receptionists were not so welcoming.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place for family with heated pool and plenty of room space, locality to city centre bonus too. Would stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nalu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was a clean and comfortable king-size bed, two sofa chairs, a table, an eating table, a kitchenette stocked with everything needed for two people to prepare meals, including a mini fridge, milk for coffee, a microwave, a hotplate, and a bathroom. Sure, things are a little dated, but the amenities, location, and price, you can’t go wrong! We were just looking for some place to shower, sh*t, sleep, and store our belongings while we went off to explore and experience adventures. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the visitor’s building on Fenton Street, and within view of Kuirau Park where you can walk around the geothermal vents for free, and go to the “Farmer’s” Market on Saturday if you’re there. We stayed in unit 15 for four nights. We were greeted every day, several times a day. They have a laundry room w/ one washer and one dryer, and provide laundry soap. They don't have “Do Not Disturb” signs. They change out towels, empty trash/recycling, and check toilet paper, coffee/tea/milk. We didn’t need these things done every day, but maybe that’s their way of making sure you’re not trashing the place. A luggage rack would be nice. But no biggie, I used the iron board as one. Overall, we had a pleasant stay. They did great with the space they had to work with, and they made sure we were comfortable in every way. We plan on booking with them in the future!
Lounging area to the right of the hot spring tubs.
Door to our room - Unit 15, the tubs, and stairs to pool.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elly

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

Great place for a short stop

Excellent location Air condition and clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevan

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

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff Quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff was outstanding, kitchen had everything we needed. Great location. A bit noisy as it's right on a major road.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tony

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MASAHIRO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
hotel staffs are very friendly. room has kitchen, cooking tools, flidge & very comfortable. theres hot bath in here! its cozy & tiny but I think this is the best.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mareta

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a lovely clean quiet property. In a grest location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

David

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

6/10 Okay

Kylie

Disliked: Amenities
Comfortable space for average cost
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a family of four with 2 school aged kids we really enjoyed our stay. While a bit dated looking the warm pool and mineral baths were a wonderful way to start and end the day. The staff were friendly and helpful. The location was great for walking to the public central thermal pools and the lake not too far a walk away too. The beds were comfortable and the facilities in the apartment good. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Janine

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Corey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place is in desperate need of an upgrade, broken windows , toilet hanging of the wall , very dated but bed was clean and sleepable
Stayed 1 night in May 2024