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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

Choose dates to view prices

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

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
The current price is ￥13,145
￥15,117 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 25 - Jan 26

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 19 of 19 rooms

View all photos for Premium Studio

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

Premium Studio

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hydromassage showerhead
Hair dryer
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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

Highlights

Yard
Private rooftop hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
2 bedrooms
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
3 bedrooms
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 3 bedrooms
  • City view
  • 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

Highlights

Yard
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 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
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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 Skyline Rotorua and Waimangu Cauldron. DriftKartz and Luge Rotorua 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
3010, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, 1232 Ranolf St

What's nearby

  • Kuirau Park showing a hot spring and mist or fog
    Kuirau Park
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Rotorua showing night scenes and markets
    Eat Street
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • This show was awesome! After the initiation you are welcomed into the village and go threw different stations learning about the culture and then you get a performance show and dinner. Definitely recommend and reservations book way out, so book early! And tip: ask for Mark to be your driver... Seriously I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard
    Tamaki Maori Village
    10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Rotorua Night Market
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Rotorua Central Mall
    5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    13 min drive

Restaurants

  • Poco.
    7 min walk
  • Thai Central Restaurant Rotorua
    4 min walk
  • Chinese Delights
    6 min walk
  • Pig & Whistle
    7 min walk
  • Chicking
    7 min walk

About this property

Kowhai motel

Motel near Skyline Rotorua
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
  • Luggage storage and smoke-free premises
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

Similar properties

Indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools
Ambassador Thermal Motel
  • Pool
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 600 reviews
The price is ￥11,631
￥13,660 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 28 - Jan 29
Ambassador Thermal Motel

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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Kowhai motel?

As of Jan 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kowhai motel on Jan 25, 2026 start from ￥13,145, excluding 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 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 10-minute walk of Kuirau Park, Rotorua Central Mall, and Rotorua Night Market. Waimangu Cauldron and Eat Street are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Kowhai motel Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.0

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 53 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jessica

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Kevan

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

David

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

6/10 Okay

Kylie

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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Room comfort

Not too bad not too good

Kowhai Hotel was not too bad in terms of cleanliness. Its just the toilet has mosquitos when we arrived. We stayed in 1 bedroom apartment and because it was summer it was very hot, the aircon cannot make our room cold there was an electric fan but its still not enough as we have 4 months old baby. Also, the water get very hot and tap was too strong. Wall sockets were limited. The couch was too saggy so hard to get up. However the management are very accomodating when I asked if we can do a late check out, additional cost though.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Tanea

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
we have stayed here before and loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

10/10 Excellent

Belynda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property and the team were amazing and helped with all our requirements. Had a great stay and will definitely return when back in town.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024