Sleepfare

Kowhai Motel Rotorua

★★★ 1232 Ranolf Street , Rotorua, NZ

7.8 guest rating· 1528 reviews

About this hotel

Relax in Natural Hot Pools and Heated Swimming Pool

At Kowhai Motel Rotorua, unwind in 2 natural hot mineral pools or the 10-metre heated swimming pool. The perfect way to rejuvenate after a day of exploring.

Convenient Location in Rotorua CBD

Situated opposite the Kuirau Geothermal Park, our motel is just a stone's throw away from the vibrant city centre with its array of dining options. Explore the nearby Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve easily.

Comfortable Units with Modern Amenities

Enjoy digital satellite TV, free WiFi, heating, and tea/coffee making facilities in every studio and apartment. Some units even feature self-catering cooking facilities and a private courtyard with a hot tub.

Book now to experience the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience at Kowhai Motel Rotorua.

Rooms & rates

Pick your dates. Prices are live, not cached.

Apartment with Balcony

Sleeps 4 · 50 m² · 2× Twin bed, Queen bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker

Boasting a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. In the well-equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment offers a seating area, a dining area, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as garden views. The unit has 4 beds.

One-Bedroom

Sleeps 4 · 65 m² · 2× Twin bed, Queen bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Shower

Features a king-size bed in the lounge room and 2 single beds in the bedroom. Includes heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities. Please note that the maximum occupancy is 4 guests.

Three-bedroom

Sleeps 8 · 90 m² · Queen bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Shower

Features heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities. Please note that the price is based on 4 guests. Maximum occupancy is 8 (see Hotel Policies).

Studio

Sleeps 2 · 35 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchenette
  • Coffee/tea maker

Features heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchenette with microwave, toaster and tea/coffee making facilities. This room has no capacity for additional guests.

Two-Bedroom

Sleeps 4 · 65 m² · 2× Twin bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker

Features heating, satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making facilities. Please note that the price is based on 3 guests. Maximum occupancy is 5 (see Hotel Policies).

Family Double Room

Sleeps 5 · 65 m² · Twin bed, Double bed, Bunk bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Shower

Providing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchen, which is equipped with a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The spacious air-conditioned family room provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a private entrance, a seating area, a dining area as well as pool views. The unit offers 3 beds.

Superior Apartment

Sleeps 6 · 70 m² · Twin bed, Double bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Coffee/tea maker

This apartment features satellite TV with 7 channels, plus a kitchen with microwave, toaster, oven, stove and tea/coffee making and air-conditioning facilities. Maximum occupancy is 6 guests.

One-Bedroom Apartment

Sleeps 4 · 50 m² · 2× Twin bed, Queen bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Shower

This apartment provides a hot tub. Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned apartment comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. In the well-equipped kitchen, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven. The apartment features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a wardrobe, as well as an electric kettle. The unit offers 5 beds.

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Swimming pool
  • Spa/wellness center
  • Free Parking
  • Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
  • Air conditioning
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Room service
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Access to health care professionals
  • Cashless payment available
Show all 35 amenities
  • CCTV in common areas
  • CCTV outside property
  • Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Designated smoking area
  • Face masks for guests available
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kit available
  • Guest room sealed after cleaning
  • Guest rooms disinfected between stays
  • Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
  • Happy hour
  • Heating
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Laundry
  • Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
  • Luggage storage
  • Physical distancing rules followed
  • Smoke alarms
  • Staff adhere to local safety protocols
  • Thermometers for guests provided by property

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

1232 Ranolf Street , Rotorua, NZ

Check-in
from 03:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Check-out
until 10:00 AM

What guests say7.81528 reviews

+ Location and pool+ Clean apartment+ Helpful staff− Dated room− Parking difficulties− Unpleasant smell
Cleanliness6.7
Service8.6
Location8.7
Room Quality7.1
Amenities8.2
Value for Money8.1

Guest review

9.0

I love staying at Kowhai Motel, the staff are absolutely amazing, the facilities are fantastic and location is perfect, so close to everything. Comfy beds and a full kitchen is wonderful. Will definitely be back.

− Loved everything.

Debbie · NZ · 2026-07-22

Great stay

8.0

Pool and hot pools were fantastic. Didn’t hear noise of other guests. Staff exceptional.

Megan · NZ · 2026-07-20

Nice cosy rooms, the pool and soaking pools are perfect. I'd stay here again.

8.0

The old radiator heaters are great, they give off a nice heat, and your clothes dry on them in no time. I like the full oven and big fridge, well equipped kitchen. It was great being right next to the little mineral pools, so good after a brisk morning walk and in the evenings before bed.

− I was a bit uneasy leaving my car parked out on the road side, however there's good lighting and some security camera warnings which gives some reassurance.

Kariana Gage · NZ · 2026-07-20

Perfect spot, very affordable, close to town and a gorgeous hot swimming pool. Everything you need

7.0

Heated pool was awesome

− It was a bit dated

denise · NZ · 2026-07-19

Home away from home and walking distance to town

7.0

Location and thermal pools 2 bedrooms Suitable for family get together Sufficient plates and cooking pots Price is reasonable for budget travellers and families

− Kitchen only had one plug to juggle toaster, microwave and kettle and not much storage to put food One park per unit Rotorua charges now for on street parking

Angelique · NZ · 2026-07-19

Good to know

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform Kowhai & Colonial Motel in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

A deposit may be required at the property.

›Parking

Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

›Internet

WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

›Pets

Pets are not allowed.

›Children and extra bed policy

Children of any age are allowed.

Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.

Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an existing bed.

People no matter the age stay for NZD 30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.

Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.