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Kowhai Colonial Motel

Bay of Plenty-Rotorua · New Zealand

1232 Ranolf StreetView location

8.2/10Excellent63 Reviews
Cleanliness8.2/108.2
Service8.8/108.8
Comfort8.4/108.4
Condition7.8/107.8
Amenities8.4/108.4
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  • Hotels with spa

Room prices, availability, meal plans and cancellation terms are confirmed for your selected dates.

About Kowhai Colonial Motel

Enjoy comfortable accommodation at the Kowhai and Colonial Motel, conveniently located on the main Hamilton-Taupo route.

Situated across from Geothermal Park and less than 200 meters from the city center, our motel offers a range of amenities, including three pools: a year-round heated 10-meter swimming pool and two natural hot mineral pools. We offer studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, as well as apartments.

Select units feature air conditioning and courtyard spa pools. All units include thermal heating, SKY Digital, and free wireless internet. Additional amenities include guest laundry facilities and a BBQ grill available upon request. Top restaurants and cafes are within easy walking distance.

We can also arrange and book tours and attractions for you.

Read more about this hotelShow less

A stay at Kowhai motel places you in the heart of Rotorua, steps from Kuirau Park and 4 minutes by foot from Lakes Performing Arts Centre. This motel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Rotorua Night Market and 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Rotorua Central Mall.

Make yourself at home in one of the 12 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchens with stovetops and dishwashers. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Conveniences include desks and portable fans, and housekeeping is provided daily.

The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.

Popular amenities

Free WiFi
Parking available
Concierge
Non-smoking

Check-in and check-out

Check-in from 3:00 PM
Check-in until 9:00 PM
Check-out until 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age 15

Hotel policies

No rollaway/extra beds available No cribs (infant beds) available No elevators Professional property host/manager Pets not allowed

Important information

  • You need to know
    • Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
  • Special Instructions
    The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
  • Instructions
    • 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
  • Minimal age
    15
  • Spoken Language

    Korean

    English

Nearby attractions

Kuirau Park 0.1 km / 0.1 mi
Lakes Performing Arts Centre 0.3 km / 0.2 mi
Rotorua Central Mall 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Rotorua Night Market 0.6 km / 0.4 mi
Eat Street 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Rotorua Arts Village 0.8 km / 0.5 mi
Government Gardens 0.9 km / 0.5 mi
Tamaki Maori Village 0.9 km / 0.6 mi
Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance 1 km / 0.6 mi
Rotorua Hospital 1 km / 0.6 mi
Polynesian Spa 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
Lake Rotorua 1.2 km / 0.7 mi
Tama-te-Kapua Meeting House 1.2 km / 0.8 mi

Hotel facilities & services

Services and fees can vary. Check the selected room details and hotel policies before booking.

  • Total number of rooms: 12
  • hotel
  • American Express
  • JCB
  • Diners Club
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Maestro
  • Check-in hour
  • Check-out hour
  • Wi-fiExtra charge
  • Room service
Show 16 more facilities & services
  • Laundry serviceExtra charge
  • Launderette
  • 24-hour securityExtra charge
  • Smoke detector
  • Lift accessExtra charge
  • GardenExtra charge
  • Dining area
  • Towels and bed linenExtra charge
  • Restaurant
  • Smoking areaExtra charge
  • Outdoor freshwater pool
  • Hot tubExtra charge
  • Spa centreExtra charge
  • Non-smoking establishmentExtra charge
  • Minimum check-in age: 15
  • Billiards
Upon availability

Room types

These are the hotel's room types, rather than live offers. Choose your travel dates to see available rooms, prices and booking conditions. Check availability

  • SUITE DELUXESUITE • DELUXESUI.DX

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    DELUXE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    SUITE DELUXE

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    DELUXE

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.DX

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • SUITE TWO QUEEN BEDS PREMIUMSUITE • TWO QUEEN BEDS PREMIUMSUI.2Q-PI

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    TWO QUEEN BEDS PREMIUM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    SUITE TWO QUEEN BEDS PREMIUM

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–8 • Adults: max. 8 • Children: max. 5
    Room type
    SUITE
    View / characteristic
    TWO QUEEN BEDS PREMIUM

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: SUI.2Q-PI

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • APARTMENT THREE BEDSAPARTMENT • THREE BEDSAPT.3B

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    THREE BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    APARTMENT THREE BEDS

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    THREE BEDS

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: APT.3B

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • APARTMENT BUSINESS KING BEDAPARTMENT • BUSINESS KING BEDAPT.BS-KG

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    BUSINESS KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    APARTMENT BUSINESS KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    BUSINESS KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: APT.BS-KG

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • STUDIO PREMIUM KING BEDSTUDIO • PREMIUM KING BEDSTU.KG-PI

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–5 • Adults: max. 5 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    STUDIO
    View / characteristic
    PREMIUM KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    STUDIO PREMIUM KING BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–5 • Adults: max. 5 • Children: max. 3
    Room type
    STUDIO
    View / characteristic
    PREMIUM KING BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: STU.KG-PI

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • APARTMENT ECONOMYAPARTMENT • ECONOMYAPT.EY

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    ECONOMY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    APARTMENT ECONOMY

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    ECONOMY

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: APT.EY

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • APARTMENT BUNK BEDAPARTMENT • BUNK BEDAPT.BK

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    BUNK BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    APARTMENT BUNK BED

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    BUNK BED

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: APT.BK

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

  • APARTMENT COMFORTAPARTMENT • COMFORTAPT.OM

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    COMFORT

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

    Check availability

    Kowhai Colonial Motel

    APARTMENT COMFORT

    Room photos

    Photos are not available for this room type.

    Room overview

    Occupancy
    Guests: 1–10 • Adults: max. 10 • Children: max. 6
    Room type
    APARTMENT
    View / characteristic
    COMFORT

    Adult and child limits apply within the room's total guest limit.

    Room code: APT.OM

    Limited room details from hotel

    Available rooms, prices and included facilities are confirmed after you choose your dates and rate.

Guest reviews

What other guests saying about Kowhai Colonial Motel

8.2
Excellent
63 Reviews
Cleanliness
8.2 /10
Service
8.8 /10
Comfort
8.4 /10
Condition
7.8 /10
Amenities
8.4 /10
46 reviews shown
10/10
Exceptional
20 Jun 2026
Cindy
Close to city centre walking distance to Kuirau Park.Spacious room with full equipped kitchen.
Nice heated pool and mineral hot pool is a bonus for families.
Nice and friendly reception.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
14 Jun 2026
Victoria
Incredible place to stay.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
04 Jun 2026
Mark
The pool was awesome, loved our stay.
Partner
8/10
Excellent
21 May 2026
Kelvin
The heat pump in the room I was in had an issue when put on high it would thunder through the way in and out of cycle. It sounded like a washing machine out of balance. I had to turn it off overnight as the noise would wake you up. Could have done with another blanket on the bed. Apart from that it was clean and tidy.
Self
10/10
Exceptional
16 Apr 2026
Nalu
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!
Partner
8/10
Excellent
19 Feb 2026
Devan
Good place to stay, good amenities, hit the spot for post-ultramarathon recovery
Friends
8/10
Excellent
10 Jan 2026
Erin
Friendly staff , great location, spacious rooms . Could be cleaner in places and the rooms are very hot.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
08 Jan 2026
Kate
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.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
02 Jan 2026
Shihwa
Great mineral pool and pool. Clean and roomy family suite. Close to downtown shopping and restaurant.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
01 Jan 2026
Jessica
Clean comfortable
Leisure Family_with_children
4/10
Poor
31 Dec 2025
Jun
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.
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
07 Dec 2025
Tony
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.
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
18 Oct 2025
Charmayne
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
Leisure Partner
6/10
Pleasant
29 Sep 2025
Rawinia
.
8/10
Excellent
08 Sep 2025
diane
It was comfortable enough. The king size bed was hard and uncomfortable, my only complaint
6/10
Pleasant
05 Aug 2025
Caroline
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
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
22 Jun 2025
Tanea
we have stayed here before and loved it
Leisure Family_with_children
10/10
Exceptional
09 Jun 2025
Mareta
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.
Friends_and_family Family
10/10
Exceptional
07 Jun 2025
Erin
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 :)
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
03 May 2025
David
Convenient. Friendly and accommodating staff
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
02 May 2025
M V

Excelente

Confortável, limpo, espaçoso, pessoas gentis. Atendeu muito bem a todas as minhas necessidades.
Partner
4/10
Poor
24 Apr 2025
Janine
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.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
15 Apr 2025
Brett
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
Leisure Self
8/10
Excellent
30 Mar 2025
Cindy
Really lovely helpful staff and owners, also liked the book swap!
Business_and_leisure Self
6/10
Pleasant
16 Mar 2025
Kylie
Comfortable space for average cost
Leisure Partner
6/10
Pleasant
16 Mar 2025
Brian
Room layout was interesting. Parking was very tight, hard to park and get out of lot
Leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
09 Mar 2025
Kevan
Great room and friendly staff . Highly recommended
2/10
Poor
24 Feb 2025
Ashvyn
Poor customer service
10/10
Exceptional
24 Feb 2025
Bruce
Friendly staff
Quiet
Business Family
10/10
Exceptional
02 Feb 2025
Alice
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.
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
28 Jan 2025
Maria
We had a 10 bed apartment which was great as we could all be together but main road very noisy and was only allowed 1 carpark. Also had to share 1 washer and dryer with the entire motel!
10/10
Exceptional
26 Jan 2025
Alison
Great place for family with heated pool and plenty of room space, locality to city centre bonus too. Would stay here again
Leisure Family
10/10
Exceptional
13 Jan 2025
Sue
It was a lovely clean quiet property. In a grest location.
Leisure Friends
6/10
Pleasant
12 Jan 2025
Verified traveler

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.
Friends_and_family Family
8/10
Excellent
09 Jan 2025
Verena
Enjoyed the hot pools, motel is easy walking distance to town, good price
Leisure Partner
4/10
Poor
09 Jan 2025
Waty
Not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Leisure Family
8/10
Excellent
26 Dec 2024
Verified traveler
Staff was outstanding, kitchen had everything we needed. Great location. A bit noisy as it's right on a major road.
Partner
10/10
Exceptional
09 Dec 2024
Elly

Great place for a short stop

Excellent location
Air condition and clean
Business
10/10
Exceptional
20 Oct 2024
John
Very near an interesting park and a Lake Rotorua lakeside walk.
Leisure Self
10/10
Exceptional
13 Oct 2024
Belynda
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.
10/10
Exceptional
16 Sep 2024
Thebe
The management was great.the studio was awesome had everything we needed.will definitely go back again
Business_and_leisure Partner
10/10
Exceptional
26 Jul 2024
Felicity
Perfect spot to walk into town and the mineral pools too it off! Will definitely be back 👍
Leisure Family
6/10
Pleasant
23 May 2024
Corey
Place is in desperate need of an upgrade, broken windows , toilet hanging of the wall , very dated but bed was clean and sleepable
Leisure Partner
8/10
Excellent
04 Jan 2026
??
室内の匂いが少し気になりましたが、楽しい休日を過ごす事ができました。
スタッフも親切でした
Leisure
10/10
Exceptional
14 May 2025
MASAHIRO
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.
10/10
Exceptional
21 Feb 2025
Iwen
超讚，走路就能到的了地熱公園。空間配置舒適，性價比高。我去的時候有中文接待人員。
Leisure Family_with_children

Location & surroundings

Kowhai Colonial Motel
1232 Ranolf Street, Rotorua, New Zealand

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Kowhai Colonial Motel

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