8.8

390 reviews

Matador Motel

Matador Motel

187 High Street North, Carterton, 5713, New Zealand

Choose dates to view prices

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Golf course

Parking On Site

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Matador Motel

Matador Motel is a breezy base in Carterton, New Zealand, just 0.3mi from the city center. Nestled at 187 High Street North, this spot puts shops, cafes, and strolls around town within easy reach.

Inside, a traveler-friendly lineup awaits: Outdoor swimming pool (free), Private Parking (free) and Wifi (free). A streaming service (like Netflix) keeps evenings cozy, while a nearby golf course adds a touch of leisure. Parking On Site (free), a Kitchen and Non-smoking rooms cover essential needs. Beach day vibes come with Beach umbrellas (free) and Beach chairs/Loungers, plus Kitchenware. Garden views, a Picnic area, and a Garden provide quiet spots to unwind, complemented by Free toiletries.

The property has 390 reviews.

Seasonal outdoor saltwater pool invites sun-seekers to unwind, with an adults-only vibe that keeps the atmosphere relaxed and private. Quiet garden corners and a picnic area offer easy spots to unwind after a day of exploring Carterton, while beach umbrellas and chairs are ready for carefree days, complemented by handy kitchenware for simple meals or snacks.

Accommodations span several studio layouts and a family option: a 269 sqft Standard Studio with a twin and a double bed for up to 3 adults; a 194 sqft Standard Studio with a queen bed for 2 adults and 1 child; a 269 sqft Superior Studio with a queen bed for 2 adults and 1 child; and a 441 sqft Family room with a twin, a double, and a queen bed for 2 adults and 1 child. All options are non-smoking, providing flexible setups for couples, small families, or friends traveling together.

Practical details include payment options such as cash accepted along with Visa, Mastercard, and Eftpos. The property combines convenient amenities with a relaxed, traveler-friendly vibe, making it easy to tailor a stay to pace and plans while keeping comfort a priority.

Closest airports

Paraparaumu Airport

29.4mi

Wellington International Airport

43.2mi

Palmerston North Airport

48.7mi

Most popular amenities

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Golf course

Parking On Site

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Kitchenware

Garden view

Picnic area

Garden

Free toiletries

Rooms

Standard Studio in Matador Motel

Show 9 photos

Standard Studio, Double/Twin

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

270 sqft

Garden view

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenware

x3

More details

Family Room in Matador Motel

Show 5 photos

Family

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

440 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenware

Microwave

+

More details

Studio in Matador Motel

Show 4 photos

Standard Studio

1 Queen Size Bed

195 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Superior Studio in Matador Motel

Show 4 photos

Superior Studio

1 Queen Size Bed

270 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenware

Microwave

+

More details

Guest reviews

8.8

390 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Jane

8.2

June 2024

Great location for a weekend in the Wairarapa. Clean and comfortable, and had everything we needed. Have stayed before and would stay again.

Because the door was left open before we checked in the unit was freezing and took a good few hours and two heaters to warm up. Once it was warm we were nice and cosy, but the heater in the main room made quite a loud ticking noise which was not ideal when trying to get to sleep.

🇳🇿

Louise

10

August 2024

The room was perfect, with great facilities; coffee plunger and kitchenette space. The pool looked great too, we stopped in winter so didn't venture in. Owners were friendly and helpful ( and their Labrador adorable!) Will definitely stay here again when we're visiting the Wairapa.

Nothing - it was great for what we wanted ( we were off to fire and ice show in Greytown- so lovely to stay out of the bustle.

🇬🇧

Abigail

10

March 2025

The accommodation was very thought out with lots of blankets, plugs, toiletries, and in a well cared for property. Our room was very clean, and it had everything you need for a comfortable stay! Thank you to the fantastic, friendly hosts. It's also conveniently located for a stroll down to the local stores.

🇳🇿

Matt

10

January 2024

Loved our recent stay at the Matador Motel. Everything was fresh and clean, the beds were comfy and the pool was amazing! Thank you for including a fan in each bedroom. Despite the location on the main road, the place was quiet and relaxing. We were in easy walking distance to a cafe and dinner options. Friendly staff too!

Air con is the only thing that would make this place even better on those super hot Wairarapa days.

🇳🇿

Angela

8.2

March 2025

We stayed in a family unit for two nights while we were visiting family in Carterton. The room was well equipped with a kitchenette and extremely clean. The beds were very comfortable. Good location for us and great value for money. Would stay again.

Nothing, stay was as expected.

🇳🇿

Stan

9.1

December 2024

Very clean with very good quality clean linen. Kitchen utilities and shower. WC, WHB all good. Black-out curtains. Free warm swimming pool was a nice surprise. Good location with walking distance to shops, takeaways, RSA.

I only stayed one night, but I was comfortable, so there wasn't anything I didn't like.

🇳🇿

Graham

10

February 2023

Excellent Motel in Carterton. We were visiting for a family reunion but had to leave a day earlier than planned because of Cyclone Gabrielle. The owner Barry contacted me today and has refunded us for the night we left which we thought was great. The Motel is spotless with comfortable beds and was equipped with everything we needed for a very enjoyable stay. Great welcome at reception from Barry when we arrived. Would recommend to anyone looking for accommodation in Carterton. We will be back again one day for sure.

Everything was great.

🇳🇿

David

8.2

October 2023

The tv, heating, shower and kitchen facilities all worked well. The bed was comfortable, the bedding warm and in nice condition, and the pillows were excellent. I arrived early, offering to return on time, but was greeted amicably and accommodated straight away.

Just the size of the room, but I understand it was the last available, and the price was fair for it.

🇳🇿

Alice

10

July 2024

We had SUCH a great time. Awesome place for a family to stay, plenty of beds, a pool, BBQ area and trampoline. Close to everything. Clean and excellent layout. A perfect base close to town and all things Wairarapa.

I have nothing bad to say, I would stay again in a heartbeat.

🇳🇿

Coralie

9.1

February 2023

We went to Carterton mid-week, and it was closed! However, we did discover the wonderful gem that is The Matador motel. From the outside it looks like a dated 70's style, but inside it has been nicely modernised and well appointed. The lovely swimming pool area is a fantastic asset, and well set up for children and safety. The owners are hands on locals who ho out of their way to make you feel welcome and to meet any requests and preempt needs. Highly recommended.

Points of Interest Around Matador Motel

Attractions

Wairarapa

14.1mi

Kaitoke Regional Park

17.6mi

Pukaha National Wildlife Centre

21.4mi

Staglands Wildlife Reserve

21.4mi

Southward Car Museum

27.6mi

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Salt water

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • Seasonal

Amenities of Matador Motel

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Golf course

Parking On Site

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Kitchenware

Garden view

Picnic area

Garden

Free toiletries

Stay rules - Matador Motel

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property