Matador Motel

Matador Motel

187 High Street North, Carterton 5713 New Zealand
Traveler (6)
Superior Studio
Room & Suite (18)

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Avg. $89 /night, 2/9 - 2/10
$105
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$90
per night
$75
per night

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About

#1 of 1 small hotel in Carterton
Location
4.9
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.3
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.6
Sleep Quality
3.9
Welcome to Carterton – in the centre of the Wairarapa. The Matador Motel was built in 1976 and like the name suggests the exterior design has a typically Spanish theme. An additional four Superior Studio units were built in 2006. The current owners Cath & Steve Hurley purchased the motels in October 2016. Steve returns to Carterton after an absence of 43yrs. Situated only minutes from Masterton, Greytown, Featherston, Martinborough and a 1.5hr train trip to Wellington.. Carterton prides itself on being a friendly little town that offers a wide range of local attractions and the Matador Motel is just part of that experience. The Matador Motel is situated in the centre of Carterton on High Street and close to pretty much everything. Some of those attractions and locations include: - Take a 600m walk to the railway station and you are only 1.5hrs from the All Blacks or Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. - Carterton Events Centre, numerous pubs and restaurants are an easy 3-7 minute walk. - Paua Shell Factory is a 10 minute walk. - Clareville Hockey Centre is a 3 minute drive. - Greytown and Gladstone are a 7 minute drive. - Masterton is a 12 minute drive. - Mt Holdsworth is a 15 minute drive into the Tararua Ranges. - Martinborough Fair or Toast Martinborough are a 20 minute drive. - Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre is a 35 minute drive. - Castlepoint, Riversdale, Lake Ferry and Palliser Bay are amongst the many other notable places to visit.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Breakfast available
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Paid wifi
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary tea
Picnic area
Express check-in / check-out
Room features
Housekeeping
Room service
Telephone
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Electric blanket
Bath / shower
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Mid-range

Location

187 High Street North, Carterton 5713 New Zealand
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 39 out of 100
39
Kapiti Coast Airport
29.8 mi•
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Wellington Intl Airport
43.3 mi•
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1 Attraction
within 0.75 miles
Traveler rating
  • 42
  • 5
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
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Detailed Reviews
Jane A wrote a review Aug 2021
Wellington, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Had a 1 night stay here with my Husband. Our studio unit was very clean,cosy and the bed very comfortable. Had everything in it that we needed for a 1 night stay.
We were greeted by Colleen who was so friendly and informed us of the nearby cafes/bars,restaurants etc. We were highly impressed to be asked if we would like to see out studio unit first. We have stayed in alot of motels before and we wished we had have seen our room first.
In this case we didn't and were very happy!!
It was great to meet Barry and their lovely dog Honey.
Would highly recommend. They have a salt swimming pool too. We will be back to enjoy. Thanks for making our stay a pleasure.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rex Corbett wrote a review Dec 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Our room and all the facilities within the Motel complex were all very clean and the grounds were very tidy. The management / staff were excellent to deal with and were able to provide the little extras when it came to room/unit service. Would certainly stay again and recommend the Matador Motel to other tavellers.
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Date of stay: November 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damaris wrote a review Jun 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I visit the Wairarapa frequently but this was my first stay at the Matador. So impressed! I arrived late in the evening and the lovely owners had turned on the heater and lights so the unit would be welcoming. It was spotlessly clean and, although small (I booked their smallest unit) it had everything I needed, even a table. Plenty of towels, two armchairs, and a very comfortable bed. Little touches such as the bowl of sweets were very welcome. I usually travel on a budget and so often the motel rooms are tired and grubby. This one was a delightful surprise and a pleasant contrast to the somewhat overpriced accommodation of much of the region.
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Date of stay: June 2020
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Swimming pool, quiet, convenient location for Wairarapa attractions
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shackthecat wrote a review Aug 2021
Wairarapa, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I would like to thank Colleen for her kindness and empathy during our stay. Highly recommend the Matador Motel... very comfortable, clean and homely. Great roomy shower and everything is available in the unit to be self sufficient. Petrol garage just next door that you can pop into for emergency supplies and the town of Carterton is within walking distance. Lots of eateries to choose from. Thanks ever so much for your kindness Colleen.
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Date of stay: August 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ngaioman wrote a review Dec 2024
Wainuiomata, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a fantastic motel to stay in if visiting Carterton or touring the Wairarapa. The rooms are light, airy, fantastically clean and everything is kept in tip top condition. This was our second stay here and we choose the Matador because the owners are fantastic and they are a "dog friendly" motel which suits us and our two pooches.
It has a wonderful pool to relax in and an outdoor BBQ area if you wish to relax and watch the sun set over the Tararuas. We have stayed in many places around the world and the Matador has to be one of the best we have stayed in. A real little gem hidden away in this Wairarapa town.
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Date of stay: December 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Pool is well worth dipping into. If you want to use the BBQ, simply ask the hosts. Five minutes...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debbie and dave s wrote a review Mar 2020
Whitianga, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed here with our daughter and grandchildren while our daughter attended classes for a course she is doing. I was on Nanna duty and the owners of the motel were such a great help. After a morning out we came back to two little windmills for the children and then we did a hunt for painted rocks placed in the gardens, the children had so much fun. We also had fun in the swimming pool where a few toys were provided and both miss 3 and master 1 had alot of fun with the water guns.
I would definately recommend this motel, fabulous owners, friendly dog, clean and comfortable rooms.
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry wrote a review Oct 2020
Wellington, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Quiet clean rooms with pleasant surroundings off the road yet close to cafes and supermarket. Friendly hosts who went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed.
If you are cycling the Wairarapa this is a lovely spot to detour to for the night. From the Wairarapa Valley Cycleway this is a short flat detour (approx 16 km from Gladstone) and means you can then venture west of Carterton to the Fenshaw Reserve (Forest and Bird) for a fantastic 45-60 minute walk through regenerating forest and a panoramic view back to Carterton and surrounds.
Rejoin the cycleway via Stonehenge Aotearoa and Millars Crossing.
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Date of stay: October 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: The studios to the rear of the property have a lovely grassy outlook and a view of the pool.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wander_1969 wrote a review Jan 2023
Greater London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed here for two nights and the accommodation was perfect.
The rooms are very clean and the motel is quiet.
Rooms were very well equipped with cooking facilities and tv and the bed was very comfortable.
The owners could not have been more helpful and friendly.
The salt pool was also a lovely bonus!
All in all a lovely place and would definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra P wrote a review Feb 2021
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely clean room and spotless bathroom. Plenty of towels supplied for guests. Fully equiped kitchen and everything in excellent condition. Close to the main road into Carterton and no road noise at all in the Unit. Our host Barry was very friendly and helpful and the perfect host.
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Date of stay: February 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria W wrote a review Feb 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This motel is absolutely spotless and great value for the price. It was a comfortable bed and everything we needed was there for the night. Great service at reception. Highly recommend for great value for money. We arrived late on Waitaingi Day and were made to feel very welcome.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Ngaioman wrote a tip Dec 2024
Wainuiomata, New Zealand41 contributions34 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Pool is well worth dipping into. If you want to use the BBQ, simply ask the hosts. Five minutes walk to a few good bars and eateries."
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Frances L wrote a tip Feb 2024
Wellington, New Zealand22 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We loved the pool, a bonus! "
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Frances V wrote a tip Oct 2023
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Don't judge from the outside, a little tlc needed."
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DoctorWho1961 wrote a tip Jul 2023
Auckland Central, New Zealand12 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If travelling up from Wellington allow an extra half an hour travel time as road over the mountain is not a 100 km road."
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Kerry wrote a tip Oct 2020
Wellington, New Zealand2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The studios to the rear of the property have a lovely grassy outlook and a view of the pool."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Carterton area.
PRICE RANGE
$86 - $102 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandGreater WellingtonWairarapaCarterton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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MATADOR MOTEL

Frequently Asked Questions about Matador Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Matador Motel?
Nearby attractions include Regent 58 (0.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Matador Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Matador Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Matador Motel?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Matador Motel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Matador Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include balter Bar and Kitchen, Indian Taj, and Wild Oats.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Matador Motel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Matador Motel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Carterton.
Are pets allowed at Matador Motel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Matador Motel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Stonehenge Aotearoa (5.9 miles) and Ahiaruhe House (6.2 miles).
Is Matador Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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