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Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake

Apartment in Rotorua, near Skyline Rotorua

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Photo gallery for Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake

Exterior detail
Shower, hair dryer
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, travel crib, WiFi
Interior
Food and drink

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2269 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
  • Place, Lake Rotorua
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Skyline Rotorua
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Mitai Maori Village
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Rotorua

Located in Kawaha Point, this apartment is adjacent to Lake Rotorua and within 2 miles (3 km) of Skyline Rotorua. The apartment includes a refrigerator, a microwave, and a TV.
View more Apartments in RotoruaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Rotorua - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Skyline Rotorua - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Mitai Maori Village - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Ogo - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Gold Star Bakery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Skyline Stratosfare - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake

Summary:
Thistle Do is a great spot for your Rotorua visit! This lovely detached studio annex is located close to all the attractions, backing onto a picturesque stream, you can walk alongside the banks for 2 minutes and reach the lake, a great spot for trout fishing, kayaking or paddle boarding. The studio has been furnished with great attention to detail, with a high-quality mattress, linens, tv and a small well equipped kitchenette. Everything has been provided to ensure your comfort.

The Space:
This location could not be better for those out to sample all the attractions and adventures of Rotorua, or a comfortable haven for those travelling for work. Situated on the banks of the Waiowhiro stream you are just two minutes’ walk to Lake Rotorua – a great spot for trout fishing, kayaking, swimming or paddleboarding.

Hop on your bike, or in the car, and you can be at the Skyline Skyrides, Wine tasting or Luging. Also nearby are the Mitai Maori experience, Rainbow and Fairy Springs Wildlife Centre, Agroventures and the Zorb. Everything is within a short drive - if you can drag yourself away from the lakefront!

Thistle Do has been furnished with great attention to detail, with a high-quality mattress, linens, tv and a small well equipped kitchenette. Everything has been provided to ensure your comfort. A secluded spot in the beautiful garden is all set up for you to relax with a glass of wine and a good book. All the amenities of a first-class motel, but with the added appeal of warmth, charm and an unbeatable location.

Free unlimited Wi-Fi and off street parking. Boat parking and a secure area for bikes available on request.

Guest Access:
This self-contained annex with separate entrance is all yours, with friendly hosts available at the main house next door if you have any needs during your stay.

The Neighborhood:
Thistle Do is in a lovely residential neighbourhood. There is access to a stream through the back garden, which takes you directly to the shores of Lake Rotorua. There are a small group of shops a short walk away, and all of the attractions are within a short drive.

Getting Around:
Navigating Rotorua from Thistle Do Retreat is simple. You'll find free off-street parking provided, and boat/bike parking is available. The Rotorua Airport (ROT) is a quick 10-minute drive. Public transport is accessible, with the nearest bus stop located nearby. This location is a great base for exploring Rotorua's attractions, whether you prefer driving, cycling, or using public transport. Enjoy the convenience!

Other Things to Note:
There is a heater and an electric blanket to make sure you are warm during winter.

Interaction with Guests:
We're available by phone, message or email during your stay. If you need personal assistance, we can stop in so just let us know.
The apartment is heated and features a separate bedroom. Other standard amenities include a microwave, a refrigerator, and an ironing board.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower

Entertainment

  • TV

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Unlimited smartphone data usage

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 269 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

6735564197fd8d00102ef75d

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this apartment?

This apartment is situated in Kawaha Point, just steps from Lake Rotorua. You'll also find Skyline Rotorua and Polynesian Spa within a short drive.

Is there parking available at this apartment?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?

No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

Does Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this apartment.

Does this apartment include breakfast service?

No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this apartment allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.

Where is the closest airport to this apartment?

The closest major airport to this apartment is Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional), which is 8.8 mi away (22 minutes by car). Another top airport is Tauranga (TRG), which is around 30 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake?

No, at Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake, there aren't any apartments that list a balcony.

Reviews

Thistle Do Retreat | Easy Walk to the Lake Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 49 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 60 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tenessa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The hosts were very kind and pleasant. A beautiful space to stay with a lovely walk in the back. Getting to pick a lemon from the tree was amazing as we don't ever have lemon trees back at home. It was cozy and comfortable. Definitely recommend! Thank you so much for the perfect stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Rotorua

It was as described in listing. Maryanne and Karl were very sweet and helpful. The mattress needs to be replaced as it left me very sore in the morning. A lot of tossing and turning too. Otherwise a good location.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Glenda W., Mission

Liked: Cleanliness

Missleading

The property was not as pictures presented. The room was poorly decorated with cheesy furnature. The bathroom looked adequate. The garden was very unkempt.oyt tday ( as we didnt stay there was t
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Graham B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Affordable studio accommodation done well

Worked well for our 3 night stay. Friendly on site hosts, quiet relaxing environment. The studio lived up to the advertisement in every way.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Simple and easy

My wife and I spent 2 nights here while adventuring in Rotarua. It was the perfect place to come back to and even really close to the lake! The hosts are extremely nice and easy process overall! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kendra d.

Liked: Cleanliness

Top notch! Clean, cosy, tranquil stay.

We loved our stay. Wonderful kind hosts, and a beautiful tranquil setting close to the lake. Easy driving distance to lots of the geothermal areas. The room is spacious, private and sparkling clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael T., Clive

Liked: Cleanliness

Most Enjoying stay and wonderful host. 10/10

Clean and tidy and very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelley S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely

Lovely people,clean tidy warm quite
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jessica J., Perth

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice accommodation

We enjoyed our stay. Maryanne & Karl we great host.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Breann S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Pleasant perfection

My husband and I are from the states and after traveling so far, it was great to call this little spot "Home". Karl & Maryanne (our hosts) were very kind and friendly. They made sure we knew all about the property and even offered ideas on things to do in the local area. Their little space was perfect for our busy travel itinerary in the bay of plenty. Comfortable, and location was central to all our adventures. We are already planning our return trip. Looking forward to staying here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grace C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great hosts

Nice hosts and we are being taken care of well. Clean and nice little unit for a short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sky

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

JAMIE

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The homeowners, Carl and Maryanne, they were accommodating and easy to get in touch with. The property was clean and had everything you would need. I would recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Lily

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very lovely host and so helpful
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandy H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Thoughtful hosting

Lovely and warm hosts, very welcoming, definitely more than a room, great shower and pressure. Thoughtful snacks and drinks left for us to enjoy.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Crystelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness

BEAUTIFUL STAY 😍

We absolutely loved our stay here, the location is perfect, small & quiet amazing for a couple get away! Karl & Maryanne were awesome host upon arrival and throughout our stay, very tidy clean! We will definitely be booking in near future. Thank you both for our wonderful stay 🙂
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great breakaway

Everything was exactly as described. The short walk to a quiet part of the lake was a particular highlight. The hosts were most welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Mercia A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice stay 😊

Nice stay, lovely hosts a bit closer to the owners property then expected, but I was out most of the time anyway. About 10mins out of city centre which was good. Comfortable bed but don’t leave anything sweet out, I had ants in my juice. Overall lovely stay and thank you for the treats.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great base

A lovely place to stay on the outskirts, just a short drive to city centre. Maryann and Karl were great attentive hosts and we would not hesitate to recommend staying at their place.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Annette T.

Liked: Cleanliness

The perfect weekend retreat

Karl and Maryann were the perfect hosts. Accomodation was spotlessly clean and the bed was so comfortable. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Lucilla F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mtb wknd

Was well looked after quiet spot .Owners were lovely and couldn't do enough go help much appreciated would recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022