Where to stay in Rotorua – best accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand

Nature, culture, adventure, cuisine, and otherworldly geothermal and volcanic landscapes – Rotorua just keeps giving! This is a town I love coming back to and it feels like it’s impossible to run out of fun things to do in Rotorua.

There are just so many things to see and do here, that you’ll certainly need a few days to experience Rotorua! But where should you stay?

With no shortage of accommodation options choosing where to stay in Rotorua can be a daunting task if you’re not familiar with the city. Lucky for you, I can help! I’ve been here several times and have come to know this city and its surroundings really well.

Below I’ll be sharing my top tips on where to stay, including the best areas in town for travelers. This guide to accommodation in Rotorua will give you:

1. All the information you need to make an informed decision
2. A geographical breakdown to help you pick the best areas to stay in Split
3. A selection of the best accommodation options for each area, budget, and type of accommodation

Where to stay in Rotorua – best areas

Rotorua (city, not district!) is fairly manageable in size and you can’t really go wrong with whatever area you choose to base yourself in. On top of that, most activities offer pickups from your accommodation.

However, depending on your holiday style and travel itinerary, some areas might be better suited for your specific needs.

Below I break down the best areas to stay in Rotorua to help you pick the right one for you.

Rotorua Downtown

Best for:
First time visitors, lovers of lively evenings and foodies

Known for:
Lakefront, Kuirau Park, Eat Street

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Rotorua Downtown accommodation

Downtown Rotorua is my favorite area to stay in when visiting Rotorua and would recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time, those on a tight timeframe and anyone looking to enjoy the bar and restaurant scene.

Nested between Kuirau Park, Government Gardens, Lake Rotorua and the main road, the city center is fairly small ane everything is within walking distance. But worry not, despite the smallish square footage this area packs in a great selection of accommodation options for every budget!

Glenholme and Fenton

Best for:
Nature lovers, adventure lovers

Known for:
Te Puia, Redwoods

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Glenholme & Fenton accommodation

Just behind the main road towards Whakarewarewa you’ll find the Glenholme & Fenton neighborhoods which are an extension of the city centre. This area offers plenty of roadside parking and has a great selection of accommodation.

Tihiotonga

Best for:
Nature lovers, those wanting a peaceful experience and mind blowing views

Known for:
Te Puia, Centennial Park, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve

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Tihiotonga accommodation

Located on a hill behind Te Puia, Tihiotonga offers sweeping views over Rotorua lake, the city, Whakarewarewa forest, and Te Puia Thermal Valley. From here you can see the geysers erupt and the steam rising up from the geothermal parks. This area is perfect if you’re after a quiet and scenic retreat.

Kawaha Point

Best for:
Adventure lovers, luxury lovers

Known for:
SkyLine Rotorua, Kiwi National Hatchery, ZORB, 3D Trick Art Gallery

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Kawaha Point accommodation

Kawaha Point is located just North of Rotorua CBD on a little scenic peninsula. This area has plenty of lakefront properties with stunning views over the bay and is perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious retreat or those who want to be close to the adventure parks.

Next to Kawaha Point you’ll find the gondola to SkyLine Rotorua where you’ll find the Stratosfare restaurant, Volcanic Hills Winery Tasting Room, Skyline MTB gravity park, Rotorua Canopy Tours and so much more.

The best accommodation in Rotorua

When planning your stay in Rotorua, choosing the right accommodation is essential for the best travel experience.

Now that you know what area in Rotorua is best for your needs it’s time to pick your accommodation! Below you’ll find top lodging options, tailored to your preferences and budget, ensuring you find a place that suits your needs perfectly.

Best hotels in Rotorua

For a no-fuss holiday in Rotorua a hotel stay is the perfect choice. Make the most of all the facilities and great service, and why not, opt for a room with lake views to add that special something. There is a good selection of hotels and motels in Rotorua that are suitable for all budgets.

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Pullman Rotorua

With a reputation for elegance, Pullman Rotorua combines modernity with functionality. Enjoy a central location with excellent dining options and a fitness center.

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Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel

Situated by the serene Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers great value. Enjoy the geothermal spa and indoor pools, coupled with comfortable rooms and a delightful in-house restaurant.

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MID-RANGE

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Offering rooms with views of the lake or garden courtyard, the Millennium Hotel is conveniently located near Rotorua’s main attractions, including the Polynesian Spa and provides an inviting atmosphere with excellent facilities.

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BUDGET

Rydges Rotorua

Overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve, Rydges Rotorua features a heated pool and is popular for its family-friendly services.

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Best lodges and boutique hotels in Rotorua

Big hotels can sometimes feel cold or heartless and that’s why I prefer smaller boutique hotels and lodges. They combine the great facilities and impeccable service of big hotels with a cozy vibe and a more personalized experience.

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Peppers on the Point Lake Rotorua

Set in a picturesque location, this 1930s mansion offers breathtaking lake views, private balconies, and a host of luxurious amenities, making it ideal for a romantic and tranquil retreat.

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Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

This chic hotel boasts glitzy interiors and a stunning lakeside setting. With a pool and gourmet Pacific cuisine, it’s a top choice for relaxed yet stylish accommodations.

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Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of Rotorua, this hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Enjoy an indoor mineral pool, an award-winning restaurant, and a prime location near the waterfront.

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MID-RANGE

Prince’s Gate Hotel

Rich in history, Prince’s Gate Hotel exudes old-world elegance with modern touches. It offers beautifully decorated rooms, theatrical dining experiences, and welcoming hospitality.

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BUDGET

Capri on Fenton

Opt for affordable rates with a personal touch. Amberly House offers cozy accommodations with a friendly atmosphere, making it a budget-friendly yet comfortable choice.

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Best holiday homes and apartments in Rotorua

Traveling in a group or with your family? Then a private apartment or holiday home is the best option for you. There’s nothing quite like the cozy feel of a home. And don’t worry, you don’t have to compromise on comfort or facilities, just check out the options below!

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Luxury K-Lodge

Choose this expansive lodge for breathtaking views, exquisite interiors, and all the amenities needed for a luxurious stay. It’s perfect for you if traveling with a large group or family wanting a high-end home away from home.

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Gemini Lodge

Experience a harmonious blend of comfort and style, suitable for longer stays. Enjoy spacious rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and easy access to Rotorua’s natural wonders.

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MID-RANGE

The Heart of Rotorua

Right in the heart of Rotorua, this hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Take advantage of the indoor mineral pool, award-winning restaurant, and prime location near the waterfront.

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BUDGET

Aura Accommodation

This budget-friendly option is ideal if you’re seeking simplicity without sacrificing location or hospitality. Offering clean, cozy rooms, it’s a great base for exploring Rotorua

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Unique and offbeat accommodation in Rotorua

The below suggestions are a collection of the most unique places to stay in Rotorua that range from opulent villas to serviced lodges and glamping tents.

This is the kind of accommodation you choose for the ultimate retreat. The kind where time is irrelevant and the stress tension in your neck and shoulders magically disappears, and you rediscover the small joys of life.

Splurge | Solitaire Lodge

Solitaire Lodge is set on a private peninsula overlooking Lake Tarawera, offering luxurious suites with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the lake and Mount Tarawera.

Each of the lodge’s luxurious suites features spacious interiors with modern amenities, including freestanding baths that allow you to soak up the views in absolute comfort.

What truly makes Solitaire Lodge unique is its focus on creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the natural environment, inviting you to indulge in the peace and tranquility that surrounds you.

Enjoy full-board gourmet meals made with fresh local ingredients, making it a haven for relaxation and culinary indulgence.

Upper end | Ngamihi Lodge

Perched on the slopes with panoramic views of Lake Tarawera and the rolling hills beyond, Ngamihi Lodge combines exclusivity with stunning natural beauty. This boutique lodge boasts elegantly appointed rooms designed to maximize the spectacular views, private terraces and indulgent furnishings.

What makes Ngamihi Lodge particularly special is its personalized service, where the hosts go above and beyond to tailor your experience, ensuring every detail aligns with your version of a perfect holiday.

Mid-Range | Oakridge Glamping

Oakridge Glamping provides a unique lodging experience amidst nature without sacrificing luxury, blending outdoor adventure and comfort. Here, you’ll find beautifully crafted tents equipped with plush bedding, rustic-chic décor, and thoughtful amenities that redefine camping.

Each tent offers a secluded experience with stunning vistas, creating a perfect escape. What makes Oakridge Glamping unique is its emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, allowing you to connect with the environment responsibly.

Oakridge Glamping offers a memorable way to embrace the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a boutique hotel experience.

Hostels in Rotorua

If you’re on a budget or want to meet fellow travelers then a hostel stay is perfect for you. Opt for a private room if you’d like more privacy or a bunk bed for the ultimate backpackers’ experience. The Rotorua Central Backpackers has a fabulous location and a hot tub for you to soak in after a long day.

What you need to know before choosing your Rotorua accommodation

Located in a geothermal area Rotorua offers some otherworldly landscapes with steamy and bubbling features, not to mention the natural hot springs. Then there is the Maori culture and history. And on top of that, the surrounding forests, lakes and mountains offer a seemingly endless playground for all thrill seekers and outdoor lovers.

There is so much to do in Rotorua that spending a few days here is a must. But there are a few things you should consider when choosing a place to stay.

It smells like rotten eggs

Rotorua is known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. The heat and sulphur gasses come through the earth’s crust and in turn, they heat up the ground, lakes, and streams. As a side effect, this causes the smell of sulphur which can only be described as the smell of rotten eggs.

I’d love to tell you that certain areas don’t smell but it really depends on the direction of the wind. Luckily the big upside is that these geothermal areas look awesome, and result in some great spas, geysers, mud baths, and relaxing natural hot springs.

Take advantage of geothermal springs

Don’t know about you, but I don’t get to visit a geothermal area often and natural hot springs are quite a treat for me. A lot of the accommodations in Rotorua will make the most of their access to natural hot springs and will offer a spa, hot tub, or heated pool. I’d recommend you make the most of it.

Make sure there’s parking

While parking in Rotorua is much easier than in Auckland and some other big cities, it still pays to ensure you have parking available with your accommodation. Especially when staying downtown as a few of the central streets are pedestrian only and street parking gets pricier.

Rotorua must-do’s

Book your Rotorua essentials ahead of time for a seamless holiday!

Maori Cultural Experience & hangi
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Hobbiton Day Tour
White water rafting over a waterfall
Rotorua Canopy ZipLine
Hell’s Gate Mud Bath

Where to eat in Rotorua

A lot of the activities I suggested above include lunch or dinner so I didn’t get a chance to try as many restaurants in Rotorua as I hoped for. But the ones I did go to were all pretty good.

Eat Street packs some of the best restaurants in Rotorua. In my opinion, this is one of the best places to eat in Rotorua and there is no shortage of bars, pubs and live music either. Just see what catches your attention and enjoy.

Rotorua Night Market is a street food event that fills up Tutanekai Street every Thursday from 5pm to 8:30pm.

Best time to visit Rotorua

Rotorua is a great destination year-round. In summer you will get warmer weather perfect for outdoor activities and longer days that allow you to see more things in a day. And in winter the geothermal activity makes this the area even more special.

But I really love Rotorua in winter! Thick steam rises up from the geothermal areas creating a mity layer over town and there is central heating everywhere (and you don’t find this often in New Zealand!).

Read next: Rotorua in winter

Is Rotorua worth visiting?

Rotorua is a must-visit destination in New Zealand because of its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage and wide tourist offerings.

Known for its geothermal activity, Rotorua offers unique sights like geysers, bubbling mud pools, and hot springs. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, white-water rafting, and zip-lining.

Rotorua is a key cultural hub in New Zealand, where you can experience Maori performances and enjoy traditional meals. Additionally, there are also lovely walking trails and lake activities like fishing and kayaking. And Rotorua’s spa facilities are perfect for relaxing.

Planning a trip to Rotorua?

From relaxing hot pools to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world to colorful thermal parks and Maori culture to walking high up in the trees and rolling down hills in an inflatable ball.

Rotorua really packs in a punch and certainly deserves a place on your New Zealand bucket list!

Find out more about Rotorua in the articles below.

Read next:

Rotorua itinerary: How to spend 1, 2, 3 or 5 days in Rotorua

Things to do in Rotorua: 8 must do activities and attractions in Rotorua

Rotorua in winter: Incredible things to do in winter in Rotorua

North Island: New Zealand North Island Road Trip – 2 & 3 week itinerary

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