Given it’s surrounded by geothermal activity, it’s a no-brainer that Rotorua is a mecca for sustainable accommodation. From budget-friendly eco finds to environmentally-conscious retreats, here are 10 of the best places to stay if you want to lower your carbon footprint.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua is right within reach of stunning attractions like Lake Rotorua and the Polynesian Spa. Eco-friendliness is its strongest asset; heating is primarily provided by geothermal resources, which are also incorporated in the hotel’s spa facilities. Many of the rooms come with lake and garden views, and there’s a fine dining restaurant on-site. Child-friendly facilities like a toddler swimming pool also make this an ideal choice for families.
For an eco-friendly alternative that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with Cleveland Thermal Motel. Its dedication to sustainability is evident right from outset: all rooms are geothermally heated; energy saving light bulbs are fitted throughout the motel; and community cooking facilities as well as geothermal mineral and swimming pools are readily available for all guests to enjoy. You’ll find rooms for all travel group sizes, from honeymooning couples to holidaying families, as well as a dedicated number of units for those travelling with their pets.
As its name suggests, Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel is a place to indulge in a bit of luxury while embracing some of the finest natural features of Rotorua’s lakeside. Guests can choose from a selection of stylish lakefront, lake view, pool view and garden suite retreat rooms; each offers wonderful vistas and world-class furnishings to match. A day spa and gourmet restaurant also make this boutique hotel a perfect match for travellers yearning to take some time out for a bit of pampering.
Hamurana Lodge is a stunning Tudor-style hotel tucked within Rotorua’s serene forested hills, just 15 minutes outside of the city. The lush countryside surroundings are only a small part of its appeal; the lodge also boasts its own opulent day spa dedicated to offering traditional Māori healing massage treatments. Those looking for a place to stay have a choice of lake- or garden-facing rooms, equipped with either king or queen size bedding and designed to accommodate up to two people.
Spa Lodge is just as environmentally-friendly as it is budget-friendly. All heated water on the premises is geothermally pumped — a heating method that is also used for warming up the entire premises. This is also the only backpacking hostel in Rotorua to feature a natural outdoor spa, which guests can use for free. Rooms range from basic single bedding with shared bathroom usage to six-bed shared dorms. As a bonus, the accommodation is just a stone’s throw away from the town centre.
A laid-back place to stay that’s well-suited for sustainability-minded families, solo travellers and couples. MALFROY motor lodge leverages Rotorua’s geothermal activity to its own environmental advantage; an on-site mineral spa pool is just one of its complimentary guest facilities, and all the motel’s water is heated via a geothermal re-injection bore. The apartment units, studios and family suites are also thermally heated, and equipped with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, their own kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi access and tea and coffee making facilities.
Located just a short walk from downtown, Jet Park Hotel is a good option for those searching for a place to unwind that’s not too far away from all the local action. An outdoor swimming pool and spa will help you regain your sense of bliss. There’s also a boutique cafe and restaurant on-site with an all-day seasonal menu. All guests, whether on business or travelling with their families, get to enjoy an array of complimentary guest goodies including continental breakfasts, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, as well as parking and bike storage on the premises.
A central location and lots of sustainable amenities make Aura Accommodation a strong contender in the eco-friendly realm. Geothermal energy is used for water and room heating, day in and day out. On top of that, the hotel features its own mineral hot pool — with water extracted straight from an underground bore — as well as an outdoor swimming pool and free bike hire services. Choose from a selection of single suites, deluxe studios, one- and two-bed units, or a family room that sleeps up to five people.
Koura Lodge is an upscale bed and breakfast nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua. With an open-air hot tub by the lakeside, on-site recreational activities like kayaking and fishing and a selection of nine bedrooms with private suites and stunning lake vistas, the lodge is set to provide its guests with a relaxing experience that comes with just the right amount of privacy and intimacy.
Overlooking Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge is a sanctuary for those wanting to kick back, relax and enjoy an assortment of water-based activities. Its restaurant specialises in locally-made, farm-to-table cuisine; guests also have complimentary access to the kayaks and boats on the lodge’s jetty, and can book plenty of other activities through the hotel. When it’s time to call it a day, you can ease into one of the nine newly-refurbished guest suites, all of which feature some wonderful panoramas of Lake Tarawera and its iconic volcano.
