The Best Hotels to Book in Rotorua for Every Traveller

Live out your forest-dwelling daydream in one of these grand lodges nestled among the trees. From cosy terrace rooms to cottages with rustic kitchens and stone fires, each place at this Rotorua resort offers homely warmth in a woodland setting. Explore nearby gems like hot pools and waterfalls, enjoy signature massages at the spa, or try the Wild Food Cooking School. Food is proudly ‘‘estate to plate’’, with much of it grown seasonally on the land for unique tasting experiences. Round off your day watching the sunset from your balcony.

This former 1930s mansion channels its original charm and character through its classic timber-panelled dining room, library and billiard room, adorned with local artwork and collectables. Boldly-coloured furnishings add a modern twist in the rooms at this Rotorua hotel, and adventure is never far away, either: you can go fishing on the estate’s private beach, boating on the lake, or wandering among towering redwood trees in Whakarewarewa Forest, with over 140,000 acres (56,000ha) to explore.

Settled on 15 acres (6ha) of farmland home to animals and native birds, this lodge promises a personal experience that connects guests with Rotorua’s world-famous natural attractions, such as the geothermal parks and hot springs. You could comfortably spend an entire day exploring or bathing in your beautiful surroundings before heading home to an outdoor pool and country-chic room, with sweeping views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island rolling out before you.

Need a base to explore Rotorua from? This simple but stylish self-contained studio is right in the thick of it, just metres from the city’s mall and best restaurants. Crisp, earthy tones breeze through the apartment, overlooking a geothermally heated outdoor pool. Hosts Kristin and Stuart, who live in the main house, can serve you a homemade breakfast every morning.

This boutique bed and breakfast combines rustic touches, including exposed wood ceilings with vibrant decor such as patterned rugs and colourful plush cushions and is one of the best places to stay in Rotorua. Sparkling Lake Rotorua sits right at the foot of the lodge – you can admire the view either from your tree-fringed veranda (the perfect spot for your buffet breakfast) or from your lakeside hot tub. Kayaks are available for hire, so you can take to the water for an even closer look when you feel ready to explore. Though you’d never guess it, central Rotorua is only a five-minute drive away.

Set on the edge of Rotorua, this five-star lakehouse is all about indulgence. There are just three suites at this luxury hotel in Rotorua, with the flagship Lake Okareka Suite – an upscale option with predictably epic lake views and its own spa-style bath – occupying most of the top floor. The luxury doesn’t stop there: you can hire your own chef to prepare pre-dinner drinks and canapes before a five-course dinner, and there’s 24-hour butler service too. Spend your days fly-fishing off the jetty, cruising Lake Okareka by kayak or speedboat, windsurfing, sailing or even water-skiing – all can be arranged with the friendly staff at reception.

Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the Prince’s Gate Hotel in Rotorua is the ideal choice for those wanting a sophisticated place to stay that’s within close range of the city’s finest attractions. Rotorua’s Government Gardens are within a five-minute walk from the accommodation, and the hotel’s restaurant is quite popular among locals, hotel guests and other passing visitors. All rooms come with free wifi, flat-screen TV, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The elegant bedroom suites also have their own living space and kitchenette for the ultimate weekend escape.

Quest Rotorua sits right in the city centre and is quite close to public transport if you’re looking to venture a little further out. There are 36 serviced apartments for guests to choose from: the hotel-style studio suites, which come with their own kitchenette, plus a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments that aptly cater for large groups and holidaying families. Breakfasts are available for an extra fee if you don’t want to fix your own meal in the mornings.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua is a modern hotel within close range of attractions such as Lake Rotorua and the Polynesian Spa. Child-friendly facilities, including a toddler swimming pool make this an ideal choice for families. Eco-friendliness is this hotel’s strongest selling point: heating is primarily provided by geothermal resources, which are also incorporated into the accommodation’s very own spa facilities. Many of the rooms come with lake and garden views, and there’s a fine-dining restaurant right on the premises.

The Regent of Rotorua is a boutique hotel known for its opulent decor and luxurious amenities. The accommodation and its fine-dining restaurant have won several awards for their service and prestige. All rooms and suites come with complimentary internet access. Families and large groups can choose between staying at the lavish two-bedroom family and executive suites, and there are Cutie rooms available for solo travellers and couples wanting a cosy hint of glamour.

Regal Palms Resort in Rotorua has something for everyone. Holidaying families like this accommodation for its mass offering of leisure activities (there’s a heated swimming pool, outdoor BBQ area, mini-golf course and a tennis court on-site). Business travellers are drawn to its conference packages and function rooms, but you will be in good company if you’re happy to enjoy a quiet weekend getaway with a spa pool, incredibly stylish suites and bedroom apartments to suit all group sizes.

Apex on Fenton is a motel in Rotorua with an upscale flair. It’s set in a quiet street that’s quite handy to the city and has private spa facilities for guests seeking a bit of indulgence. All rooms are equipped with self-catering amenities and range from spacious vintage and queen studios to one- and two-bedroom spa suites. The Pohutu Geyser is only a five-minute walk from the accommodation.

Distinction Rotorua is adjacent to the Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forest, a popular mountain biking destination. True to its location, this Rotorua hotel has its own bike hire, storage and cleaning facilities. Its Maori cultural experiences feature a hangi feast (cooked using a pit oven) and traditional performances. There is an extensive range of rooms spread across five different floors. Children under 12 can stay in a parent or guardian’s room for free and there are interconnecting rooms available for those travelling in larger groups.

The Executive on Fenton is one of Rotorua’s newest motels. Its location is one of the most convenient you could ask for. Not only is the accommodation quite close to the city, but it is also notable for its ease of access by car and proximity to the popular Urbano Bistro restaurant. Each room has a kitchen with basic cooking amenities, featuring their own individual spa pools or baths, the option of queen or king-size bedding, and free internet access throughout the premises.