The Best Hotels to Book in Rotorua for Every Traveller
Rotorua, on the North Island of New Zealand, is the gateway to a symphony of landscapes. Situated on a volcanic fault line, it’s home to geothermal hot springs, geysers, still-blue lakes and Te Wairoa, a ghost town buried by an eruption of Mount Tarawera. The opportunities for adventure are numerous – think white water rafting, kayaking and zip-lining through ancient forests – but you’ll need a base to call home. Here’s our guide to the best places to stay in Rotorua.
1. Treetops Lodge & Estate, for a lodge stay
Eco Hotel
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.
2. Peppers on the Point, for a mansion stay
Chain Hotel
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.
3. Hamurana Lodge, for a personalised experience
Bed and Breakfast, Inn, Guesthouse
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.
5. Koura Lodge, for a bed and breakfast
Bed and Breakfast, Inn, Boutique Hotel
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.
6. Lake Okareka Lodge by lebua, for a five-star lakehouse
Serviced Apartment, Lodge, Hotel
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.
7. Prince's Gate Hotel, for a historic stay
Boutique Hotel
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.
8. Quest Rotorua Central, for a hotel-style studio
Serviced Apartment, Hotel
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.
9. Millennium Hotel Rotorua, for an eco-friendly stay
Chain Hotel, Hotel
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.
10. Regent of Rotorua, for luxurious amenities
Boutique Hotel
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.
11. Regal Palms Resort, for a family stay
Resort, Independent Hotel
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.
12. Apex on Fenton, for a quiet stay
Motel
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.
13. Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre, for a cultural experience
Hotel
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.
14. Executive on Fenton, for a city-centre location
Motel
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.
For more options, discover our guide on the top places to stay in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, and book now on Culture Trip.
Kim Gregory contributed additional reporting to this article.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
- Post ID: 2194103
- Sponsored? No
- View Payload