Rotorua Hotels

Rotorua Rundown
Let’s not beat around the bush here – much as we Aussies hate to admit it, NZ has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Of all the possible choices in our mountainous, lush green neighbour, Rotorua has twice been voted the most beautiful city in the country. A pretty good recommendation, hey bru? ... Read more »
So what makes it so special? Rotorua is a veritable smorgasbord of the most amazing, naturally occurring phenomena you’re ever likely to experience. We’re talking steaming-hot springs, pools of bubbling mud, exploding geysers, crystal-clear springs, volatile volcanos and much more, all set amongst scenery so picturesque you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d fallen into the set of The Sound of Music.
And if the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the range of extreme sports on offer will. In adventure-loving New Zealand, adrenaline junkies are a dime a dozen, and Rotorua has enough activities to make you scream four-letter words in pure terror.
Throw in a rich Maori heritage and culture, a cosy but vibrant nightlife and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet, and Rotorua might just make it to the top of your favourite places list.
But if the thought of lavishing too much praise on Rotorua makes you uncomfortable, just stop and take a whiff. The cost of all the natural phenomena is a strong smell of sulphur, which resembles rotten eggs.
At least, that’s what the Kiwis say it is.
ROTORUA’S TOP 10
10. Skydiving If you’ve got the guts, a Rotorua skydive will be something you’ll never, ever forget. |
5. Waitomo Glowworm Cave Watch this subterranean wonderland illuminate with these amazing, little critters. |
9. Museum of Art & History Gaze at traditional art and educate yourself on the city’s history via inspiring exhibits. |
4. Hangi You’ve got to experience a traditional hangi dinner when you’re travelling NZ – no excuses. |
8. Whitewater rafting This city is one of the best places to go rafting. Hang on tight! |
3. Hamurana Springs Stunning and crystal-clear, you’d be hard pressed to find anything this beautiful anywhere else. |
7. Waimangu Volcanic Valley Another amazing geothermal hotspot. |
2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland A stack of geothermal spots to explore at this place. ‘Wonderland’ is a worthy title. |
6. Buried Village Come and see Te Wairoa, the village that was buried by an avalanche of lava when Mount Tarawera erupted. |
1. Whakarewarewa A spiritual and sacred thermal village that’ll positively wow you. |
ROTORUA LOCAL
CBD
Rotorua’s hub has a number of spots to hit during your NZ adventure. The Museum of Art & History (half museum and half art gallery) is a great starting point and will help you to learn about the city’s great history and culture. Next on the itinerary should be the sacred and spiritual Mitai Maori Village, where you’ll find Rainbow Spring, spot locals decked out in traditional Maori dress and, if you’re lucky, enjoy a traditional hangi meal.
Once you’ve eaten like a Maori (no mean feat, have you seen some of those All Blacks?), get on a bus and head over to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a mere 15 minutes away. Here you’ll find a stack of erupting geysers, hot springs, naturally coloured pools, mammoth volcanic craters and a hell of a lot of bubbling mud. On your way back to the CBD, make sure to pay Kuirau Park a visit as it’s also got a range of geothermal attractions and lovely walking trails.
Rotorua’s thermal village is the home of the Tuhourangi people (they’ve been there for centuries), as well as hot and steamy springs, exploding geysers and boiling mud pools. Make sure to catch a cultural performance (held twice a day) and then take a guided-tour to get the most out of your experience.
Ngongotaha
This fun-size, vibrant village is just 10 mins out of Rotorua and is quite the little gem.
It may sound odd, but make sure you check out the Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery (it’s free!) for lovely landscapes and to learn about trout. Not a fish fan? Visit Ohinemutu, the original settlement for the Ngati Whakaue (Maori tribe). Here you can enjoy the beautiful Lake Rotorua, explore more geothermal spots and learn about Maori culture and it’s beautiful traditions.
Want something pretty? Hamurana Spring is famous for the clearest springs you’ll ever see. Not even kidding, guys – you can see right to the bottom without needing to squint. It’s also famous for picturesque walking tracks and the fresh, crisp air, so make sure you explore. Heaven.
ROTORUA EAT & DRINK
10. Capers Epicurean Fresh, gourmet eats at this deli-café. Grab a table outside and soak up the sun while you munch on some lunch. Ereura Street |
5. Fat Dog It may seem a little dingy from the outside, but it’s a Rotorua icon for good reason. The food is great and the prices are even better. Arawa Street |
9. Relish This place has a whopping menu filled with everything you could ever want. Tutanekai Street |
4. Ciccio This is a local fave for lovers of Italian food. The mains are good, but the tiramisu is off the charts. Fenton Street |
8. Abracadabra Café A chilled, Moroccan-themed café/bar that’s fun and does a great dinner. Amohia Street |
2. Cobb & Co. Mouth-watering food here. Truly. Try the specialty steaks and ribs. Hinemoa Street |
7. Bistro 1284 This quaint and very charming restaurant serves wonderful Euro-style meals. Ereura Street |
2. Pig & Whistle This historic icon of a pub has a warm atmosphere and delicious grub and drinks. Tutanekai Street |
6. Zanelli’s Affordable, home-style Italian at this cosy place. Lasagne, please. Amohia Street |
1. Seismic Gastrobar This place is pricey but the last word in cool. Get the posh duck confit and pair it with a rich local wine. Whakaue Street |
ROTORUA EVENTS
If you’re up for a challenge and don’t mind getting dirty, why not enter the annual Waikato Draught Tough Guy and Gal Challenge in August? This event is one of the biggest in Rotorua and sees competitors running through swamps, burrowing under barbed wire, climbing, hiking and practically swimming through mud. If you’re not up for it, you can always watch – and there is a wicked afterparty.
Fabulous fashion more your thing? Wearable Creationzshowcases the immense talent of Rotorua’s youth every August. The show itself is all about wearable art, style and fashion, but there’s also an art exhibit/competition, too.
WHEN TO GO
• Rotorua enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round, even in winter. That said, mid-June to mid-August sees quite a bit of rain.
• Summer average: 21ºC (70ºF)
• Autumn average: 14ºC (57ºF)
• Winter average: 10ºC (50ºF)
• Spring average: 16ºC (61ºF)
WHAT TO MISS
• Respect rules, signs and barriers around the thermal springs, geysers and mud pools – they’re there for a reason. Ignore them and risk getting really hurt, or worse. Not fun.
• If you have an ultra-sensitive nose, make sure you take along some sort of mask or some Vick’s Vapour Rub to smear under your nose. The city has a sulphurous, rotten-egg-like smell that can’t be escaped.
GETTING AROUND
There are stacks of Cityride Rotorua buses, rental car services and coaches running the streets of this city. Bus fares vary depending on where you’re going. You can also hire a bike or take advantage of the fact that Rotorua is eminently walkable.HotelClub Blog
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« HideSudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
3.5 Stars$104
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Silveroaks Hotel Geyserland
3.5 Stars$82
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Rydges Hotel Rotorua
4 Stars$116
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$88
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SilverOaks Resort Heritage
4 Stars$106
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Millennium Hotel Rotorua
4.5 Stars$141
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Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua
3.5 Stars$129
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Holiday Inn Rotorua
4 Stars$125
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$104
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Arista of Rotorua Motel
4 Stars$104
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Other Recommended Hotels
| Silver Fern Rotorua Accommodation & Spa Hotel | 5 Stars | Price from $126 |
| Hotel Ibis Rotorua | 3 Stars | Price from $107 |
| MALFROY Motor Lodge | 4 Stars | Price from $92 |
| Grand Hotel Rotorua | 3 Stars | Price from $82 |
| Princes Gate Hotel Rotorua | 5 Stars | Price from $137 |
| Classic Tresco Thermal Oasis B&B Rotorua | 4 Stars | Price from $73 |
| Rotorua Motor Lodge | 3 Stars | Price from $82 |
| Bk's Rotorua Motor Motel | 4.5 Stars | Price from $146 |
| Executive on Fenton Rotorua | 4.5 Stars | Price from $112 |
| Birchwood Spa Motel Rotorua | 4 Stars | Price from $96 |
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