Rotorua is one of the famous tourist destinations on New Zealand’s North Island. One main reason for the popularity of this region is because of the geothermal hot springs. Popularly known as a spa town, The region is also beautiful with pristine forests, lakes and so many other fun activities.
If you are planning a vacation to the unique city of Rotorua or would love to go on a short visit to Rotuora while you are in New Zealand; a spa experience is a must-have. Enjoying the beautiful sights, sounds, and geothermal activities in the area will not also be a bad idea. However, you’ll need accommodation for the experiences to be possible.
Below we’ll be sharing with you some of the best accommodations in the city, and as a bonus, we’ll be sharing only those with private spas so that you can also have a foretaste of the geothermal experience.
All the listed accommodations have free WiFi, are air-conditioned, and with fully equipped Kitchen or Kitchenettes, and TVs with up to 50 Sky channels or Netflix.
Here you go!
Best Accommodations in Rotorua With Private Spas
#1:- The Bird House – Rotorua
- Location: 9 Aquarius drive Kawaha point, Rotorua
Enjoy luxury and serenity at the Bird House Kawaha Point, aptly named because all around you can hear the Tuis singing beautifully as they fly from tree to tree. The accommodation has large private outdoor spa pools to dip into while having wonderful views of the beautiful Lake Rotorua.
The birdhouse is a lovely 6-bedroom room apartment with 9-bed spa pools. The house is a two-level accommodation large enough to house 12 people comfortably. All the bedrooms are provided with either queen-sized birds or double-sized king beds. They can be rearranged to cater to 9 people more comfortably. Perfect for a large family or a group of friends visiting together.
The house comes fully air-conditioned with internal heating, and two lounges so that parents can lounge apart from the children if they so wish. It has 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets and comes with free fresh linens and towels. You can always request more if the ones provided are not enough.
On the ground level, you have a garage, parking space, trampoline, private outdoor dining, BBQ, garden, patio and more. The accommodation is about 12 minutes drive from Rotorua airport via state highway 30.
Rotorua is such a beautiful place with many sights and this apartment is located within a good distance of many cool places. This includes a 3-minute walk to the lake Rotorua and 3 km from Kumara Park. With additional charge, there is a mini golf and fishing activities allowed on site whilst outdoor activities such as hiking and horse riding can be done off-site.
Comments of previous Guests – Rating: 4.72/5
- The warmth and spa pools were bonus amenities.
- Great space for families, it has a stunning view over the lake.
- Lovely property, comfortable, neat and tidy.
- A well-maintained beautiful house with plenty of space in a quiet neighbourhood. Easy drive in, to Rotorua’s attractions and restaurants.
#2:- Newina Rotorua
- Location: 3 Bidois Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
The 5-star Newina Rotorua is exquisite inside and out. Driving into the hotel feels like entering a secret getaway, and the interior matches that experience. Since the hotel opened last year, guests have enjoyed modern spa rooms and facilities.
The spa rooms are wheelchair accessible. This includes a premium 1 bedroom suite with a spa pool, a premium twin accessible studio with spa pool, premium king w/ spa pool among some others.
The hotel facilities include free outdoor parking, an outdoor pool, sauna, conference and dining facilities, beautiful mountain and garden views, an EV charging station, car rental, 24-hour shuttle service including to the airport, and concierge.
Newina Rotorua has an American restaurant on the property, and interestingly, up to 20 fast-food joints around. Fast food options like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King are just a minute or two away. The hotel is also 17 minutes away from the city airport via State Highway 30.
In case you are staying in the accommodation for a longer time, there are many tourist sites for you to visit including the revered buried village of Te Wairoa – New Zealand’s popular archaeological site which is 20 minutes from Newina Rotorua. The Matariki Cultural Center is four minutes away, while Paradise Valley Springs is eight minutes away. If you enjoy mountain biking, Skyline Rotorua is a great nearby option.
Note; While cash is not accepted for check-in payments, a refundable damage deposit of NZD 100 is requested. Also, the minimum age for check-in is 20 years old.
Comments of previous guests -Rating: 4.6/5
- Guests loved that the hotel is new, and still shows in its facilities
- Since it is situated close to the main road, some guests found the noise from the highway disturbing.
- The staff and manager were quite friendly.
#3:- Rose apartments
- Location: 1445 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Rose apartment is a newly renovated and stylish accommodation for a rejuvenating time. There are 10 apartments to choose from at the Rose Apartments. The 2nd and 4th units of the accommodation possess their own private spas, but the apartments also have a large outdoor general spa. The apartments are soundproofed and individually furnished with separate dining spaces and separate sitting areas. In the bedroom is also sitting a 42-inch smart TV with Netflix to spice up your stay with some entertainment.
Outside the accommodation is also a garden that can help you feel close to nature, relax and breathe in the cool air. The accommodation is located 5 km away from the city centre and is just a few minutes away from the Polynesian spas (among the top 5 in the world). It is clean, cozy and quiet. Rose is located near cafes, redwood forests, Pubs, restaurants, and government gardens.
They have a high response rate and there are no reservation costs. Rose has been serving travellers, couples and families for approximately 12 years.
The apartment is a 15-minute drive from the Rotorua airport via State Highway 30A and State Highway 30 and a 4-minute walk to the kuirai park.
Comments by previous guests- Rating 4.7/5
- The facilities and supplies are excellent, with lots of towels, washing powder, and kitchen utensils.
- Having access to a spa, washing machine and outdoor clothesline is great.
- It is easy to walk to parks, restaurants and shops.
- The apartment is well set up, clean and tidy and the hosts are really helpful and kind.
#4:- Capri On Fenton
- Location: 290 Fenton Street, Rotorua
On Trip Advisor’s list of top 24 hotels in 2023 and also currently on the travellers’ choice list for 2024, Capri on Fenton has perfected the act of excellent service with competitive pricing. Capri On Fenton is a small 4-star motel, located in a serene environment with 17 rooms and apartments all with private spa hot tubs.
The rooms come in various sizes and styles, but they share stylish decor, and all the beds are triple-sheeted for your comfort. The beds also come in various sizes, from simple single beds all the way to double king-size beds depending on the room you paid for. There are studio apartments of various sizes, one-room apartments of different sizes and two-room apartments that are designed for families.
All rooms in Capri have a complimentary kitchenette/kitchen complete with basic kitchen utensils such as a toaster and fridge, coffee, milk etc. You also get cleaning, laundry, BBQ space, space for parking outside your room and street parking, with smoking-free zones in the motel. The hotel staff are always a delight to work with, friendly and always available to cater to the needs of their guests.
Looking for fun things to do on your trip? Capri Motel is located at a good distance from restaurants and key attractions. Such as Rotorua rafting: Kaituna River White Water Rafting, Mitai Maori Village Cultural experience, and Hell Gate mud and spa baths, a Golf course around. To cap it up, it’s a 10-minute drive from Rotorua airport via state Highway 30.
Comments of other Guests – Rating: 4.6/5
- The hosts are super nice, funny and hospitable and the staff went above and beyond servicing the rooms, even washing dishes.
- Guest laundry on-site and a nice undercover BBQ area
- The room was clean and spacious, and the bed was very comfortable. Spa was a bonus and of course a great feature. Off-street parking was a bonus.
- Very quiet and a great location within walking distance of the CBD area.
#5:- Ripple Rotorua
- Location: 4 Barnard Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
Ripple Rotorua’s heated pool and spa offer a relaxing geothermal experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It’s a 3-star hotel popular for plenty of fun activities and sightseeing experiences around Rotorua Lake.
The hotel is a 20-minute drive via state highway 30 to Rotorua airport. The accommodation is kids-friendly and has a playground for kids, making it great for families. It offers spacious, modern, and well-equipped rooms with a king-sized bed, a 32-inch LCD TV, heated blankets, a private hot tub, and a private spa pool.
Around the accommodation are towering trees that make the place connected to nature. Its quiet location also allows for deep, restful and quiet sleep. Their 5-star on-site restaurant. “the brook” serves a variety of menus and a fireplace, considered one of the best places for dinner in Rotorua. They also provide tea/coffee-making machines in all rooms. There are also game rooms, including a volleyball court, table tennis, and a mini putt for golf.
If you think you might quickly get bored during your stay in the hotel, the stunning views of the trout stream and spa pool from your balcony will keep you alive. In fact, Ripple Rotorua is very close to several activities, providing tons of opportunities to have more fun.
You can also walk trails, go for wine tastings, ride on a luge, or zipline when you take a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Comments of other Guests – Rating: 4.5/5
- It’s an easy walk to get to the Skyline as well as the Mitai Maori Village. You will enjoy the private hot tub overlooking the brook as well!
- Great location near a lot of local things to see while visiting and activities to do like the on-site mini golf course.
- The pool is epic, the rooms are clean, very large, and modern with comfy beds and the staff are nice and helpful.
- They offer flexible check-in and check-out procedures.
#6:- Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa
- Location: 326 Fenton Street, 3010 Rotorua
The Silver Fern Rotorua does not only offer private spas and wellness services, but extra spa services. It is experienced as a spa facility, offering massages and facial services to guests. After relaxing in your private spa in your appointed room, guests can go for extra services (day spa) in their spa facility.
All the suites available there, except their three bedrooms, come with a private in-room spa and have all the facilities to make one’s stay comfortable and satisfying. The accommodation is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, and many couples love their hospitality.
It comes with free parking, a free DVD rental, an EV charging station, a bicycle rental, a beauty shop, a spa studio, a hot tub, a kitchenette, a snack bar, and babysitting services for an extra charge.
Once you arrive at the hotel, you will be welcomed by their friendly staff who will offer you complimentary biscuits and milk. There’s also availability of coffee capsules, coffee makers, and teapots. They also provide special diet menus on request. But if you’re looking to try something different, the Mr Yakitori casual dining bar, a Japanese cuisine place, is open to you. It is 7 walk minutes away, while the familiar Urbano Bistro is 6 minutes away.
This hotel is close to Fairy Spring and conveniently positioned near all of the area attractions and landmarks. Ciabatta Bakery is only a 13-minute walk from the hotel, McDonald’s is a 19-minute walk, Shadehouse Cafe is an 18-minute walk, Pantry d’Or is a 10-minute walk, and Scope Cafe Rotorua is a 2-minute drive. Silver Fern is only a 3-minute drive to Rotorua Golf Club, some golf lovers might naturally choose to have fun during their stop-over at Silver Fern. Rotorua airport is less than a 4-minute drive away from Devon Street and State Highway 5.
Note; A refundable damage deposit of $200 is required, and collected by credit card.
Comments of other guests -Rating: 4.5/5
- Staff are very friendly and helpful, recommend things to do and see, organise taxis, and even spa treatments with only an hour’s notice!
- The rooms and spa baths are large although some guests complained that the rooms and the facilities need some cleaning and maintenance
- Guests complained of the spa pool’s noise.
- Some tourists also dislike the steps they have to climb up to access the spa pool, which is typically substandard.
#7:- Palm Court Rotorua
- Location: 288 Fenton Street, Rotorua
Yet another stunning 4-star spa accommodation on Fenton Street. The Palm Court gives off an inviting cabin feel to guests including couples, family, businessmen, and tourists. It is only a short walk from Rotorua’s main Street and the city’s CBD. The motel has all its 17 rooms on the ground floor. The rooms range from a studio, twin studio, one bed, and two beds, all equipped with a private courtyard housing a self-fill spa pool.
Other facilities include luggage storage, gym, a lounge, a work table, electric blankets, and a kitchenette. You can easily park cars close by (in front of the motel’s door), and paid parking is also available. Palm Court is strategically located close to restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, with the closest restaurant being Urbano Bistro, which is three minutes from the motel. The closest airport is the Rotorua Regional Airport, which is a 10-minute drive via State Highway 30 from Palm Court.
Comments of other guests – Rating: 4.0/5
- Guests loved the central location of the motel and the fact that it is easy to find.
- Guests loved the private spa and equipped kitchenette.
- Some of the motel facilities are quite outdated with little to no maintenance.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned spa accommodations share some characteristics in common. They are clean, in serene environments and are located in very convenient places for easy movement. They are also close to some of the best places to go in Rotorua.
If you’ve visited any of these places before, share your experiences with us in the comment section, we’d like to know what you think.
Last modified: March 19, 2025
