Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Accommodations range from super-expensive lodges to multistory hotels and budget motels. Bed-and-breakfast establishments—whether in town centers or in the depths of the countryside where you can succumb to the silence, curl up and read a book, or cast a fly in a quiet stream—are another excellent option.
Rotorua has lodgings in all price ranges. If you're willing to stay out of the town center, you can find bargain rates virtually year-round. In both Rotorua and Taupo, many hotels and motels give significant discounts on their standard rates off-season, from June through September. For stays during the school holidays in December and January, book well in advance. Also note that peak season in Tongariro National Park and other ski areas is winter (June–September); summer visitors can usually find empty beds and good deals. Many places, even the fanciest lodges, don't have air-conditioning, as the weather doesn't call for it.
Each bright, well-maintained unit here has an individual whirlpool tub, which helps distinguish Ashleigh Court from the many motels on Fenton Street. It's near Whakarewarewa and the golf course, and not too far from city shops and restaurants.
The only tourist lodging in the park to give a panoramic view of three active volcanoes is this friendly complex, close to the ski slopes. Most accommodations are in self-contained apartments and chalets. One-bedroom units sleep up to five people. There's also a pair of double rooms priced for backpackers, as well as powered campsites. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner; packed lunches are available on request. On-site amenities include a fully licensed bar and a guest lounge with sundeck. The lodge also runs its own shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, arriving just before 6 am.
The 1920s home of Karyn and Mark Watson is situated on a working farm that breeds sheep and cattle. There is a large stand of native bush. Guests have the run of the house with its enormous wood-paneled lounge, books aplenty, and large-screen television. You can dine with the family or in private if you wish. Meals and picnic hampers are available and local visits can be arranged.
A surfer's paradise, this Mediterranean-looking motel complex is a five-minute drive north of Gisborne, close to Wainui Beach. The contemporary-style units are spacious, airy, and have a private courtyard. Perks like kitchen facilities and free Wi-Fi make them a practical choice, too.
Conveniently located near the center of Hastings, this motel has 20 modern units surrounding a spacious courtyard; 10 have whirlpool baths, and all are comfortably equipped. The outdoor swimming pool and warm, welcoming hosts are added bonuses.
This ornate timber hotel was built in 1897 on the Coromandel Peninsula; its large, wonderfully appointed guest rooms were transported here in 1920. The bathrooms have both tubs and showers. The restaurant has live shows weekend evenings, and there's a deck where you can pull up a chair and gaze across the street at the Government Gardens.
The well-appointed studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites at this resort, located 2 km (1 mile) from downtown Rotorua sit amid spacious grounds. You can happily lounge on the patio, take a dip in the outdoor pool, hit a few tennis balls, purify in the sauna, or while away the evening in front of the fire in the lounge bar.
The rooms at this Marine Parade place are well-appointed and well-equipped; each comes with its own hot tub, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms facing the beach offer superb views to distant Cape Kidnappers.
You'll wake to the sound of the ocean, which is steps away across a grassy verge. The view across Waikanae Beach to the sea and beyond is more than enough of a reason to make these apartments a base if you are exploring the region. The rooms are well equipped if you prefer to shop for local produce and cook it yourself. The staff will also point you in the right direction for tours and restaurants if you need a hand.
