Where to Find Budget Accommodation in Rotorua
We get it. With insane geothermal parks, hot pools, Maori experiences and rolling down hills in hamster balls, no wonder you want to save some money on accommodation. Luckily, there is plenty of budget accommodation in Rotorua in the forms of motels, holiday parks, apartments, homestays and more!
This list is what we consider some of the best budget accommodation in Rotorua based on facilities for budget travellers (kitchen, laundry, WiFi and parking), and of course, price. These accommodations are based around the price point of NZ$60-$130 for a private room. However, if you are looking something cheaper and shared rooms, then take a look at our 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rotorua.
Plus, for more ways to save money in Rotorua, take a look at 11 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua and The Guide to Rotorua on a Budget.
1. Golden Glow Motel
Want to travel like a flashpacker? Golden Glow Motel offers more premium accommodation for your cash. At a reasonable price, get a private double, family or twin room with your own private spa pool. Not only is the Golden Glow Motel just a 5-minute walk from the city centre, but it also offers free WiFi, parking and shuttle service to and from the bus station. Also, make use of the kitchenette facilities should you want to save some cash and make your own meals. Get inspiration from 5 Easy Pasta Recipes for Backpackers or 10 Easy Meals to Cook in a Hostel in 10 Minutes.
Check Golden Glow Motel out:
2. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Ideal for couples, groups or those wanting a lot of space to themselves, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park has a great choice of cabins. Although it’s about 10-minutes drive from the city centre, it is actually in walking distance to other Rotorua attractions like Te Puia. Relax in their free on-site thermal pool surrounded by bush or battle it out in the games room.
Check Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park out:
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park on Expedia
3. Kiwi As Guest House
Kiwi As Guest House is sitting on the fence. It’s not quite a backpacker hostel, yet not quite a hotel. Whatever you want to call it, Kiwi As Guest House has a mix of affordable accommodation in Rotorua, with a 4-bed dorm, single room with shared bathroom, family rooms and double rooms. This budget accommodation is ideal, particularly for solo travellers. What’s more, there’s free Wi-Fi, free parking and a shared kitchen to keep the cost of meals down!
Check Kiwi As Guest House out:
4. Astray Motel & Backpackers
Ideal for the solo traveller wanting their own space, Astray Motel & Backpackers is a great super budget choice in Rotorua. There is a small shared kitchen to cook your own meals and save some cents. Plus, there’s free WiFi and free on-site parking. Other room types include double rooms, twins, studios and apartments.
Check Astray Motel out:
5. Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park
Stay in a local’s favourite location in Ngongotaha – a quiet corner of Lake Rotorua. Although a 15-minute drive out of the city centre, there’s free private parking making it ideal for those travelling by car in New Zealand. The holiday park offers something for solo travellers, couples and groups with some super budget accommodation in Rotorua. What’s more, there are attractions of its own, such as fishing and kayaking.
Check Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park out:
6. The Backyard Inn
The Backyard Inn not only has an ideal location within walking distance of town and right on the edge of Kuirau Park, but it also has a wealth of backpacker, camping and budget-style accommodation. Private double rooms and twin rooms make it easy for couples and friends to find a place to stay on a budget. What’s more, make use of the geothermally heated swimming pool!
Check The Backyard Inn out:
7. Lakeside City Lodge
With an ideal location within walking distance of the city, centre, Lakeside City Lodge is well worth considering for budget travellers. Enjoy your own private space in a double, twin or family room with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchen and lounge facilities. Although you can cook for yourself, they also offer a dinner service delivered straight to your room. Additionally, enjoy the great outdoors with a spa pool and barbecue.
Check Lakeside City Lodge out:
8. All Seasons Holiday Park
If you’re travelling by car or campervan and just want to get away from the bustle of the city centre then try the All Seasons Holiday Park. As well as camping accommodation, there are bungalows for budget travellers, from bungalows to studios to apartments. Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis court and nearby walks in Hannah’s Bay. Also, free parking and WiFi!
Check All Seasons Holiday Park out:
- All Seasons Holiday Park on Booking.com
- All Seasons Holiday Park on Trip.com
- All Seasons Holiday Park on Expedia
9. Lakeside City Apartments
The Lakeside City Apartments offers some surprisingly affordable penthouses and studios with free continental breakfast and private terrace. Solo travellers and couples will enjoy the ease of either walking into town or just taking a super short drive into town from this lakefront accommodation. However, you might not want to leave with views over Ohinemutu Maori village, St Faiths Church and the lake, plus all the kitchen facilities you need for a quiet night in.
Check Lakeside City Apartments out:
- Lakeside City Apartments on Booking.com
- Lakeside City Apartments on Trip.com
- Lakeside City Apartments on Expedia
10. Rock Solid Backpackers
Kick back and watch the climbers struggle up the indoor climbing wall from the lounge of the Rock Solid Backpackers. Otherwise, backpackers can enjoy a game of pool, table tennis or make use of the free unlimited WiFi. The hostel in the city centre offers a range of dorms, including female-only dorms, as well as private single, double, twin and family rooms, some with ensuite shower rooms.
Check Rock Solid Backpackers out:
- Rock Solid Backpackers on Booking.com
- Rock Solid Backpackers on Trip.com
- Rock Solid Backpackers on Expedia