10 Best Budget Accommodation in Rotorua

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.

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:

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:

Lakeside City Lodge on Booking.com

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:

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:

10. [CLOSED] No Frills Home-Based Stay

Live like a local in a residential area of Rotorua in this no-frills home-based stay. The concept is like an “Airbnb” stay where the owner rents a room out for holidaymakers. The location is a little out of town, but with free on-site parking, getting around with a car shouldn’t be a problem. The home offers single and twin rooms.