17 Best Hotels in East Coast and the Volcanic Zone, New Zealand
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.
Cascades Lakefront Motel
This lakeside motel offers comfortable rooms with great views. Two-story units, which sleep up to six, have a lounge, bedroom, kitchen, and dining room on the ground floor and glass doors leading to a large patio, plus a second bedroom and bathroom on the upper floor; studios have one bedroom.
Chateau Tongariro
Built in 1929, this French neo-Georgian-style property in Whakapapa hosts everyone from well-heeled movie types to people who tramp and ski by day, then switch their clothing to dress in heels or jacket and tie for the evening. Harking back to an older era, it's simply a lovely place to stay. Most of the handsome rooms have views of the surrounding national park, and the magnificent Mt. Ngaruhoe cone is outstanding at sunset or on a moonlit night. The chateau offers a range of eateries from the sophisticated Ruapehu Room to more casual places. Guided hikes on all the best-known routes in the park can be arranged.
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Discovery Lodge
The only tourist lodging in the park to give a panoramic view of three active volcanoes is this friendly complex, only minutes from 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.
Harvest Lodge
Close to the center of Havelock North, this up-to-the-minute motel has spacious units with original artwork and comfortable king-size beds. All are outfitted with whirlpool baths, kitchenettes, and bifold windows that open wide onto the lovely courtyard.
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Huka Lodge
Set on 17 blissful acres, this riverfront lodge is one of the country's finest and has seen its fair share of prominent guests over the years. Large, lavish suites have a rustic-chic decor and open to a view across lawns to the river. Two separate, multisuite cottages are the height of luxury. Predinner drinks, a five-course dinner, and a hearty country breakfast are included in the rate. The lodge can arrange almost anything under the sun and, despite the level of sophistication, welcomes families traveling with children; the team will organize age-appropriate activities and even line up babysitters if parents want to spend some time alone. Although it is expensive, Huka Lodge offers a range of packages—so it's worth checking well ahead to see what's available. You might get four nights for the price of three.
Linburn Farm Stay
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.
Mangapapa Hotel
The 1885 grand residence of one of New Zealand's earliest entrepreneurs has been converted into a charming boutique hotel. The dozen guest suites are luxuriously furnished, and the manicured grounds include a grass tennis court, a swimming pool, and a day spa. Local products, including lamb, beef, or duck, feature on the upscale farm-cuisine menu, and the wine list includes superb Hawke's Bay wines.
McHardy Lodge
The gardens at this historic mansion, high on Napier Hill, have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the splendid Kaweka Ranges. Guest rooms have native timber floors, American king-size beds, and elaborate bathrooms. Large verandas open onto landscaped grounds, where you can relax by the heated swimming pool; there's also a lovely fireplace in the lounge. Dinners must be booked in advance.
Ocean Beach
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.
Portmans Motor Lodge
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.
Princes Gate Hotel
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 Saturday and Sunday evenings, and there's a deck where you can pull up a chair and gaze across the street at the Government Gardens.
Regal Palms 5 Star City Resort
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.
Senator Motor Inn
Shoreline Motel
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.
Solitaire Lodge
Nestled in native bush on a private peninsula, the luxurious Solitaire Lodge commands extensive views over Lake Tarawera and the legendary mountain. Check out the volcanoes from the library-bar, or settle down in a shaded garden nook and sip a drink. If you're feeling active, the surroundings are perfect for hiking, boating, and fishing; use of lodge dinghies, kayaks, and fishing gear is included in the full-board rate. The rate also includes predinner drinks and canapés followed by a five-course evening meal, a full breakfast, a light lunch, and an extensive in-room minibar stocked with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, snacks, and fruit.