Rotorua is one of the most popular destinations in Aotearoa and for good reason—there’s a helluva lot of awesome things to do here whether you’re into history, hot mud, or adventures to send your adrenaline levels sky-high.
Luckily, there are loads of great places to stay in and around Rotorua so we’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs in central Rotorua, Ngongotahā, Hamurana, Okere Falls, Lake Tarawera and Rotomā with everything from glamping to Lithuanian pods, tiny houses to spacious luxury.
Here are 18 of the best Airbnbs in Rotorua.
Urban Oasis
Springfield 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
If you’re all about the central vibes, this Urban Oasis makes a perfect base. The stylish modern guesthouse is a 15-minute bike ride to The Redwoods forest—a popular mountain biking forest playground—and a 10-minute drive from the CBD. The spot comes with a luxurious hot tub, private off-street parking, a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle, breakfast and hot drinks. You can even get your mitts on free sparkling water if you’re feeling a bit fancy.
A Designer’s House
Springfield 7 Guests | 3 Bedrooms
For a home-away-from-home that’s just ten minutes drive from central Rotorua with the likes of the Polynesian Spa, Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Village and the Redwoods Forest, this designer’s house is a great find. It’s well-insulated, has a BBQ and a fully kitted out kitchen, including a blender for those morning smoothies. After a day of exploring all that Rotorua has to offer, you’ll love relaxing at this spot.
Lakeside Landing
Koutu 10 Guests | 5 Bedrooms
Enjoy a lawn-to-lake retreat for families, or perhaps a much-needed out-of-(home)-office team planning getaway. Launch the kayak from your private jetty to explore the lake, battle it out on the table tennis table and swap stories around a relaxed BBQ dinner as the sun sets. Lakeside Landing promises unlimited high-speed internet—so you stay as online as you like—plus a smart TV for movie nights, and if you want to venture out town is only two minutes away. Talk about ideal.
Parawai Bay Lakeside Retreat
Ngongotahā 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Enjoying the sunrise from a secret spa perched on the edge of the lake sound like a bit of you? Make a beeline for Parawai Bay Lakeside Retreat. The self-contained apartment includes an ensuite and patio area, plus a private entrance. Lounge on a bean bag on the lawn with a good book, or grab a paddleboard or one of the cute vintage bikes and explore. The Waiteti and Ngongotaha Stream outlets are nearby for the fishing-inclined and there’s a BBQ for cooking your catch at the end of the day.
Bach on Kingsley
Ngongotahā 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
For an original Kiwi bach experience, look no further than Bach on Kingsley. Located on the edge of a paddock the amenities are modest—a double bed, kettle, microwave, bar fridge and toaster. The toilet and shower are outside linked to the hut by a covered deck. We love the coloured tile detailing on the outdoor sink, and the addition of a cute hammock. There’s a bus stop nearby for transport to central Rotorua, and a trout stream nearby if you’d like to try your hand at fishing. This isn’t your luxury getaway, but it could prove an absolute tonic to today’s frenetic pace of living.
Plum Tree Gardens
Ngongotahā 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
This small rustic home set in a back garden, with an entourage of chickens, giant bunnies and a four-year-old Labrador named T-Rex, is an Airbnb like no other. A ten-minute drive from Rotorua Central, walking distance to Ngongotahā village, and near to the Mount Ngongotahā Nature Loop Track, Plum Tree Gardens ticks all the boxes for location, not to mention its creative, nature-loving vibe. The hosts, Helen and Rich, are working towards a permaculture ‘forest floor’ garden and make homemade granola, kombucha, kawakawa tea and healthy preserves like beetroot sauerkraut that they’ll be happy to share with you.
Wildberry Cottage
Hamurana 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
If soaking in a gorgeous stone bathtub, deckside, under a starry night sky is your kind of luxury, Wildberry Cottage is one of the best Airbnbs in Rotorua. Scandinavian-inspired, with clean architectural lines, modern finishings and large windows, relaxing is easy in this secluded farm retreat. All the essential amenities can be found here: an oven, microwave, stovetop, fridge and freezer, plus an espresso maker and coffee bean grinder. Wander the grounds feeding the animals, forage for free-range eggs and pick your own apples, plums, pears, citrus and, yes, wild berries from the nearby trees. Bliss.
Pod Paradise
Hamurana 4 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Curling up in this cosy Lithuanian-style pod could be just what you need right now. Complete with Milky Way views from the wood-fired hot tub, Pod Paradise is an utter gem. A light breakfast is included along with a selection of hot drinks, a small fridge, microwave, electric jug and toaster. It even has chickens and a pet sheep so you can enjoy rural living at its best.
The Cabin – Fantail Grove
Hamurana 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Unwinding will come naturally in this secluded cabin surrounded by Sugar Maples, ferns and native plants. Designed to make use of natural sunshine, shade and ventilation, Fantail Grove qualifies as a ‘passive home’ meaning it’s especially energy-efficient making it a great escape for the eco-conscious. There’s an all-important outdoor stone bathtub for soaking your cares away while you’re entertained by cheeky pīwakawaka and a short walk to the end of the road will take you to Hamurana Springs nature reserve where you practice ‘shinrinyoku’ or forest bathing’ to your heart’s content.
The Lake’s Edge
Lake Rotoiti 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms
Spacious and designed for luxury, The Lake’s Edge, is all about panoramic views, aquatic adventures and living your best life. You’ll get access to a private jetty and a superb range of gear for water activities—all you need to bring is your boat. There’s a smoker and BBQ for cooking up a feast when you land the big one and a large deck for alfresco dining, the outdoor fireplace making this possible even through the colder months.
Tiny House Experience
Okere Falls 2+ Guests | 1+ Bedroom
This tiny house is where it’s at. Designed to enhance your relationship with nature, this is the spot for lovers of the outdoors. The rural-residential Airbnb is a minimalist paradise accessible by a cute path bordered by neatly-planted native grasses. It’s walking distance to Lake Rotoiti which means swimming, fly and spinner trout fishing, bush walks, whitewater kayaking and rafting and hot pools are easily accessible if you so choose. Technically a one-bedroom, there’s a pull out queen-size bed for sprogs or friends. We hear there’s also a great cafe and beer garden five minutes down the road. Score.
The Love Shack Lake Rotoiti
Okere Falls 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
You won’t be able to resist falling in love with The Love Shack. The self-contained cottage on the edge of Lake Rotoiti has everything you want in a romantic spin on a Kiwi bach. By day there are a number of different ways to explore for adventurous hearts: paddleboarding, kayaking, river rafting, bushwalking or mountain biking the Redwoods and more. BYO boat if you have one and launch off the private jetty. By night, flick on the mood lighting, pop some spicy tunes through the Bluetooth speaker and snuggle under the stars.
Te Whare – Unique Indigenous Eco Tree Top B&B
Lake Tarawera 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Te Whare, ‘Terraces In the Long White Cloud’, is a collection of four eco units, run on solar energy, brought to life through contemporary Māori architecture. Whare Aroha is the honeymoon suite and contains a bedroom, lounge, ensuite and kitchenette, not to mention a stunning view looking over Lake Tarawera. This is a private resort-style, nature-immersed retreat dotted with native ferns, perfect for a romantic weekend away or a quiet space to recharge.
Shepherds Hut
Lake Tarawera 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
For a slice of rural paradise on the edge of a native ponga forest, Shepherds Hut is unrivalled. Careful detailing creates a peaceful, atmospheric vibe to this hideaway and there’s a swing seat and hot tub—complete with bath salts—to bliss out in. Your sleeping space is complemented by a separate kitchenette, toilet and outdoor shower, and there’s a BBQ to help make the most of summer nights. Stoney Point Beach is a short walk away, and there’s a kayak you can use, too. BYO marshmallows for sunlit s’mores over the fire pit.
Spencer Lodge Luxury Holiday Home
Lake Tarawera 8 Guests | 5 Bedrooms
Hidden among 35 acres of farmland, landscape gardens and native New Zealand bush Spencer Lodge Luxury Holiday Home makes for a dreamy winter escape. Enjoy underfloor heating, a music system, Netflix and a short stroll to the beach and boat launches. For the full bougie experience add on a chef prepared meal in the dining room, sharing platters and a massage. The hot tub is a must too, with swoon-worthy views of Lake Tarawera and the volcano. Luxe.
Twisted Twig Glamping Safari Tent Retreat
Lake Rotomā 4 Guests | 2 Bedrooms
For a glamping experience that’d fit right into a Wes Anderson film, Twisted Twig Safari Tent Retreat won’t disappoint. The private campsite is in a bush area on a working dairy farm but you’d barely believe it—this spot feels like its own world. Off-grid and solar-powered, the tent has two bedrooms—each with its own queen bed—a well-equipped kitchenette, games, an outdoor shower and twin outdoor baths to relax in. A huge amount of effort has been put into getting every detail just right, and you’re sure to enjoy every second of your stay here.
Te Whare Roto
Lake Rotomā 6 Guests | 3 Bedrooms
Get nostalgic in this one-bedroom home plus sleepout on the edge of Otautu Bay. Equipped with a Blu-Ray player—a true relic of times gone by—a fish filleting station and BBQ, and a large lawn for kids to play, you’re set for a great family getaway. Pets are also welcome at Te Whare Roto, there’s plenty of space to park your boat and the boat ramp is 220m away.
Lake Haven Cottage
Lake Rotomā 5 Guests | 3 Bedrooms
Lake Haven Cottage gives you front row seats to Lake Rotomā, the most eastern lake within the Rotorua Lakes system. Enjoy sunset on the deck overlooking the lake and surrounding hills or huddle around the fire indoors, immersed in the aptly water-inspired design palette. You’ll get to make use of a recently renovated kitchen and bathroom, as well as ridiculously easy access to the lake—it’s just a five-second walk across the road. Magical.
Hotels more your style? Check out 7 of the best hotels in Rotorua and where to find them.
Image credit: Airbnb
Editor’s note: Urban list editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchase.