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.
Best Airbnbs In Central Rotorua
Lakeside Landing
Koutu 10 Guests | 5 Bedrooms
Image credit: Lakeside Landing | Airbnb
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.
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.
Stylish Adventure HQ
Sunnybrook/Springfield 5 Guests | 3 Bedrooms
Image credit: Modern Home in Rotorua | Airbnb
Tucked into a quiet Rotorua suburb, this stylish modern home is your latest adventure base. The open-plan living space spills onto a sunny deck, while the secure garage keeps your precious bikes safe after muddy trail sessions. Rest easy with a super king in the master, queen in the second bedroom, and single in the third. Though peaceful (quiet hours 10pm-7am), you're perfectly positioned for Rotorua's geothermal wonders and epic trails. The home features separate living quarters with dedicated parking, making it ideal for small groups seeking comfort without compromising on location. Adventure by day, tranquil retreat by night.
Redwood Bivvy
Lynmore/Redwoods 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Stargazing (peep the showstopper of a pic that made you click into this article), pub-loving, hot-tubing mountain bikers, this one's for you—this brisk five-minute pedal connects this thoughtfully designed cabin to the legendary Redwood Forest loop. Balancing adventure with relaxation: by day, store your bikes in the lockable storage space and hit the nearby trails. By evening, the gas fire creates the perfect ambience while gazing out over the glistening lake and sprawling lights of Rotovegas.
The generous upper deck is your outdoor living room, but the real hero is the cedar bathtub, where you can soak tired muscles while enjoying that twinkling view (city or sky). A tiled bathroom with underfloor heating and rain-head shower cap off the luxury, while an outdoor kitchen with Weber BBQ handles mealtime essentials, and you might even score fresh eggs from the owners' chickens for a little bit of protein to refuel. If scrambled eggs don’t quite cut it, pop down to the many cafes and pubs only a couple minutes' drive down the hill. Adventure central with style to boot.
Best Airbnbs In Ngongotahā
Bayside Brilliance
Ngongotahā 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Image credit: Parawai Bay Lakeside Retreat | Airbnb
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.
Amongst The Plumb Trees
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.
For The Water Lovers
Ngongotahā 4 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Water lovers, we've found your spot. This humble oasis sits just two minutes walk from mighty Lake Rotorua in the charming township of Ngongotahā, making it fisherman and kayaker heaven. The cozy one-bedroom cottage (with additional sofa bed) has everything you need for post-adventure recovery, including a private spa pool for warming up during cooler months. Just ten minutes from central Rotorua and lake access without the tourist hustle. Whether you're here to conquer mountain bike trails or simply unwind by the lapping waters with a darn good book, Operiana Cottage delivers. It’s accessible without sacrificing that coveted peace and quiet.
Best Airbnbs In Hamurana
A Cottage Escape
Hamurana 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Image credit: Wildberry Cottage -secluded modern farm retreat | Airbnb
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.
Lake View Villas
Hamurana 8 Guests | 4 Bedrooms
Image credit: Toka Ridge Lake View Lux Villa 4bd2bth w/ CedarSpa | Airbnb
This elevated modern masterpiece named ‘Koko’ (meaning wind) delivers precisely what its name suggests—breathtaking views that'll blow you away. Four stylish bedrooms with super king and king beds (some convertible to singles) make this perfect for friend groups or family getaways. Nestled among boulders and native plantings, this delightful villa is one of four neighbouring retreats sharing access to a, wait for it, PRIVATE beach. Evening plans? Fire up the BBQ in the covered outdoor area, or slip into the cedar hot tub for a starlit soak. With a full kitchen, heat pump, and gas fire, comfort's guaranteed whether you're hitting Rotorua's many attractions or simply soaking in those lake views from your hillside perch. A two-bedroom option is also available.
The Cabin
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.
Best Airbnbs In Okere Falls
Tranquil Couples Retreat
Okere Falls 2 guests | 1 bedroom
Image credit: Tranquil Couples Retreat Rotorua- Okere Falls. | Airbnb
This spot’s very aptly named indeed–savvy architectural design puts you at ease as soon as you step through the door. Glass walls and sliding doors make the surrounding nature a feature while providing ease of access to a wonderfully sprawling deck area with a view to the lake beyond. Kitchen, laundry, fireplace… it’s all here. Simply book into this tranquil couples retreat and get ready to bliss out.
Tiny House Bliss
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
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.
Best Airbnbs In Lake Tarawera
Te Whare
Lake Tarawera 2 Guests | 1 Bedroom
Image credit: te Whare - Unique indigenous eco Tree-top B&B | Airbnb
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.
The Hunting Huts
Lake Tarawera 12 guests | 10 beds
If you want a bach experience in the same way you expect a camping site to have real beds and fairy lights then The Hunting Huts might just be a bit of you. The former hunting huts have been given a lick of paint (and a hot tub for good measure) for a pod-style vacay that’s perfect for families or a group of friends who want nothing more than to stare awe-inspired as the sun rises over Mount Tarawera and to stargaze while revelling in hot water come nightfall.
Luxury Lodge
Lake Tarawera 8 Guests | 5 Bedrooms
Hidden among 35 acres of farmland, landscaped 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.
Best Airbnbs In Rotomā
The Lookout
Lake Rotomā 5 guests | 3 beds
Image credit: Rotoma Lookout | Airbnb
Enjoy a nostalgic wander through years gone by at this quintessential Kiwi bach, complete with its very own private beach. There’s no dishwasher but we doubt that’ll bother you–the bungalow’s blue and yellow vintage kitchen is delightful just as it is. Spend lazy days lakeside, exploring the surrounding native bush and keeping watch for birds, and, if you feel like a roadie, Kawerau township is near and sports a free heated public pool. BYO linen.
Hotels more your style? Check out 7 of the best hotels in Rotorua and where to find them.
Image credit: Airbnb
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