20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Rotorua 🛌🏼 [2024]

Where to Find Cheap 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 accommodations in Rotorua in the form of motels, holiday parks, apartments, homestays and more!

This list is what we consider some of the best cheap accommodations in Rotorua based on facilities for budget travellers (kitchen, laundry, WiFi and parking), and of course, price. However, if you are looking for something cheaper like 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 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Rotorua and The Guide to Rotorua on a Budget.

1. Holdens Bay Holiday Park

When looking for cheap accommodation in Rotorua, you can usually rely on the town’s fantastic array of holiday parks. One of the cheapest and highly rated is Holdens Bay Holiday Park. There’s a huge range of accommodation styles here, from tent and powered sites to basic cabins with shared bathrooms to self-contained motel units. On top of all that, guests are treated to an array of exciting shared facilities, such as an outdoor pool in summer, free indoor hot pools and an awesome kids’ playground. You have practical facilities too, such as a well-equipped kitchen and barbecue area and laundry facilities.

Check Holdens Bay Holiday Park out:

10 BEST Budget Accommodations in Rotorua 🛌🏼 [2023]

2. BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge

BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge is one of the cheapest and best-rated motels in the city, so is well worth considering when looking for budget accommodation in Rotorua. The motel offers a range of rooms from simple “Queen Suite Studios” to more luxurious and spacious “Deluxe Queen Spa Studio Suites”, while interconnecting suites are available for groups and families, all of which have kitchenette facilities. Conveniently, BK’s Rotorua is located by a supermarket and within a short walk of the city centre. For more stays with excellent self-catering facilities, take a look at the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check BK’s Rotorua Motor Lodge out:

3. Rock Solid Backpackers

Kick back and watch the climbers struggle up the indoor climbing wall from the lounge of the Rock Solid Backpackers. Not to mention, there’s a free pool table, table tennis, video games and unlimited WiFi! As for accommodation, 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 an ensuite shower. For more hostel options, check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Rotorua.

Check Rock Solid Backpackers out:

4. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

Ideal for couples, groups or those wanting a lot of space to themselves, as well as backpackers seeking a dorm room, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park has a great range of budget accommodations to choose from. Although it’s about a 10-minute drive from the city centre, it is actually within walking distance to other Rotorua attractions like Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. What’s more, you can 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:

5. Rotorua Motel

You can’t go too far wrong with the modern furnishings and spa bath accommodation of the Rotorua Motel, especially considering the price! Most rooms come with either a spa bath or spa pool and a small-yet-modern kitchen that you’ll find a joy to cook in. You’re also free to bathe in the outdoor thermal pool or spa pool, as well as have access to conveniences like free WiFi. The motel is a short walk from the supermarket and the city centre. See how this motel compares to the 10 Best Motels in Rotorua.

Check Rotorua Motel out:

6. Geyser Lookout BnB

This gorgeous B&B/homestay accommodation on the outskirts of Rotorua, right by some of the town’s best geothermal attractions, has no right to be this cheap, yet here it is! Book this popular spot early before it’s gone! Geyser Lookout BnB offers two double guest rooms in the main house and a self-contained apartment for two. Enjoy the views of geothermal steam across the town and valleys from the B&B’s wraparound balcony. Just some other glorious extras include a spa pool, landscaped gardens and free breakfast. For more couple-centric accommodations, take a look at the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Geyser Lookout BnB out:

7. Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park

Located by the walking/biking trails and holiday hotspot of Blue Lake just outside of Rotorua, Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a premium location for an affordable price. There’s really something for everyone here between the ultra-cheap cabins with shared bathroom facilities and the fully self-contained motels. In true holiday park style, you have all of your usual kitchen, barbecue and bathroom area, while fun additions are the bouncy pillow, children’s playground, kayak hire, hot tub hire and “fun bikes” hire. For more camping accommodation, take a look at Where to Camp in Rotorua.

Check Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

8. Rotorua Downtown Backpackers

Rotorua Downtown Backpackers is right in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal hub with the i-SITE and bus stop just down the road and all the shops and services at your fingertips. The hostel has a friendly vibe and at least you won’t starve with free rice and pasta available! As for the rooms, choose from four to 10-bed dormitories, a female-only dorm and private double and twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Check Rotorua Downtown Backpackers out:

9. Rotorua Studio on Sumner

Another well-priced guesthouse accommodation in Rotorua, Rotorua Studio on Sumner is a real gem. Located between the town centre and the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, you’re a short drive from all of Rotorua’s best things to do. Choose from a twin or king bed set-up with an ensuite shower room and a small kitchenette with breakfast-making facilities (note that breakfast is not included). There’s ample space to relax inside your studio or out in the attractive garden. In fact, we like this place so much that we even list it in Where to Stay in Rotorua: 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check Rotorua Studio on Sumner out:

10. Panoramic View Apartment

One final affordable B&B/homestay worth looking into is the Panoramic View Apartment. You get the whole upstairs of this homestay to yourself with a double bed, living area, ensuite bathroom and a breakfast-making kitchenette with all of the breakfast supplies included! You also have a TV, free WiFi and city and parkland views from your windows and private balcony.

Check Panoramic View Apartment out:

Panoramic View Apartment on Booking.com

20 BEST Budget Accommodations in Rotorua 🛌🏼 [2023]

11. Golden Glow Motel

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. Make use of the kitchenette facilities should you want to save some cash by making your own meals. Get inspiration from the 5 Easy Pasta Recipes for Backpackers or 10 Easy Meals to Cook in a Hostel in 10 Minutes.

Check Golden Glow Motel out:

12. Rotorua Central Backpackers

What? No bunks? That’s right! Another thing to get excited about is that Rotorua Central Backpackers has baths! How long has it been since you had a long soak in a bath? Alternatively, in the true spirit of Rotorua, you can bathe in the spa pool in between using other facilities, such as the large communal kitchen, relaxing in the lounge and making use of the free WiFi. Rooms consist of four to six-bed dorms, including a female dorm, as well as private single, double, twin and family rooms all with shared bathroom facilities.

Check Rotorua Central Backpackers out:

13. Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park

Stay in a quiet corner of Lake Rotorua in the suburb of Ngongotaha. 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:

14. 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 private rooms for budget travellers, from bungalows to studios to apartments. Enjoy the swimming pool, tennis court and nearby walks in Hannah’s Bay. Also, there’s free parking and WiFi! For more holiday parks and accommodations suitable for families, take a look at the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Rotorua.

Check All Seasons Holiday Park out:

15. 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 single and twin rooms with a shared bathroom, as well as family rooms and double rooms with an ensuite bathroom. What’s more, there’s free WiFi, free parking and a shared kitchen to keep the cost of meals down.

Check Kiwi As Guest House out:

16. Greenview Motel

The Greenview Motel might not be something you want to splash all over your social media, but it does the job when it comes to cheap accommodation in Rotorua. The main drawcards of this motel are its cheap beds and free WiFi, but its family units have full kitchen facilities and there’s an outdoor pool available in summer if that interests you.

Check Greenview Motel out:

17. Astray Motel & Backpackers

Astray Motel & Backpackers is ideal for budget travellers wanting a private room. Room types include single and double rooms with shared bathrooms, various studios with ensuite bathrooms and self-contained apartments. There is a small shared kitchen to cook your own meals. Plus, there’s free WiFi and free on-site parking, which is ideal for its central location.

Check Astray Backpackers & Motel out:

18. [CLOSED] The Backyard Inn

[Update: The Backyard Inn is now only offering long-term accommodation in Rotorua. Find out more about staying in Rotorua long-term with Rotorua: A Guide to Cheap Long-Term Accommodation].

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!

19. [CLOSED] 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.

20. [CLOSED] Lakeside City Apartments

The Lakeside City Apartments offers some surprisingly affordable penthouses and studios with free continental breakfast and a 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.

More Budget Accommodations in Rotorua

Now that you know the best cheap budget accommodations in Rotorua, check out what awesome things there are to do, as well as alternative accommodations:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Rotorua on a Budget.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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