Rotorua Hotel Tips by worldkiwi

I've stayed at Kiwi-paka twice now. The first time was way back in the late 1990's. Then, I stayed in the chalets. It was very nice, with two floors, bathroom and I think it had a little kitchen. In 2004, I stayed in the dorms. There were only 4 beds in the dorm room (the 'Lodge') and they were not bunks. That is much better than some other NZ hostels I've stayed in! The room was nice and warm and the bathrooms were clean with heated floors! That's important in winter! There is a large common area, with kitchen facilities and a TV room. The hostel has an outdoor thermal swimming pool. There is a lively bar and cafe. YHA members can get a dorm for $NZ20.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hostel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$20  » Currency Converter
Address: 60 Tarewa Rd., Rotorua, , Rotorua, North Island 32
Directions: West of Kuirau Park. If you cross the park, it's only a ten minute walk to the city centre.

The Top Ten Holiday Parks are a quality chain of campgrounds found in New Zealand. In November 2006 I stayed in the Blue Lake Top Ten Holiday Park, the first time I had stayed at one of these places.
As well as camp sites, the Top Ten Holiday Parks have cabins, some of them quite fancy. I stayed in a four bed cabin that was very nice. Facilities (kitchen and toilets and bathrooms) are communal, though some of the more expensive cabins have kitchenettes and there are fully self contained units too.
Cabins start from $NZ45 for two. It is $NZ14 per extra person. These prices are for a standard cabin. I think it's only a few more dollars for a cabin with a kitchenette.

Unique Qualities: I was very impressed with how clean and tidy this holiday park was. The showers and kitchens were spotless. The cabins were comfortable and warm (spring was not that warm in 2006). I would happily stay in a Top Ten Holiday Park again (if this is the standard).
This accommodation is across the road from the Blue Lake. I was there with a bunch of kids and some of them braved the icy water to swim in November! I imagine on a nice summers day it would be a great place to paddle a kayak.
The holiday park is about a ten minute drive from downtown Rotorua. You do need your own transport to get to and from this accommodation, as it is out of the city.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Campground
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Address: 723 Tarawera Road.
Directions: Drive towards the airport on highway 30 and turn off at Tarawera Road. Follow the road to Blue Lake.
Website: www.topparks.co.nz