Western Heights Travel Guide
Rotorua
Visit Western Heights
Popular places to visit
Polynesian Spa
Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.
Skyline Rotorua
Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.
Eat Street
During your trip to Rotorua, you can enjoy retail therapy at Eat Street.
Mitai Maori Village
For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.
Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Top hotels in Western Heights
Rydges Rotorua
The hotel is well located next to one of the geothermal attractions. Staff was extremely helpful and kind and room was ready before check-in time, what was a blessing. Beds were comfortable and wifi was great.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Felt that for the price the room was very dated, and an extremely soft bed didn't allow a good sleep. Breakfast was nice.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Norrie in the Club lounge is an absolute treasure. He was extraordinarily hospitable and kind and thoughtful. Every staff member we encountered was great but Norrie really should be commended.
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Pullman Rotorua
Pullman Rotorua is in a great central location in the heart of town. The staff, the few there were, were friendly. The robots all smiled. The check-in offerings to type your personal details into a giant screen, visible to everyone nearby, wasn't a great initial impression. Fortunate that I am tall ...
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
The whole park had an atmosphere of lack of maintenance. Peeling paint, rotten wood panels, old plumbing/fittings left unused on the walls. The verandah on our cabin felt like we could step through the wood any moment - they had also covered a hole with a mat.. our cabin had no running water - we ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
ibis Rotorua
Clean room, bathroom felt a bit dated, light was on the brink. Good location, friendly staff.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Western Heights
Fairy Springs
While visiting Fairy Springs, you might make a stop by sights like Skyline Rotorua and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park.
Mangakakahi
Though Mangakakahi may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kuirau Park and Eat Street.
Koutu
While visiting Koutu, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Rotorua and Tribal Lights Cultural Theatre.
Kawaha Point
River views, spas and restaurants highlight some of the notable features of Kawaha Point. Make a stop by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring.
Utuhina
While Utuhina isn't home to many top sights, Kuirau Park and Rotorua Central Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.
Ohinemutu
Spas and lake views are notable features of Ohinemutu. You might consider stopping by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
