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.
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
Rotorua Tour from Auckland with Optional Extras
National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Top hotels in Western Heights
Rydges Rotorua
Room was lovely. The Dinner and Breakfast was Great. Staff were very friendly.
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Pullman Rotorua
Quick and easy check in. Modern hotel with a very large room (king with lake view). Only parking option is valet so be prepared to pay for valet upon arrival. Within easy walking distance to more restaurants than you can visit. Disappointed that there wasn't a pool. Didn't like that price for breakfast ...
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Prince's Gate Hotel
Very well maintained hotel with large rooms.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
We traveled from the USA and this was our first stop. We loved it! Yes your patio smells like sulfur sometimes, but that’s to be expected when staying right next to the active geothermal lake. They were very helpful and responsive to all our questions/requests. The breakfast had a great variety and ...
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Marsden Stay Rotorua
Was up stairs that were difficult for my senior mum. No lift. Suitcases etc were very challenging to manoeuvre. Our fault they told me for not specifying wheelchair access - but she doesn’t need a wheeelchair! TV wouldn’t work. Such a weird place to exit - gates were tied up. Bit of an odd vibe.
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Reserved a room with a king bed but got a room with a queen bed. Toilet in room needed a cleaning. Looked like it was missed when they did a between stay clean. Rusty and older bathroom.
Reviewed on 29 Apr 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.
Ohinemutu
Spas and lake views are notable features of Ohinemutu. You might consider stopping by Lake Rotorua while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Hillcrest
While Hillcrest may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rotorua International Stadium and Rotorua Central Mall.
