A Budget Guide to Rotorua

Nestled into the north of New Zealand/Aotearoa’s North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, the town of Rotorua attracts visitors near and far with its range of adventures on offer. Popularised by its geothermal and volcanic activity, this laid-back town is also home to plenty of activities that you can explore in your Dollar rental car. A stay in Rotorua can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter your budget. Follow this guide to find out how you can discover the best parts of this brilliant town without breaking the bank.

Rotorua has a wide range of accommodation options for all kinds of travellers, and many of them are perfect for those on a budget. The Rotorua Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is a great option for families with kids, or if you want to stay a little bit further out of town in the peace and quiet of the forest. This Holiday Park has a range of accommodation types on offer, from motel units to cabins to camping, so you can choose your own kind of stay. Situated on the Blue Lake/Lake Tikitapu, about fifteen minutes from the centre of Rotorua’s town, you’ll also be close to a variety of water activities you can make a splash with on the lake. YHA Rotorua Haka House is another good accommodation option, especially for families, with the option to rent a private family room with full access to the communal kitchen and lounge area. This well-rated backpackers’ hostel is located right in the heart of town, too, so you’ll be close to all the action. Alternatively, there are a lot of different hotels and lodges around the town whose prices differ depending on the season. If you’re looking to make the most of budget-friendly accommodation, make sure to travel in Rotorua’s off season, which is their winter months of June to August. Ask any local, and they’ll assure you that Rotorua is perfect all year round, so you’ve got nothing to lose by exploring this gem of a town during the cooler months.

You don’t have to spend a lot to find some great eateries around Rotorua. Saving money on food and drinks means that you put a few extra dollars to the adventures of a lifetime that you’ll remember long after your travels are over. We’ve found the cheap eats around Rotorua, so all you need to do is sit back and relax and follow this guide. If you’re after brunch or lunch on the cheap, make sure to check out Patrick’s Boutique Bakery, AVC Arts Village Cafe or Airstream Cafe right on the shores of the Blue Lake. For lunch or dinner options, Hells Pizza is great for affordable but delicious pizzas, And Rice Japanese Kitchen is perfect for a vibrant taste of Japanese, and River’s Catch should be your go-to for all your fish’n’chip cravings. The great thing about each of these meal options is that if you get them takeaway, you can drive your feed down to the shores of Blue Lake or Lake Rotorua and enjoy your meal with a scenic outlook - a priceless view for no extra expense! Another good option to consider when you’re budgeting around food is making use of ingredients or takeaway options from the supermarket. This is an especially good idea if you’re adventuring out of the town for the day or spending time in nature, as bringing your own meals along with you won’t just save you on dollars, but also on convenience.

Made up of a natural wonderland, Rotorua is brimming with adventure that you can discover without spending too much. Whakarewarewa Forest, right in the heart of town, is the perfect place to start. This 55,000 hectare forest provides a plethora of ways to spend your day as you explore the California Redwoods on the purpose-built walking tracks. You can both hike or bike along these tracks. While the forest is free to traverse, the Redwoods Treewalk has a small fee, so you can pick which adventure you’d like to follow. Also in the centre of town, Kuirau Park is the perfect activity to get a taste of the incredible geothermal action the town has become famous for. This geothermal playground is completely free to navigate, and features bubbling mud pools, hot springs and some peaceful walking trails. The Rotorua Lakefront is another incredible sight to be seen when you’re in town, and you don’t have to pay a cent to witness this incredible beauty. The waterfront also has a playground and picnic areas, as well as the beautiful view of the lake, so you can relax with a scenic background to your travels. Other good places to visit around Rotorua that are free also include the Government Gardens, the Rotorua Library and Sulphur Point.

In your Dollar rental car, you can explore the beauty of Rotorua and the geothermal wonderland it is home to, and all without breaking the bank.