Cheap Accommodation in Rotorua for Family: Spoil your kids, not your bank balance
Cheap Accommodation in Rotorua for family
Cheap Rotorua Family Accommodation
Rotorua is such a great place for families. It is actually quite a small town, is easy to get around and has so many things to do for kids. If you are an adventurous family, you can mountain bike, luge, white water raft and explore some amazing landscapes. If you are a family who loves to relax and swim, you can enjoy the natural hot pools, have a mud bath and get a massage. Or you can learn about New Zealand culture by visiting a maori cultural show, or visiting sacred sights. It really does have something for everyone!
We are a combination of all of these families, so there is easily a week’s worth of activities in Rotorua. It is also a good place to base yourself to access Taupo, Tauranga and Mt Maunganui and other attractions such as Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves. There are so many things to do in Rotorua with kids, so it is a great family destination. If you are still deciding if Rotorua is a good place to holiday, then I say yes! Just do it! I highly recommend it.
We all know that holidays with kids can cost a wee bit, so choosing Rotorua accommodation can be important. Or if you’re like me, I like to spend more money on fun things to do and find a cheap rotorua accommodation deal.
If you’re looking for cheap accommodation in Rotorua for family, this guide will provide you with 12 options and will overview the pros and cons of each place to stay in Rotorua. We have also included a few upgrades in case you are looking for a little more luxury at a more midrange price.
(Please note: this article may contain affiliate links. These do not cost you any extra but commission goes towards the running of this website. I have stayed at some, but not all of these accommodation properties)
Cheap Accommodation Rotorua
Budget Friendly Rotorua AirB&Bs
- Lake Okareka Lakestay (sleeps up to 8)
- Blackwoods modern 2 bedroom
- Central Location Rotorua AirB&B (sleeps up to 7)
Budget Rotorua Hotels
Cheap Rotorua Motels
- Fernleaf Motels Rotorua
- 6 on Union Motels Rotorua
- Cedarwood Lakeside Motels and Conference Venue
- Hideaway Lodge Rotorua
- Upgrade: Kings on Peace
- Upgrade: Emerald Spa Motor Inn
Affordable Rotorua Holiday Parks
Cheap Family Accommodation at Rotorua Hostels and Backpackers
Other cheap accommodation in Rotorua for families options
Cheap holiday homes in Rotorua
Lake Okareka Lakestay
Just a short drive from Rotorua, you can stay in a bush hideaway right beside Lake Okareka. This property has 3 bedrooms (including a sleepout) and sleeps up to 8 people. A modern kitchen with dishwasher (always appreciated on holiday) it’s a great home away from home. Prices from $121 per night
Take a look at the photos and prices here at Lake Okareka Lakestay
Photo credit below: AirB&B
Blackwood 2 bedroom house from $149
This lovely two bedroom AirB&B is located in Central Rotorua, just minutes from the Skyline Gondola. It is perfect for those families loving a modern design with its up to date black kitchen and fresh furnishings.
They even supply a selection of board games, as well as childrens toys and book to keep everyone entertained on a lazy day.
View some more photos and check availability here
Photo credit below: AirB&B
Central Location Rotorua AirB&B
This centrally located Rotorua family airbnb sleeps up to 7 people with the price ranging from $100-$130. What a great price for tidy property that is big enough for most families. They include unlimited internet and Netflix and have great facilities such as a bbq, washing machine etc.
A great cheap Rotorua accommodation for family, so click here to find out more
Photo credit below: AirB&B
Cheap hotels in Rotorua, New Zealand
Hotels can be great because they are often part of a reputable chain and include extra facilities such as onsite restaurants, pools, fitness centres and bike hire. Although the cheapest hotels may not have all of these facilities, they can still find some on Rotorua accommodation deals.
Here are a few of the best cheap hotels, Rotorua
Jet Park Hotel, Rotorua
The Jet Park Hotel is one of the best cheap hotels in Rotorua. If you prefer a hotel setting, try out a family suite with a king in the bedroom and queen in the lounge or a superior double room with 2 double beds. Family suites also come with a kitchenette and age appropriate toys and books for the kids
Uniquely this is also a pet friendly hotel with special Pet Stay Rooms. These rooms are complete with their own pet bed and duvet, and water/food bowl and treats. Looking for pet friendly accommodation? Rotorua hotels can cater for you too.
We love
- Free cots and baby baths are available
- Age appropriate toys in the room
- Outdoor swimming pool and playground
- Pet friendly accommodation
Rydges Hotel Rotorua
The Rydges Hotel Rotorua has one of the largest family rooms I have seen, with 3 queen sized beds in one room. So if you don’t mind sharing, this could be a very reasonable option for families with up to 4 kids. They also have a one bedroom spa suite with a sleep sofa if you preferred a separate room
We love
- 3 queen beds in a family room
- Kids stay and eat free using existing bedding
- Onsite restaurant
Downsides
- No options for two separate bedrooms
- No full kitchen option
Upgrade: Distinction Rotorua
If you are wanting something a little more than the cheaper hotels above, then take a look at the Distinction Hotel Rotorua
The range of accommodation at the Distinction Rotorua really sets it apart. Kids stay free when using existing bedding and there are also kids eat free specials too. There are interconnecting rooms available as well as 2 bedroom suites. I know when we travel with kids, we just prefer having them in a separate room, so we love these options.
We love
- Onsite restaurants (four!) because sometimes when everyone is tired, its easier to just stay in
- Onsite Maori cultural show so you don’t even have to leave your hotel
- Swimming pool with toddler area
- Spa pools and gymnasium
- Kids stay and eat free deals
- Mountain bike hire onsite and free storage for your own
Downside
- No full kitchen option
Motels and Hotels in Rotorua, New Zealand
Motels and Hotels in Rotorua is the best of both worlds, quality accommodation, close to the city with all the facilities, without costing an arm and a leg. Motels in Rotorua are plentiful and Rotorua hotels offer excellent facilities. I’m a big fan of any accommodation that has separate sleeping areas. Families need space for kids to sleep and adults to have actual adult time, and not go to bed at 7pm with the kids. (Right?) So these options all have this, along with other family friendly features and kids activities.
You will be in luck if you are leaning towards Rotorua accommodation with hot pools, as the naturally warm waters from the thermal springs, means many motels and hotels in Rotorua have their own swimming pools. (It’s much cheaper to run them when the water is already heated) Or you will find many with large spa baths, meaning you’ve basically got your own Rotorua spa accommodation.
Cheap Motels: Rotorua, New Zealand
Motels are a popular choice for accommodation in Rotorua for families. Fenton Street in particular is full of them and it is only a 2km drive or walk to the city centre from here. The bonuses of Rotorua motels is that it is your best chance of getting your Rotorua accommodation with spa pool. So many Rotorua motels have spa pools and even thermally heated pools onsite. A big plus for the kids.
Rotorua motels usually come with a kitchenette or full kitchen facilities, just like home. With kids, a quick meal is minutes away, instead of having to drag them out to a restaurant after a long day of activities.
Here are some of the best cheap motels in Rotorua, New Zealand
Fernleaf Motels Rotorua
The Fernleaf Motels have very reasonably priced accommodation in Rotorua and is a great budget motel option. The property is clean and simple and akin to your classic kiwi bach. They describe themselves as having classic kiwi charm. They have one and two bedroom options for families sleeping up to 7 people in one motel unit. They also have full equipped kitchens for self catering. Kids will love the big 30ft outdoor heating swimming pool and their own thermal mineral pool.We love
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Separate sleeping areas
- Big outdoor pool
Downsides
- A bit dated, but simple and clean
6 on Union Motel Rotorua
Affordable accommodation in Rotorua is important if you have a family and this Rotorua motel will leave some pennies in your pocket. The family units at the 6 on Union Motel have a bedroom as well as beds in the lounge, sleeping up to 5 people. If you are looking for accommodation with swimming pool, there is one onsite, along with a spa pool and bbq facilities. It is also pet friendly accommodation. We love- Swimming pool
- Separated sleeping rooms
- Pet friendly
Downside
- Very modest, simple decor
Cedarwood Lakeside Motel and Conference Venue
If you are spending time in Rotorua, then a lakeside Rotorua accommodation property should be high on your priority list. It is, just beautiful at Lake Rotorua. The Cedarwood Lakeside Motel and Conference Venue has great family friendly accommodation. Their range of rooms include 2 bedroom units sleeping up to 6 and family rooms sleeping up to 7. Their family facilities include: a childrens play area, petanque, indoor and outdoor pool, thermal spa and a DVD library.We love
- Quiet location
- Lakeside setting
- Large maximum occupancy
Downsides
- Have to drive to the city centre
Hideaway Lodge Rotorua
If you are searching for “pet friendly accommodation Rotorua” I’ve found you a good one at Hideaway Lodge. Dogs can explore in their large grounds and there are no additional costs for pets.
The Hideaway Rotorua has a custom built adventure playground for kids, treehuts and plenty of garden space for a family game of cricket. It is also quite close to Rotorua attractions such as the Skyline Rotorua (the cable car up to the beautiful views) which is one of my kids favourite places to go in Rotorua.
The accommodation ranges from studio apartments to two bedroom apartments, all with air conditioning and free wifi
We love
- Being able to bring your pets
- Having a self catering accommodation option
- Huge Playground
Downside
- A 10 minute drive from Rotorua City Centre
- Some road noise
It’s so great to have dog friendly accommodation. Rotorua is a great place to bring your pets on holiday.
Upgrade: Kings on Peace
If you are a Rotorua motel that is newer and modern, then you can’t go past the Kings on Peace Apartment accommodation
Kings on Peace, is a really modern new apartment accommodation. It is extremely well appointed and like a home away from home. They have 1 bedroom apartments with beds in the lounge, as well as two bedroom apartments and a 4 bedroom house that is perfect for a longer stay.
The designer kitchen also has a full sized fridge (hallelujah) and even a dishwasher
We love:
- Pod coffee machine
- Free bikes
- Free WIFI
- Free Electric Vehicle charging
- Fully equipped kitchens with full size fridges and ovens.
Downside
- 2km walk to the city centre
- No pool on site
As far as apartment accommodation Rotorua goes, this is luxury accommodation at motel prices.
Upgrade: Emerald Spa Motor Inn, Rotorua
This Rotorua motel accommodation is where we stayed when we visited Rotorua. We chose it because the price was reasonable, we had kitchen facilities and a 2 bedroom apartment and there was a pool.
The staff were really lovely when we checked in and it has everything we needed for our weekend in Rotorua. The Emerald Spa Motor Inn is located on the popular accommodation street, Fenton Street, just 2km south of the city centre. I think it is one of the best places to stay in Rotorua when weighing up price, comfort and facilities.
We loved
- Incredible guest reviews and ratings
- Reasonable price
- Big spa bath in the room
- Just down the road from the supermarket and not far from the central city
- 2 bedroom apartments could sleep up to 6 with a sleep sofa in the lounge
Downside
- 2km was too far for our little ones to walk to the city centre, but we didn’t have trouble finding parking so it was fine.
If you are looking for Rotorua Accommodation with thermal pools right onsite and a really nice place to stay, then the Emerald Spa Motor Inn is a great choice for you.
Cheapest Rotorua Accommodation: Holiday Parks
Holiday Parks and backpackers are usually the cheapest types of family accommodation. Rotorua actually has a really wide variety of this type of cheap family accommodation. Rotorua holiday park accommodation ranges from a basic tent site, but most include cabins and motel units.
One of the advantages of staying at a holiday park, compared to a hotel, is that you have access to a full kitchen, meaning you can also save money on food.
Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park
If you search for “camping Rotorua” you will surely come across the famous New Zealand Top 10 camping umbrella. They are recognised as having some of the best facilities amongst campgrounds and have accommodation discounts when you join their club. They also have excellent facilities for kids.
The Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park is a budget friendly option, or great if you have a campervan or are camping. But you don’t need to be camping to stay there. There are cabins (with two separate sleeping areas aka family essential) as well as motel rooms. The Top 10 park has a large communal kitchen and you can hire kitchen packs if you don’t have your own utensils.
We love:
- Accessible bathroom with small bathtub for babies and toddlers (how hard is it to get a bath right?)
- Mineral pools and a swimming pool onsite
- Kids playground
- Big bounce zone: with jumping pillow and trampolines
- It is right in Rotorua city so you can walk to the lake and around town right from the Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park
Downsides
- Some road noise
- Only a small amount of Free Wifi included
If you are wondering where to stay in Rotorua with the biggest selection of facilities, then this is one of the best accommodation choices.
Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
Another great camping option in the Rotorua area, but this spot has to be one of the THE BEST locations in Rotorua. The Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is located lakeside at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), less than 15 minutes drive from Rotorua City Centre. If you have young kids like us, we are driving everywhere anyway, so you won’t find it a bother being just out of the city.
You can swim at Lake Tikitapu, so it is a great summer holiday destination, but even in winter it is beautifully idyllic. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rotorua.
We love:
- Lakeside location
- Onsite Hot Tub, Kayak and fun bike hire
- Jumping pillow and playground
- Free BBQs
Downsides
- Not right in the city centre
- Not close to restaurants
I just love lakeside accommodation. Rotorua Lakes are truly beautiful so I highly recommend this tranquil spot.
All Seasons Holiday Park
The All Seasons Holiday Park has a wide range of Rotorua motel rooms, apartment accommodation as well as basic bungalows. Bungalows (up to 8 people) are older style, very simple and the cheapest rooms have shared bathrooms. Whereas their new family unit is modernly appointed with a new kitchen and can sleep up to 6 people.
There are a ton of kids activities such as the playground with treehut, swings and trampoline and under 10 kids room with toys and kids tv. They even have 18 dinosaurs to find around the Rotorua campground.
We love
- Free wifi
- Indoor/outdoor heated pool
- Range of accommodation
- Large shared kitchen
- Playground and tv room for kids
- 200m from the lakeside
Downsides
- Located near Rotorua airport so not right in the city centre
- Have to drive to restaurants
Cheap Rotorua accommodation with heated pool, yes please!
Cheap Backpacker Accommodation Rotorua
Backpacker accommodation can be cheap and cheerful and always have such a great atmosphere. Those with private rooms are best for families. The one thing to note about backpacker accommodation is that they usually price it per person. Sometimes, this can mean, once you add it all together, that it may be cheaper to get a cheap motel or cheap hotel for a similar price.
Why choose a backpackers in Rotorua, New Zealand for a family holiday?
What I really love about backpacker or cheap hostel accommodation is that most people are really friendly and there is quite a community. Hostels are geared up with all the activities, there are always discount codes on the counter and kitchens always seem to have the staples and left over items free for use.
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua
Rock Solid Backpackers is a well known Rotorua accommodation option as it has its own 20m climbing wall onsite. In fact the lounge overlooks it, so if you have older kids, then this could be a big winner.
Their family room has two bunks and a single bed for an extremely reasonable price. The hostel itself is brightly painted and lively and has everything you’d expect: shared kitchen, dining and bathrooms. There’s also free unlimited WIFI.
We love
- Rock climbing wall
- FREE WIFI
- Bright cheery decor
- Great price
Downside
- Only a few family rooms available
For families with older kids who have an adventurous side, this is one of the best cheap places to stay in Rotorua.
DEAL FOR OUR READERS: If you mention that you read about Rock Solid Backpackers on the BACKYARD TRAVEL FAMILY website, when you book with them directly, they will give you 10% off your stay!!
Funky Green Voyager Backpackers
If you are wondering where to stay in Rotorua and are after a super cheap room, with no frills since you will be out exploring anyway…. Then you won’t be disappointed with this cheap accommodation in Rotorua for family.
The Funky Green Voyager Backpackers has a family room with a double and two single beds that is as cheap as chips at just $130 for 4 people (May 2010 on booking.com)
We love
- Free unlimited wifi
- Great reviews of 8.8 on booking.com
- Great price
- Shared kitchen
Downsides
- No other fun facilities
- Small property, quite basic.
Finding cheap rooms in Rotorua couldn’t be simpler at the Funky Green Voyager Backpackers
The Backyard Inn
The Backyard Inn, Rotorua is a great budget accommodation option. They have a range of chalets suitable for families, some with separate sleeping areas. The Backyard Inn is more of a hostel style accommodation so if you are looking for something lively where you can mix and mingle with others, this is a great stop.We love
- Budget friendly prices
- Onsite Burger Bar (you can even phone in your order on the way home from a busy day), cafe and ice cream shop
- Swimming pool
Downsides
- Can be loud and busy with the younger backpacker crowd
- Bars/Parties onsite
Other Rotorua Holiday Accommodation Options
Rotorua Holiday Accommodation
If you are looking for holiday accommodation, Rotorua also has a large selection of holiday homes and Air B&Bs. Some of these might be accommodation near Rotorua, further around Lake Rotorua or other local lakes, rather than in Rotorua City centre, but this may provide a quiet tranquil setting for relaxing. Holiday homes or baches (as they are called in New Zealand) are great options for self contained accommodation.
Rotorua Bed and Breakfasts
You will also find a number of B&B style accommodation on Booking.com which is very reasonable. I haven’t included these here as I like to have my own space while on holiday, however these can also cheap accommodation options. Click here if you are interested in Rotorua B&Bs
So thats it, the best cheap accommodation in Rotorua with family options!
There are so many places to visit in Rotorua so finding some cheap family accommodation will help you stay longer and spend more time enjoying the best Rotorua Activities. We hope this article has helped you find the best accommodation. Rotorua really is such a great exploring ground for families, so make sure you stay for a while.
If you are looking for a Guide to the Best Things to do in Rotorua with kids, click here. It includes a ton of free activities in Rotorua and cheap things to do in Rotorua, along with the best Rotorua attractions.
Come and chat with us over on Instagram or Facebook and tell about your best family accommodation. Rotorua certainly has many.
Jennifer
Founder of Backyard Travel Family
Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Having travelled extensively in Europe and Africa, has lived in London and the USA and holidayed in many parts of Asia, she is not a newbie to the travel space
Jen has three young children, 5 and under and travels around New Zealand with them.
