Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / New Zealand / Rotorua / Solitaire Lodge
Solitaire Lodge
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Independent · High Luxury
Established in 1980 as one of New Zealand's original luxury lodges, the property is set on a peninsula dramatically reshaped by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. The lodge overlooks the volcanic crater and maintains a deep connection to local Māori heritage and the region's unique geothermal landscape.
- 9 rooms
- Opened 1980
- Neighborhood: Lake Tarawera
- Rooms from 355 sq ft (33 m²)
About Solitaire Lodge
- MICHELIN gave the lodge a One Key rating in 2025.
- Guests can take helicopter tours that include landings on the volcanic crater itself.
- The smallest published suite or villa start at 355 sq ft (33 m²).
History
Established in 1980 as one of New Zealand's original luxury lodges, the property is set on a peninsula dramatically reshaped by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. The lodge overlooks the volcanic crater and maintains a deep connection to local Māori heritage and the region's unique geothermal landscape.
The setting
12 km from Whakarewarewa Forest.
Experiences
- Tarawera Thermal Springs — 15-minute private launch to natural hot springs on Lake Tarawera, best before breakfast, bathing in thermal waters rising through the lake bed.
- Tarawera Falls Walk — Half-day easy hike with speedboat transfer to the Tarawera outlet stream and falls, native bush walk, river swimming and picnic lunch.
- Rainbow Trout Fishing on Lake Tarawera — 3-hour guided private boat excursion from the lodge jetty for rainbow trout. Not available 1 July to 30 September (breeding lake).
- Mount Tarawera Landing and Geothermal Lakes Flyover — 1-hour helicopter tour from the lodge helipad, with a 20-minute walk on Mount Tarawera and aerial views of the falls and crater lakes.
- Orakei Korako Landing and Tour - Return to Lodge — 3-hour helicopter journey landing on Mount Tarawera, then a land tour of Orakei Korako's hot springs and geysers, returning to the lodge.
- 4WDrive and Hike to the Summit of Mount Tarawera — 3+ hour guided tour with a Ngati Rangitihi guide by 4WD, then a hike to the 1111m summit and descent into the crater.
Amenities
- Full-board dining including five-course meals and local wines
- Private launch excursions to natural geothermal hot springs
- Guided rainbow trout fishing on Lake Tarawera
- Scenic helicopter tours with volcanic landings
- Complimentary use of lodge kayaks and motorized dinghies
- Private beach and jetty access
- Spa
- Pool
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
Open Solitaire Lodge in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
More hotels in Rotorua
- Treetops Lodge & Estate — Independent · High Luxury