Solitaire Lodge

5.0 star property
Luxury lodge with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Solitaire Lodge

Property entrance
Solitaire Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing
Executive Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing
Reception
Hot springs

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
16 Ronald Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua, 3076
  • Lake Tarawera
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Buried Village
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Lake Rotoiti
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪33 min drive‬

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Room options

Premium Suite

  • 430 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Tarawera Suite

  • 753 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Executive Suite

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Solitaire Suite

  • 947 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds OR 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Villa Suite

  • 1076 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds OR 1 King Bed and 2 Large Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera is a short stroll from Solitaire Lodge, and other popular attractions like Buried Village are within a 10-minute drive. This 9-room, 5-star lodge has conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Lake Tarawera - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Buried Village - 10 min drive - 5.3 miles
  • Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - 23 min drive - 12.4 miles
  • Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village - 30 min drive - 15.9 miles
  • Lake Rotoiti - 48 min drive - 28.1 miles

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Robert Harris Cafe - Airport - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Terrace Airside - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Airstream Cafe - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Owhata Takeaways - ‬25 min drive

About this property

Solitaire Lodge

Luxury lodge with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
Solitaire Lodge offers free newspapers, a terrace, and laundry facilities. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with dry cleaning/laundry, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this luxury lodge include a TV in a common area, a garden, and a picnic area.
Guests can expect to find 40-inch LCD TVs with digital channels. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Free minibar items, balconies, and coffee makers are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Fishing
  • Helicopter/airplane tours
  • Kayaking
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No elevator

More

  • 1 floor
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 1980
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch LCD TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 900.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 900.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Solitaire Lake Tarawera
Solitaire Lodge
Solitaire Lodge Lake Tarawera
Solitaire Hotel Rotorua
Solitaire Lodge Lodge
Solitaire Lodge Lake Tarawera
Solitaire Lodge Lodge Lake Tarawera

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do near Solitaire Lodge?

This lodge is located in Lake Tarawera within a short 10-minute walk of Lake Tarawera. You'll also find Lake Okareka and Buried Village within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Solitaire Lodge?

As of Jun 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Solitaire Lodge on Jun 13, 2025 start from $1,076.06, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Solitaire Lodge?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge.

Does Solitaire Lodge feature a casino on the premises?

No, Solitaire Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Solitaire Lodge?

No, there is no indoor pool at this lodge.

Is Solitaire Lodge a good place to stay for couples?

This boutique lodge offers plenty of amenities for couples including a bar, a restaurant, and private dining.

Are there hot tubs at Solitaire Lodge?

No, this lodge doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Solitaire Lodge have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Solitaire Lodge doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Solitaire Lodge allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Solitaire Lodge though service animals are welcome.

Does Solitaire Lodge have connecting rooms?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Solitaire Lodge?

The closest major airport to Solitaire Lodge is Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional), which is 15.7 mi away (35 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Solitaire Lodge?

Yes, every guestroom at Solitaire Lodge comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or mountain views.

Solitaire Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The.staff, facility and dining is as good as anywhere in the world. Combine that with the beauty of the location and you’ll never want to leave.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Service was excellent, food was great, Common lounge areas were comfortable, our room had fantastic lake views but the resort itself generally needs updating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Heaven on earth and worth the price.

Wayne and Ingrid have created the ultimate high end vacation retreat in the most beautiful lakeside setting imaginable. Our room “Tarawera” was on the second floor with two sun decks and floor to ceiling windows on all sides. The full dining was as good as it gets. Every staff member was a prize, especially Pip and Nick, who take over when the owners are in Auckland running their hotel there. We stayed for two weeks and between the boating, hiking, helicoptering, geothermal bathing, in-room massages, and endless nearby adventures, we never ran out of things to do. We absolutely hated to leave.
Stayed 15 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pure heaven! We travel A LOT and this is one of the top experiences that we have EVER had!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
decent place but bit outdated

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Total Relaxation

We chose solitaire lodge as primarily a place to relax after 7 days of hiking. While others at the lodge scheduled days full of activities coordinated by the lodge (not included), we didn't really want to leave our room. The rooms have a wonderful relaxing view of the water and the volcano mountain. The rooms themselves were very comfortable, peaceful, relaxing with a comfy bed and sofa and floor to ceiling windows and a soaking tub with a large picture window of the same. The common areas were also very relaxing with great views. It is not fancy, opulent, but with a very comfortable homey lodge feeling. The hosts Pip and Nick were always there in the background waiting to assist you with whatever you wanted on or offsite. The only negative is that it is far from everything, so there is always a 80-90$NZ taxi/lodge ride one way - unless you chose the helicopter tour that lands in their backyard. The all inclusive includes your meals, but not your alcohol at meals, but does include your mini bar in your room. Seems that a glass of wine at meals should be included with your meal if it is included while in your room, but not worth debating.

8/10 Good

S & S, Napier

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful Lodge & One of those places to comeback

Still having good time here.. Eligent dining area Beautiful view Nice lounge area & of course the bedrooms Nice & pleasant service from each n every one in the lodge.. Away from town in middle of Nature. Kind Regards A couple from Emirates :)

10/10 Excellent

Claire P.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

NZ Road Trip

The lodge was fantastic and Gary a wonderful and generous host!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel located away from Rotorua

Superbly situated on a beautiful and secluded lake easily accessible to Rotorua and nearby activities. Impeccable service and well-appointed rooms. Unfortunately at Solitaire for one night-three nights would have been ideal.

8/10 Good

Gustav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

love it!

the hosts are so nice. love my room and our friends love theirs. The cat and rabbit make the hotel feel more like home. will definitely come back when i got a chance

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Solitaire Lodge

Staff were really attentive, attention to detail was faultless, surroundings , room, service, food and wine were all 10 out of 10. It was an amazing experience that will stay with us for years to come. Thank you

10/10 Excellent

Karen, Tauranga, New Zealand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic

It was the most relaxing and refreshing experience, Wonderful staff excellent menu felt really spoiled can't wait to go back again Thank you Wayne & Ingrid

10/10 Excellent

Phillip, Doha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Luxury hideaway.

A special experience and a superb setting. One night was not enough; a minimum of three nights is needed to be able to appreciate what the Lodge has on offer, and to fully relax.

10/10 Excellent

Sameer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing!

Excellent! Must Go.

8/10 Good

Andres

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Un Lugar Mitico

ES uno de los lugares mas hermosos de Nueva Zelanda, el sitio, el persona, las isntalaciones, todo es perfecto.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

thaise, sao paulo, brazil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfeitos

A única coisa que nos deu trabalho durante nossa estadia no Solitaire Lodge foi usar o cofre, por ser complicado de usar. Pois todo o resto do hotel foi simplesmente PERFEITO! Nossos anfritriões eram ótimos, a comida era sensacional, nos deram ótimas dicas, oferecem um coquetel pre-jantar que foi super legal, pois você consegue conversar com outros hóspedes e não fica entediado nunca! Muito muito obrigada Nick, Pip e Mike, por todo o carinho conosco!