Solitaire Lodge
Rotorua, New Zealand
At a Glance
Throughout the summer months you can swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tarawera
The perfect hideaway - close enough to enjoy Rotorua, but hidden away behind pockets of native forest
Take the Lodge's boat across the lake to bathe in the thermal springs
Warm and welcoming hospitality add to the feeling of staying on a private lakeside estate
Indulge in the finest New Zealand cuisine, complemented by a superb selection of fine New Zealand wines
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Best time to Visit
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The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
Insider's View
Explore Lake Tarawera for yourself on one of the Lodge's small boats or take a knowledgeable guide if you fancy your chances against some local Rainbow Trout
Land on NZ's most active Volcano - White Island or view from above the massive crater rift of the dormant Mt. Tarawera. Volcanic Air Safaris offer the best geothermal and volcanic viewing from above. I have to say I will remember the views for the rest of my life.
Spend the morning with ‘Multi Day Adventures’ who can tailor fantastic activities for you. For those who are more adventurous, definitely take on white water rafting on the Kaituna, which is such a fun and exhilarating way to spend a couple of hours.
Definitely make sure you get a trip in over to the hot pool on the other side of the lake – it is so secluded, you might even get it all to yourself!
Make sure to take lodge's boat to the hot pool before breakfast. It's an amazing experience and you'll most likely be the only people there.
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation to Solitaire Lodge or take a look at our itineraries to Central North Island
Description
A paradise of tranquillity and relaxation amidst a wonderland of bush and lakes, the boutique, luxury Solitaire Lodge has been described as “the most beautiful lakeside position anywhere in the world”, on the outskirts of Rotorua.
Solitaire Lodge is perched in solitary splendour on the tip of a bush-clad peninsula overlooking magnificent Lake Tarawera and is the perfect place to base yourself for kayaking, lakeside walks and trout fishing or to relax and do absolutely nothing in the welcoming, serene retreat of this luxury hotel.
Solitaire Lodge's suites are sublimely luxurious and each have either lake, lagoon or mountain views visible from their floor to ceiling windows or from their private balconies. All have spacious living and dining areas and there is also a two-bedroom suite and a private villa available for those traveling with larger parties or families.
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used by the chef to create fabulous New Zealand cuisine and are complemented by a superb selection of the country's wine. Relax in the lounge in front of the open fire with a book from the lodge's library or enjoy the bar facilities at hand for guests. The atmosphere here is relaxed and homely, with pre-dinner drinks and canapés feeling more like a house party than a hotel.
Solitaire Lodge offers an abundance of activities from boat charter and trout fishing to helicopter flights and natural hot water springs. A knowledgeable Maori guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua and tell you Maori stories and legends or you can discover the beauty of Lake Tarawera Falls on a 3-hour walk along the river.
Accommodation
Solitaire Lodge's six Lake and Lagoon Suites have balconies with dazzling views and are spacious with lounge/dining areas and all mod cons. The Tarawera Suite has stunning panoramic views from the balcony across the lagoon to the majestic summit of Mount Tarawera. The two-bedroom Solitaire Suite has a second small bedroom, perfect for children and has a breathtaking outlook across the glassy lake. The Villa also has two bedrooms and a striking deck overlooking the inner lagoon and its birdlife.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at Solitaire Lodge and will revel in the lakeside setting and the long list of outdoor adventures to be had here. Children under 12 years are requested to dine in their suite, terrace or in the dining room before 6pm. There are no specific facilities for children at Solitaire Lodge except for babysitting which can be arranged on request.
Facilities
The main lodge is home to a restaurant with both indoor and al fresco dining serving the finest in fresh, New Zealand cuisine. There is also a lounge with floor to ceiling windows and stunning panoramic lake views and a bar and library. The lodge has a private jetty from where many of the watersports are accessed and there is also a therapy room for massage, health and beauty treatments as well as a terrace spa pool overlooking the lake.
Activities
Activities during your stay at Solitaire Lodge include the use of motorized dinghies, kayaks, trout gear and tackle and there are some wondrous lake walks. For an additional charge, charter boats, fishing expeditions, a fly fishing guide, sightseeing guide, beach expeditions, golf, mountain bikes, helicopter and floatplane flights and jet boat safaris can be organized. Rotorua is only a 20-minute drive and is New Zealand's thermal capital, with many geysers and thermal parks to explore.
Reviews
Charlotte Winter (Staff)
Set right by Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge is a charming property with the most spectacular views over the water. If you're looking for a property in Rotorua where you can put your feet up and relax - or even take part in some of the lake activities - then this is a great choice. Dinner here was delicious and the rooms were extremely comfortable, but the highlight was definitely waking up in the morning, drawing back the curtains and getting to enjoy the views over the lake from my private wooden deck. I could have sat there for hours!
Anna Chaplin (Staff)
Located on Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge offers a little slice of heaven. The views are stunning and with only 60 houses in the area, this really is the place to come to escape from it all! The rooms feel like modern country homes and are very comfortable and have everything you possibly need to enjoy your time there. With so much to explore right from your door step, including the lake which can be accessed by kayaks or their own speedboat, as well as a secluded hot pool across the lake. This place is just so relaxing, the only problem is you will wish you had booked more time there!
Sarah Rowan (Staff)
Set in the most breathtakingly picturesque location on the banks of Lake Tarawera, Solitare wins the award for one of the quietest, most tranquil settings you will find. From your private balcony (in all suites) you can enjoy the views with a glass of something chilled and feel totally relaxed in the quiet and beauty of the surroundings. It feels like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can arrive there by car, by boat, or (the most impressive option) by helicopter onto their front lawn. In the summer the jetty makes an excellent place to jump in and out of the water to cool off, or even hop on one of their kayaks or dingy's to explore the lake. The Solitare Suite and The Villa are great two bedroom options for families and have an excellent set up. The space and views definitely make up for the slightly dated interiors.
Katie Kennard (Staff)
In the most peaceful setting on a private peninsula overlooking Lake Tarawera lies Solitaire Lodge. Its a short 40 minute drive from Rotorua or a very nifty helicopter ride with cracking views of all the lakes and volcanic activity nearby. The rooms are beautiful with views from practically every angle, not forgetting the views from the bath! You will experience the splendour of nature as you sit on your spacious balcony. Its so tranquil, you will lose track of time and feel so at ease in your surroundings. The lodge is moments from the shore line where you can take out kayaks to explore the lake, and visit some thermal pools by boat. The staff are incredibly friendly and will sort you out with a refreshing drink on arrival. It's the perfect place to settle in and enjoy a book with a cold drink.
Olivia Smith (Staff)
Solitaire quite rightly boasts the most beautiful lakeside position in the world, it really does have the most incredible position atop a hill looking out over the glassy Lake Tarawera. The property boasts very cosy comfortable rooms with amazing views out to the Lake and enormous picture windows to take in the view.
Solitaire is wonderful year round, being extremely cosy and welcoming in winter, with roaring fires and cosy corners and in summer, the lodge opens up to the fresh air an amazing views and you can swim in the lake to cool off on a hot afternoon.
The service is welcoming and warm and you really do feel incredibly special here. I would highly recommend trying a glass of water straight from Lake Tarawera - it is so fresh and pure!
Experiences
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A private tour of Hobbiton - A Tolkien Day Out
Enter the world of Tolkien and discover the magical setting made famous by The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Once quoted by Peter Jackson as being 'a slice of ancient England', discover the hobbit holes on a guided tour of the movie set.
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Cruising Lake Rotoiti onboard Tiua (Shared)
Enjoy a luxury eco cruising experience aboard Tiua – a luxury 53ft catamaran, moored on the idyllic shores of Lake Rotoiti.
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Discover the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Shared)
Sail under a canopy of the thousands of tiny glow-worms that illuminate the Waitomo Caves, their incredible luminescence creating a magical serenity as you glide through the waters of the Waitomo River.
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Fly Fishing Taupo - Privately Guided
Get to experience first hand the world renowned Taupo fishery. With your private guide you can be assisted in the art of fishing and finesse your skills in this beautiful and largely unexplored area.
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Helicopter to White Island ( Shared)
Words cannot express the experience that is walking on the active crater floor of White Island, an active volcano 52km off the Bay of Plenty coastline. This unique lunar landscape is an integral part of the Pacific ring of fire.
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Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti Full Day Private Kayaking Adventure
The waters of Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti are yours to explore by kayak as you spend a full day in the scenic surrounds of the lake with your private guide.
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Mountain Biking in the Redwood Forest (Private)
The Redwoods Forest has one of the oldest mountain bike networks in the country. Over 140 kms of master crafted trails offer an unbeatable blend of riding surfaces, topography and scenery.
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Pure Rotorua Experience (Private)
Experience the best of Rotorua, with a scenic helicopter flight, immersive encounter with a Maori community and a flight to the lunar landscape of the White Island, topped off with a luxury sailing trip to soak in the geothermal waters of the hot pools.
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Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter (Shared)
Rainbow Springs is set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams and is home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s wildlife, particularly the shy but iconic Kiwi. This is the place to come face to face with New Zealand's famous avian inhabitant.
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Solitaire Lodge - Visit the Tarawera Thermal Springs
Enjoy an early morning visit to the Tarawera thermal springs during your stay at Solitaire Lodge. Best accessed before breakfast, you will travel by launch boat to bathe in the soothing hot springs of Lake Tarawera.
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Te Po Evening Experience at Te Puia (Shared)
Immerse yourself in Maori culture with an evening of storytelling, food and entertainment, as well as a chance to visit some of Rotorua’s stunning natural sights.
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Te Puia Daytime Experience (Shared)
Home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia is a cultural center just 5-minutes from the center of Rotorua. Immerse yourself in Maori culture and visit the Pohutu Geyser during your visit to the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
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Tongariro Crossing (Private)
Often described as the best one day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic, volcanically active areas of New Zealand, to the saddle between the Tongariro and Ngauruhoe mountains.
Vacation Ideas
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Classic New Zealand
Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch
from $8300 pp 13 nights
- Explore the highlights of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand
- Perfect for couples or families alike
- A great itinerary for those wanting to explore New Zealand by car, at their own pace
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Classic New Zealand
Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Nelson, Kaikoura, Christchurch
from $8300 pp 13 nights
- Explore the highlights of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand
- Perfect for couples or families alike
- A great itinerary for those wanting to explore New Zealand by car, at their own pace
Location & directions
Rotorua, New Zealand
Solitaire Lodge is set on a private peninsular overlooking Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island.