Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua - New Zealand Luxury Travel

A Tranquil Retreat on Lake Tarawera

There are few places as peaceful and picturesque as Solitaire Lodge. Set on the tranquil shores of Lake Tarawera near Rotorua, this exclusive retreat offers refined luxury immersed in nature. With panoramic views, native bush, and volcanic landscapes, it’s a place to unwind, explore, and savour the essence of New Zealand.

YOUR STAY

Solitaire Lodge offers nine luxurious suites, each designed to showcase the serene beauty of Lake Tarawera. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the lake and Mount Tarawera, while freestanding baths invite you to soak in the stillness. From the expansive Tarawera Suite to the private lakeside Villa and elevated Executive Suite, every space is a sanctuary of calm, with open-plan layouts, rich timber detailing, full board dining, and thoughtful touches that elevate the experience to luxury.

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YOUR EXPERIENCES

Solitaire Lodge offers a curated collection of experiences designed to immerse you in the wild beauty of Lake Tarawera. Glide across tranquil waters by kayak or private boat, fish for trophy-sized trout, or bathe in remote thermal springs at dawn. Scenic trails lead to secluded waterfalls and geothermal hot springs, while exclusive helicopter adventures unveil dramatic volcanic landscapes—offering a rare perspective of Rotorua’s extraordinary geothermal heart.

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DINING

Dining at Solitaire Lodge is a refined culinary journey that celebrates the essence of New Zealand’s seasonal bounty. Mornings begin with a beautifully prepared breakfast, while evenings unfold with five-course degustation dinners paired with exceptional regional wines. Whether enjoying a relaxed lunch overlooking Lake Tarawera or a gourmet picnic on a remote excursion, every dish is thoughtfully crafted—showcasing premium local produce, fresh seafood, and contemporary flavours with a distinctive New Zealand character.

YOUR ARRIVAL

Your journey to Solitaire Lodge is both effortless and scenic. Just a 30-minute drive from Rotorua, the lodge can also be reached by water taxi, offering a unique 20-minute arrival via Lake Tarawera’s crystal-clear waters. For an unforgettable experience, opt for a 10-minute helicopter transfer from Rotorua Airport, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of volcanic peaks and pristine landscapes. Alternatively, guests can arrive by private transfer or rental car, enjoying a picturesque route through rolling countryside.

Geothermal Wonders by Helicopter

Begin your adventure at the lodge’s private helipad, where a breathtaking aerial journey lifts you over Rotorua’s dramatic volcanic landscape. Land atop Mount Tarawera for a guided walk along its crater edge, before soaring above the vivid geothermal lakes of Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu. Extend the experience with a descent into Orakei Korako—a hidden geothermal valley of geysers and hot springs—before returning to the lodge, enriched by extraordinary perspectives of this volcanic heartland.

Solitarie Lodge

Perched on a private peninsula overlooking Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge sits just 20 kilometres southeast of Rotorua, at the heart of New Zealand’s North Island volcanic plateau. This region lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most geothermally active areas on Earth. Towering above the lake at 1,111 metres, Mount Tarawera is famed for its dramatic 1886 eruption—a defining moment in New Zealand’s history. Today, its legacy shapes the land’s remarkable raw natural energy.

Solitaire Lodge