Hillcrest Travel Guide
Rotorua
Popular places to visit
Polynesian Spa
Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.
Skyline Rotorua
Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.
Mitai Maori Village
For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.
Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village
You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Family Hot Pools and Freshwater Pool
Top hotels in Hillcrest
Rydges Rotorua
Reception could improve customer relations, buffet was over priced. Room was clean and spacious. Hotel was quiet at night. Would be nice for pool to stay open later.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Sudima Lake Rotorua
Felt that for the price the room was very dated, and an extremely soft bed didn't allow a good sleep. Breakfast was nice.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Absolutely lovely staff, close and convenient to eat street, clean and stocked room. This hotel is great as it also has a bar and restaurant!
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Pullman Rotorua
Pullman Rotorua is in a great central location in the heart of town. The staff, the few there were, were friendly. The robots all smiled. The check-in offerings to type your personal details into a giant screen, visible to everyone nearby, wasn't a great initial impression. Fortunate that I am tall ...
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Hotel’s location is handy, close to Eat Street and HotSprings. Plenty of parking, paid or off-street. Rooms as spacious. TV decent size and good channels. The bed is comfy but pillows need to be replaced, worn and tears appearing. Curtains had mould and stains. Bathroom facilities have seen better ...
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
ibis Rotorua
Clean room, bathroom felt a bit dated, light was on the brink. Good location, friendly staff.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Hillcrest
Glenholme
Though Glenholme may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market.
Utuhina
While Utuhina isn't home to many top sights, Rotorua Central Mall and Kuirau Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
Victoria
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Victoria and surrounding area, you can visit Rotorua Central Mall and Tamaki Maori Village.
Fenton Street
Spas and lake views are some things travellers note about Fenton Street. Check out Rotorua Central Mall or Polynesian Spa while you're familiarising yourself with the larger area.
Inner City
If you're spending some time in Inner City, Tamaki Maori Village and Rotorua Central Mall are top sights worth seeing.
Springfield
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Springfield and surrounding area, you can visit Rotorua International Stadium and Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
