Name: Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort
Address: 77 Robinson Avenue, Rotorua, 3042, NZ

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Varun

Very nice property and excellent location

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jul 2026

Barbara

Location was great so close to the lake was disappointed we we given a disable suit otherwise it would have been excellent

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2026

Ben

Staff were very welcoming and accommodating. Very clean and perfect location by the lake.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Anushka

Location was great. Clean place and very nice stuff.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Peter

The staff were great, l also appreciated the location, hot tubs and room facilities. A good restaurant menu at reasonable prices and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals.
The only improvements would be for one of the pools to be heated and better TV channel coverage but neither spoilt our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Albert

The location was awesome Right on the lake edge Lots of walkways to parks And barbecue areas that the receptionist didn't know about And was going to put on there things to do list And proximity to airport for tourist travel So win win Will go there again

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

Vera

Needed a quilt on my bed as it only had a sheet so I was happy to receive a quilt and blanket. Heap pump is there but I dont use a heat pump.
Staff are excellent, Room service excellent, highly recommend Tom Yum Prawns. Great hospitality. Booked for next month and a few of other Students have changed accommodation to Waiora so that's Word.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Jackie

Very clean room

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Cristian Alejandro

Great spot!

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2026

Stacey

Great location

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Niamh

Restaurant had odd options for breakfast! Could only get beer cider or wine at the bar... no barman available for spirits! Diy style finish to bathroom. Staff lovely

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

28 Mar 2026

Luke

Very dated and pool and spa not clean

Partner

4/10

Poor

26 Mar 2026

Vanessa

Too many minor issues with our room such as a broken shower head, carpet tacks sticking out of carpet, two single beds joined together but advertised as a extra large double bed, broken phone and kettle etc, reduced the enjoyment of our stay. I would not stay here again

8/10

Excellent

26 Mar 2026

charles

I appreciated the linens and room was fine. typical dated small resort with limited desk staff hours but a good value. the hot tubs were the kind you have at home and the pool was not heated so the pool was not used. sauna and steam room appeared unused and not inviting. location is outside the main town without direct lake access. with a car it was easy to get around so saving a few bucks here is fine. I would have dined in but the restaurant didn't seem to have much use and the prices were about $10 per item above downtown restaurants that have turnover. I didn't eat here or use the spa services which are available.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Catherine

Friendly

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Mar 2026

Samir

The tv not working

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2026

Matthew

Room was clean, staff was extremely friendly and kindly showed us hospitality upon knowing we were on our honeymoon. The only issue was that our AC unit didn’t work. Otherwise a great stay!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Rosaria

Lovely quiet location with a good restaurant.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 Feb 2026

DAWN

the room was OK and the limited staff were run off their feet and not answering the telephone when dialing from the room to reception.
The dinner to our room was only mediocre for the price.
very narrow corridors to the rooms.
Booking in was slow and long winded considering that we had booked well in advance.

Friends

4/10

Poor

13 Feb 2026

Amy

This place should not be called a \"spa\" or a resort\". It is a motel. it's run down and one of the pools is so dirty it looks like it is hazardous to get in it. The main pool was better but still needed cleaning. The bathroom was also gross. There was a spa tub that looked like it hadn't been cleaned after too many uses and the shower was in need of a scrub. Our first morning the guests next door we're walking out at the same time as us. A man said to us: \"hey, neighbors\" and then \"F-you\" and then him and his partner both started laughing. Maybe they were drunk? This was 10:30 in the morning. We ended up changing our plans and leaving a day early as we didn't feel comfortable staying there. When checking out early the receptionist asked why. We expressed our concerns and all she said in response was \"I can't give you a refund\" despite us never asking for one. We were just happy to get out of there.

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2026

Michelle

The room was in good condition but the walls are a bit thin. We were placed next to the table at the pool and could hear every word. Good room and decent bed.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Jan 2026

Kerry

Nice unit by the lake. Didn’t use restaurant. Loved the pool.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Cindy

A beautiful location and very friendly and helpful staff at check in

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2026

Peter

A very helpful staff. Clean rooms. The dining room was pleasant and both the breakfast and dinner of good quality, tasty and good value.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

18 Jan 2026

Bonnie

This property is in need of a lot of updates and maintenance.the one hpttub was not working right and the othe 2 were empty.Sauna was turned off so it took a ling time for it to start.Steam room did not work and the pool wasvloudy 2 out of 3 days.Although staff was courteous there was a lack of English language communications. Our safe did not open and there was no one with an override key on the job when we needed it.thismade me wonder why iused Expedia to prequalify the property.This was the highest price for the poorest value for our holiday in NewZealand.2026

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jan 2026

Gavin

Overall I enjoyed my stay, there are some things that could be improved. The main negative was the Spa treatment - best go elsewhere.

Things I liked
The staff were polite and friendly.
Check-in and check-out were hassle free.
The room was spacious, the AC worked, the fridge was quiet, the shower was hot and the bed was clean and comfortable.
Breakfast was reasonably priced - although service was slow and there was only one other table at the time.

Room to improve.
Checked out the Spa pools but they were cold.
They only had filter coffee at breakfast - had to go elsewhere for a flat white
The room was a bit tired, the sink and toilet had some staining, cupboards and vanity doors misaligned, and AC unit could use a clean out. Generally just wear and tear, everything still worked.
The shampoo and body wash supplied were pretty average, best to take your own.

The negative.
I'd booked a massage for my wife prior to our arrival.
Over the phone they said they didn't have anyone to do manicures or pedicures which was fine.
My wife tells me the massage and facial were pretty average. Better than not having a massage but only just.
The staff member didn't speak much English, fortunately my wife knows some Mandarin.
For the price the massage and facial weren't good value.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2026

Tyran

Place is rather run down and in need of a refresh. Price does not reflect quality.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2026

Barrie

The staff is very sensitive and accommodating to your every wants and needs. outstanding customer service

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2025

Tan Yin

Room is spacious

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Dec 2025

Juanita

Room was very clean and staff very friendly and attentive.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Dec 2025

James

Nice getaway for 2 nights. Loved the lake view from the room and having my own spa.

Best to prebook hotel transfer to airport as it's not always ready on the go.

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2025

Ashley Te

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at the resort. We found the amenities to be clean and tidy. Our room and daily servicing were great for what we paid. Some amenities such as the sauna and steam room were slightly dated or were in need of repair - this was one of the original selling points for why we booked, so was a little disappointed to see that they weren't up to standard. We didn't eat at the restaurant, but it looked nicely presented. The staff were kind, friendly and accommodating to our overall needs.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2025

Lorna

Our room was lovely and clean and the lady at reception was kind and helpful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Matthew

Had a great time. Would recommend to anyone

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Dec 2025

Christopher

This “resort” feels a bit tired and in need of some TLC. Staff are overworked but friendly. Location is good just a few miles out of Rotorua’s busy town center.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Dec 2025

David

This stay was much better than we had expected having read a lot of negative reviews. The room was a good size and. clean.
If there was a criticism it would be.that they seemed short staffed, however when we.were.there a new member of staff started so hopefully this issue will be.sorted.soon..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2025

Pip

Great place to stay with pool, spa, restaurant and bar. We really enjoyed our time there

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2025

Karen

Lovely staff

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

22 Nov 2025

DAVIN

The room was very average dor the price

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2025

Candy

We loved the quiet, the room was lovey and clean. However there was no cutlery not even a teaspoon to stir coffee. A couple of plates would have been handy to have snacks on. The spa pools could have been hotter. The location was superb, grounds and gardens beautifully maintained. Staff awesome. All very pleasant and accommodating. The restaurant area and food so so good.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Nov 2025

Margaret

This place has a beautiful view of the lake and the pool is kept up very well. It’s obvious that this hotel was once very nice, unfortunately it is showing its age, and needs updating. The pictures online do not match the current state. The vanity in our bathroom had a broken door and the shower sprayed water out the side. The walls are very thin and you can hear every noise outside. The outdoor sauna and steam room looked like they hadn’t been used in a while, and were not operational when we checked.

On a brighter note, the bar and restaurant were very nice, and the front desk attendants were very friendly and helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2025

Shauna

Lovely caring helpful staff. Good location.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Oct 2025

Darren

didnt use the restaurant, but looked nice
towels changed and room tidied nicely.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Oct 2025

Ranjith

Clean Room, parking was good, Helpful staff

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Oct 2025

D H

No real view and the so called spa was mostly not operational. Spas were cold and dirty...hot pool was cold. Only the sauna was working. Swimming pool area was nice.
I think this place has seen better days because my friend said she was here years ago and the pool in spa area was hot and a waiter came to the pool to serve them the cocktails they had ordered

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

Yang

Very quiet place

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Nancy

Excellent service, staff are very friendly and accommodating. Clean room and very comfortable bed. Great location, nice and peaceful. Good meals at the restaurant, nice surroundings and atmosphere. Would love to ho back in the summer.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2025

Michael

Good staff
Good restaurant

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2025

rachel

Amazing

4/10

Poor

11 Sep 2025

Leitia

Cat piss smell at the front door on the carpet. Showers were cold. The staff apologised and provided a cooked breakfast.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Emma

The staff were lovely , was a nice relacing place right next to the lake

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

25 Aug 2025

Malcolm

Didn't like poor in-room maintenance of equipment like heat pump. Didn't like having only one key to the room when there were two of staying. King size bed was zipped combination of two mattresses and was not comfortable because of that.

Personel did well, were attentive and helpful. Dining room was good.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Aug 2025

Sarah

I think you require a vehicle to travel around the surrounding area..Nice view however you better suited to stay in the Ibis local to restarants and cafes.This place is very peaceful calm yet dated(limited channels, the internal spa looked like it needed a good scrub)..The receptionist staff was lovely..limited information about the area.There is a bus that gets you into town make sure you purchase tap card..Ubers to town are 28 dollars.So if you dont drive pick somewhere close to town and tours wont pick you up from here.There is an apparent shuttle bus that the hotel offers you to town but the driver was not available

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2025

Jiyeon

Super beautiful view of the lake! Everything was great and comfy!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

22 Jul 2025

Jocelia

Noisy neighbors who I think are long term residents. Would think they'd be housed together in one area while other guests stay in another area. Felt unsafe.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 Jul 2025

JOseph

Easy access accommodation, a little out of town, easy to get to redwoods

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2025

Michaela

Quiet and clean , more then enough supplies for the stay we had that were topped up before they ran out,staff was lovely also.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jul 2025

Khouanmina

It's quiet far from city centre

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Gabrielle

Handy to the airport. Warm and clean.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2025

Cody

The resort is in a nice area with beautiful scenery, only down part was the pressure in the shower wasn’t the best, and would be good if there were plates and cutlery in the room, enjoyed my stay would stay again👍

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2025

Miriama

Food was amazing in the resturant! Our room was nice and worth its money.
Very happy!

Business_and_leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Jun 2025

abha

The shower pressure wad so bad and we had trouble adjusting the water temperature.

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2025

Tryphena

Communication was a bit tricky over the phone, but the staff sorted out the issues that arose quickly and without to much fuss.
The units were pretty compact, but clean and tidy. We had a heat pump, but turned it off while we slept, so recommend adding a couple of extra blankets to the room.
Handy having a restaurent onsite, dinner was lovely.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2025

Victor

Very good service. Convenient location. Beautiful views.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2025

Wellington

Beautiful hotel next to the lake.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2025

Vicki

Long way out of the town,

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Apr 2025

Michelle

A quiet location out of town on the lake, with free parking. The young staff seemed a bit anxious, warned me about the trout flies that can be about(not a problem for Aussies). The room was clean but a strange layout, beware that the toilet is directly opposite the door. The restaurant was expensive with a limited menu, meat was overcooked. We had terrible weather, this would be better in summer. The pillows were very hard, the mattress ok.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Apr 2025

Rukileigh

Lovely stay just the parking a bit of walk if it rains and the lift doesn’t work so carting heavy bags up the stairs is inconvenient

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Apr 2025

Glen

Convenient, quiet location. Staff was excellent in all respects. Property seemed a little “tired” and dated in its room decor and presentation.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2025

Carmen

The resort is in a great location near the water and walkable to a McDonalds. The restaurant is quite pricey. We ordered pizza and ate in the pub area which was empty. Our room was absolutely filthy, with dead bugs on the night stand and smears on the ceilings and walls. The glass shelving hadn't been cleaned in ages. The bathroom was dank and smelled of mould. We requested a room changed and the lovely lady at the front desk was very accommodating. Our second room was much better, cleaner and the bathroom didn't smell. The pool and hot tub area were nice, however the hot tub had a nasty ring of gunk and slime. It's definitely due for a clean. We didn't get to try the spa as it was fully booked. We used the laundry facilities which was a nice bonus.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Mar 2025

anne-marie

We were greeted with an upgrade to a larger room It was very nice.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

11 Mar 2025

Elizabeth

Unfortunately this has to be the most disappointing stay we've had anywhere. Our check in went fine and we were told about the trout fly that seems to be hanging around. However when we opened our room door we were overcome with the smell of bug treatment (clearly to manage the trout fly issues). We opened up our windows and door to try and air out the room but the smell was so overpowering we both had headaches within a few minutes. We checked out and found accommodation elsewhere, there was no way we could sleep in a room with the overpowering smell of chemicals. I hope this changes for Wai Ora soon otherwise I would not recommend anyone stay here.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Mar 2025

Penelope

Was quiet and secure. Seemed short staffed during our stay. Our cocktail took at least 20 minutes to arrive. On checking out computers wouldn’t cooperate and had to work out manually what dinner and drinks were to be charged. Overall stay was good but maybe more staff tequired

6/10

Pleasant

01 Mar 2025

LAURA

Room was average but comfortable. Shower grout was moldy but otherwise clean. Restaurant had good food bit second day it was not hot enough.
Pretty views.

8/10

Excellent

27 Feb 2025

charlene

This was nice place on Lake Rotorua, convenient to sites. There is a bug problem at sunset. Nice park at the end of the rosd with trails along the lake.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2025

Willem

A true gem

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2025

sean

Awesome location and great staff. Restaurant and bar with great food.

Partner

4/10

Poor

19 Feb 2025

Virginia

Our room became invaded by trout flies in the evening. The manager called us “naughty” guests” for opening our windows which we shouldn’t have done but the sign about trout flies was small and not brought to our attention. The manager gave us a vacuum to deal with fly situation. Not great people skills!!

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2025

Ashley

Our stay at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort had some great highlights. The lakeside location is wonderful, allowing you to hear and enjoy the water with easy access from the hotel. The staff were fantastic and very helpful throughout our stay. While the overall atmosphere was quieter and more laid-back than we expected, it was still a peaceful getaway. It might not have had all the amenities we anticipated, but the serene environment and the friendly staff made it a nice experience overall.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2025

David

Beautiful lake view and nice room. I didn’t use the spa.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Feb 2025

Lynn

Out of town

The pool was out of action disappointingly and the bar shut quite early. We would have stayed in town had we realised we weren’t within walking distance of amenities.
However staff were really nice and the rooms were lovely. I have left a dress in the wardrobe and can’t seem to get an answer to my emails.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Feb 2025

Verified traveler

Disappointed

It was ok. Location ok by the lake with a short drive in the centre of the town. We had expected to have better facilities for self catering but as it has a restaurant I guess that’s not to be expected but we found the menu in the restaurant so uninspiring that we didn’t bother trying it. With patio doors right the way across the front of the room there was a lack of privacy for dressing/undressing and the bathroom was very small with a lack of hooks for hanging clothes etc whilst dressing so quite awkward unless curtains were kept closed all the time.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Feb 2025

Angela

This property is in a beautiful location by Lake Rotorua. The beds were comfortable and everything was clean. Howver, the spa facilities were unusable. The place seemed tired, and the staff jaded. They were slow to respond to reasonable requests, or simply did not respond. Eg when we asked for a few more hangers. The fridge was turned off but we were not told to turn it on, which could have been a problem with medication needing to be kept cold. It took them almost hour to serve breakfast and we were the only ones there! The pool was very cold and therefore unusable. I am sorry to say that it was an unsatisfactory start to a two week roadtrip. We had a problem with midges on the first night as we had not been told to keep doors and windows shut. We were not given any concessions for the inconvenience.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

28 Jan 2025

Sean

Bugs everywhere and very dated everything.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2025

Julian

Awesome quiet spot on the lake, perfect if you have a car to get you around to the local spots. Airport 5 mins away, lovely staff that had all the intel on the what-to-dos.
Jacuzzi and massages were a bonus

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jan 2025

Leiana

This is the second time I’ve stayed here and it’s been good. The room we booked was perfect area was good but we didn’t have hot water in our room for the few days we stayed there which was a bummer.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2025

John

Close to lake, quiet, safe, clean, excellent service, plenty of on site amenities

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2025

Nicole

We enjoyed our stay the staff were lovely. The accommodation was clean. They are in the middle of completing some maintenance the property will be amazing once this is completed. Will definitely stay again.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Jan 2025

Chris

Staff were not warm or friendly. Room was dirty - showers were yellow and worn.

There is no way this is a 4 star property. You can see how it might have been in the past but it certainly is not now.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2025

Patsy

Other than a “dead” deadbolt on our room door it was exceptional

2/10

Poor

05 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

One of the staff was ridiculously rude and unprofessional. I followed up with a request that was agreed upon by a different member with the said rude and unprofessional staff, they refused to offer us the service and was dismissive and disrespectful. Eventually they agreed to provide the service again, however we waited for more than an hour so we sorted out our situation between ourselves. We bumped into the said team and they spoke about us in a bad manner in their own language - which I happened to understand. I did confront them and said I do not deserve to be treated this way.

The resort itself looks like it has given up on renovations since late 90s to 2000s, in conclusion this is the first time ever I’m providing such a low rating.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2024

Janis

The staff working were very polite

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2024

Malcolm

Good value for money

The room was very comfortable and we slept well. Went for a swim in the lake. Staff were helpful. Food was good.

A little way out of town, which we liked

Convenient for local attractions

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Nov 2024

Vijay Kumar

Austin, the manager,s behaviour excellant
He accomodate all the time thanks Austin

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

12 Nov 2024

Mary

Broken Air conditioning, no screens in windows so lots of sand fleas inside. Shower temperature inconsistent. Sofa not very comfortable and felt stained. No cooktop.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Nov 2024

Christine

Lovely quiet place. Friendly helpful staff.

6/10

Pleasant

05 Nov 2024

Eleanor

The staff and location were great! However I would not necessarily call this a “resort” but it’s a nice hotel and it does the job! Quiet area but the walls are thin so you’ll hear your neighbor occasionally. Pool is not heated but there is a spa and sauna if you need it. Would recommend as a hotel but not as a resort.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

03 Nov 2024

Kerry

The pictures on the advert is nothing close to what the property was like,boring is the word i would use. You can see the that the property is not a busy one as the garden wasnt done. No room cleaning only new towels were left. I specified 2 separate beds but I was given a double. They did rectify the mistake. There is nothing special about this place and i definitely will not be returning.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Oct 2024

Sherie

Very old and needed a bit more aroha however staff were amazing and our Whanau enjoyed it. Just a bit of a walk with our bags up stairs etc.. would definitely stay again.

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2024

Jenifer

Good location, cozy room, lovely spa

Beautiful location! I recommend booking services with the spa while you stay here.
Rooms are lovely and the beds were comfortable. The onsite restaurant serves decent food and the bar was cozy.

Partner