"City Lights is in a great location tucked away on the side of the mountain just outside Rotarua yet it's convenient for getting into the city and for moving around the area."
Nick D
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"Wonderful stay in peaceful surroundings with a great view down into Rotorua."
Thomas
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4-star Boutique Lodge in Rotorua with Scenic Views
Accommodations
City Lights Boutique Lodge offers diverse lodging options including three ensuite rooms and a fully equipped self-catering apartment. The Tui Suite includes a private lounge area and a verandah with outdoor seating to enjoy mountain views. The cottage provides a garden and deck area, ideal for those seeking additional privacy.
Location
Set on 1 hectares of land on Mount Ngongotaha, the lodge overlooks Rotorua with stunning views of both countryside and city. Guests can reach the city center in just 8 minutes by car, providing access to local restaurants and attractions. Nearby experiences include Rotorua Canopy Tours, Skyline Gondola, and Polynesian Spa.
Dining
A complimentary continental breakfast is included for all guests, featuring homemade muesli, fresh fruit, and homemade preserves. The guest lounge allows for relaxation after meals, furnished with a leather suite and 50' Smart TV. Barbecues and outdoor cooking facilities are also available for self-catering options.
Wellness
The lodge provides a spa room equipped with an infrared sauna, promoting relaxation after a day of exploration. On-site fitness opportunities include gym access for those looking to stay active during their stay. Outdoor seating areas with sun loungers enhance the wellness experience.
Pet-Friendly Features
City Lights Boutique Lodge welcomes guests to meet and feed their friendly alpacas, providing a unique interaction for animal lovers. On-site pets include Oscar the cat who enjoys the company of visitors. This adds a special element to the stay, making it engaging for all ages.
“Perched on a hillside, the elevated location truly lives up to the lodge's name, providing breathtaking vistas over Rotorua. The genuine warmth of the hosts, David and Grace, is palpable, their local knowledge and thoughtful touches elevating a comfortable stay into something truly special, particularly their homemade breakfast delights. It's a quiet retreat, best enjoyed with personal transport, offering a genuine connection to the surrounding landscape and its charming residents.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Boutiquehotel
Select your room type
Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Suite
2 persons
360 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Sauna
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Sauna
room details
Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Heating
Sauna
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
Facilities: Perfect
9.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Golf course
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Spa & Leisure
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa centre
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Facial
Treatment room
Beauty treatment
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Washing machine
Free toiletries
Sink
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
Flat-screen TV
In-room computer
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Location
56C Mountain Road, Rotorua, 3015,
Map view
City landmarks
Race track
Skyline Rotorua
1.6 mi
Zoo
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
1.7 mi
Theme Park
Skyswing Rotorua
4700 ft
Landmark
Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
3700 ft
Landmark
Ngongotaha
4100 ft
Gallery
3D Trick Art Gallery
1.8 mi
Nature reserve
Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop
3500 ft
Landmark
Faith Christian Centre
3400 ft
Landmark
Rotorua Bible Baptist Church
3600 ft
Landmark
Splash 'N Catch Charters
5200 ft
Landmark
Mitai Maori Village
1.6 mi
Landmark
Te Puia
3.7 mi
Landmark
New Heights Reformed Baptist Fellowship
1.0 mi
Landmark
SkyLine & Luge
1.2 mi
Landmark
Kuirau Park
2.4 mi
Landmark
Grumpy's Transfers & Tours
1.3 mi
Nearby
Western Heights
Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
2700 ft
Nature reserve
Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop
3500 ft
Explore Rotorua
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Skyline Rotorua
30 minutes' walk
Scenic gondola rides offer stunning views, plus thrilling luging and mountain biking trails for adventure seekers.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
30 minutes' walk
This wildlife park showcases native birds and a Kiwi conservation center, featuring interactive experiences and breathtaking views.
Mitai Maori Village
30 minutes' walk
Authentic cultural experiences with traditional performances, including storytelling, songs, and a delicious hāngī feast.
3D Trick Art Gallery
30 minutes' walk
An interactive art gallery where guests can take creative photos with optical illusions and vivid 3D artworks on display.
Skyline Rotorua Gondola
30 minutes' walk
A calming gondola ride to majestic views, coupled with dining options and biking trails for varied interests.
Skyswing Rotorua
18 minutes' walk
An adrenaline-pumping swing experience with breathtaking views perfect for thrill-seekers looking for excitement.
Eat Streat
5 minutes' drive
A vibrant dining precinct featuring a variety of cuisines, from gourmet burgers to local delicacies in a lively atmosphere.
The Pig & Whistle Historic Pub
5 minutes' drive
A historic pub with a cozy ambiance, offering classic Kiwi dishes, excellent craft beers, and live music entertainment.
Rotorua Arts Village
5 minutes' drive
A cultural hub showcasing local art, craft workshops, and exhibitions with family-friendly events and workshops available.
The Backbencher Pub
5 minutes' drive
A lively atmosphere with regular live music, trivia nights, and a great selection of local beers, perfect for a fun night out.
Getting around
City Centre
Rotorua 7 min · 2.7 mi
Airports
Rotorua Regional (ROT) 24 min · 9.6 mi
Tauranga (TRG) 104 min · 43.1 mi
Bus
Bus stop 6 min · 2.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-18:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Reviews and Ratings
Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Staff
10.0/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Prime location
Stunning views
Friendly owners
Quaint cottage
Personal touches
Cons
Firm bed
Noisy roof
Guest reviews
based on 21 reviews
9.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.