Solitaire Lodge
Owner-run New Zealand lodge with a warm, unhurried atmosphere. Think overstuffed armchairs, floor-to-ceiling lake views, black swans drifting past the jetty, and a dining room where you actually get to know the other guests. Not flashy — the design is restrained and nature-forward — but deeply comfortable.
Book the Tarawera Thermal Springs excursion for early morning — bathe in the hot springs before breakfast while the lake is still glassy and other guests are asleep
Why It Matters
One of New Zealand's oldest luxury lodges, recognized by the Michelin Guide and part of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand. The private peninsula location on Lake Tarawera with Mount Tarawera as a backdrop is genuinely rare — very few properties in the world sit this close to an active volcanic landscape. Full-board tariff means meals, drinks, and kayaks are all covered.
Solitaire Lodge sits on a private peninsula jutting into Lake Tarawera, with Mount Tarawera's dormant volcanic crater filling the horizon. It is New Zealand's second-oldest luxury lodge — only Huka Lodge in Taupo predates it — and that history shows in the confidence of the operation. Nine suites, all meals included, dinghies on the jetty, and a kitchen that changes its menu daily. The remoteness is the whole point: you're 20–30 minutes down a winding road from Rotorua, and once you're in, there's almost no reason to leave.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Executive Suite
The entry-level suite is anything but basic. At 40 sqm plus a private deck, it has floor-to-ceiling windows framing Lake Tarawera, a super king bed, and a freestanding bath that looks straight out to the water. Heated bathroom floors, separate shower, air conditioning, 50" satellite TV, and a stocked mini bar. One suite in this category has an outdoor bathtub on the balcony — a standout feature worth requesting. Ground-floor location with accessible bathroom option in one room.
Super king (twin king-singles on request) · 40 sqm
Premium Executive Suite
Also 40 sqm, but repositioned for sweeping combined lake-and-mountain views — you see both Lake Tarawera and the volcanic summit of Mount Tarawera from the private balcony. Same layout as the Executive Suite with super king bed, freestanding bath, heated floors, and full board inclusions. The upgrade over the standard Executive is squarely about that panoramic sightline.
Super king (twin king-singles on request) · 40 sqm
Solitaire Suite
The flagship. Set in its own separate building away from the main lodge, it delivers total privacy and the lodge's most dramatic picture-window outlook across the glassy lake toward Mount Tarawera. Available as a 1-bedroom (75 sqm) or 2-bedroom (88 sqm). Large master bedroom, separate lounge, ensuite with heated floor, plus a second bathroom with freestanding bath for two. Private sundeck included. Guests consistently call out the unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views as the best on the property.
Super king (plus singles in 2BR configuration) · 75 sqm
Tarawera Suite
At 70 sqm plus private decks, this is a significant step up in space. Split-level layout with a generous bedroom, separate sitting area, and separate dining room — so it genuinely functions as a mini apartment. Uninterrupted views from the bay all the way up to Mount Tarawera's summit through floor-to-ceiling glass. First-floor location accessed by stairs. Heated bathroom floors, freestanding bath for two, separate shower.
Super king (twin king-singles on request) · 70 sqm
Villa Suite
A standalone villa available in one-bedroom (75 sqm) or two-bedroom (108 sqm) configuration. Designed for families or groups of friends. Large bedrooms, spacious open-plan living and dining, and a private balcony overlooking the bay. The two-bedroom version comfortably sleeps four adults. Ground-level access.
Super king and/or singles · 75 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Private 4WD vehicle takes guests to the base, followed by a guided hike to the 1,111m summit of Mount Tarawera. A longer alternative to the helicopter for those who want to earn the view.
Guided e-bike trails through the geothermal landscape and native forest around Lake Tarawera, taking in geothermal wonders and forest scenery without requiring serious cycling fitness.
Scenic helicopter flight from the lodge's private helipad over the volcanic landscape, landing on the summit crater of Mount Tarawera. The crater is impressive up close — this is an active geothermal area last erupted in 1886.
Use of lodge kayaks and motorized dinghies from the private jetty is complimentary and included in the room tariff. Paddle the protected Otumutu Lagoon, spot black swans, and explore native birdlife. A genuinely relaxed way to see the lake on your own terms.
Private beach on the lodge's peninsula for swimming and picnic lunches. Deep, clear lake water. Picnic lunch can be arranged by the kitchen on request.
Self-guided shoreline walk through native bush on the lodge's private peninsula. Short trails accessible directly from the property.
A guided walk through native bush to Tarawera Falls — a 65-metre waterfall reached via a scenic track. The lodge arranges a private boat excursion across the lake to the trailhead, followed by a 3-hour return walk along the river.
Private boat excursion on Lake Tarawera jigging and trolling through proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera consistently yields some of the largest trophy rainbow trout in the Southern Hemisphere. Guided by expert local guides. If you're lucky, tonight's dinner.
A 15-minute private launch excursion across the lake to natural hot springs. Best done early morning before breakfast when the lake is still and other guests are yet to stir. One of the signature experiences of staying here.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Main lodge lounge and bar area with views toward Mount Tarawera. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés served here from 7pm daily.
Deck dining with dramatic lake and volcano views. Lunch is frequently served outdoors; picnic options also available.
On-site concierge plus a pre-stay concierge service for guests who book direct. Handles activity bookings, dietary requirements, and travel arrangements.
All suites include a stocked mini bar with snacks, homemade baking, fresh fruit, tea and coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Pre-dinner and in-room alcoholic beverages are included in the tariff; additional alcohol is billed separately.
On-site helipad enabling direct helicopter transfers and scenic flights without leaving the property.
Private jetty on Lake Tarawera for lodge boat excursions, kayak and dinghy launch, and charter vessel arrivals.
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