Noho Lakeside Hotel
CLIENT | Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust
TYPE | Architecture, Interior Design, Documentation
SECTOR | HotelS, Hospitality
STATUS | Design Development
LOCATION | ROTORUA, NZ
HEIGHT | 27 m, 6 Storeys
SCALE | GFA: 10,850 sqm, SITE: 17,100 sqm, 197 Keys
COLLABORATION | DCA Architects of transformation
RENDERS | DCA Architects of transformation
Rotorua begins new chapter with culture-rich, lakeside Noho Hotel
A centuries-old love story rises from Rotorua's shoreline. We've joined forces with DCA Architects of Transformation to create Noho Hotel for Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust – a 197-room development that stands in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island.
Our collaboration marries DCA's cultural storytelling with our extensive experience delivering hotels across New Zealand. Together we're forging a new hospitality landmark that honours Māori narrative while driving local economic growth and tourism appeal through a design that speaks authentically to place and people.
"Noho Hotel adds a missing piece to Rotorua's tourism puzzle," says Director Hamish Davies. "The design combines cultural depth with commercial expertise in a way that will elevate Rotorua's hospitality offering."
Drawing from Māori mythology, the design tells the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai, with the building representing Hinemoa and the existing spa next door as Tūtānekai. Traditional elements like the ceremonial gateway entrance align with Māori principles, while feathered screens wrap the façade, mimicking the movement of the white hawk in flight.
The design respects cultural integrity, while also considering commercial viability. The spaces deliver authentic experiences for visitors while generating long-term value for stakeholders. The project connects deeply with Rotorua's landscape and people, supporting the local economy through tourism and job creation.
Expressions of interest are now open for hotel operators looking to run a property where culture, place and purpose converge in the heart of geothermal Rotorua. Noho Hotel continues the Trust's journey to create developments that celebrate Māori heritage while building economic prosperity for future generations
