Sunnybrook is a suburb in the western part of Rotorua, covering 2.09 square kilometres. The suburb had a population of 2,046 in the 2023 census — estimated at approximately 2,250 as of June 2024, with a population density of approximately 1,077 people per km². Sunnybrook has a younger demographic profile than many of Rotorua’s suburbs, with a median age of 35.5 years compared to the national average of 38.1. The suburb has a residential, community-focused character, with its western position giving it easy access to Rotorua’s western recreational and commercial areas.
Practical Information
| Location | Western Rotorua |
| Area | 2.09 km² |
| Population | 2,046 (2023 census); ~2,250 (June 2024 estimate) |
| Median age | 35.5 years (younger than national average of 38.1) |
| Dwellings | 702 (2023 census) |
The Suburb
Sunnybrook’s demographic profile — with a median age of 35.5 years and a population density of over 1,000 people per km² — suggests a busy, family-oriented suburb rather than a retirement or high-turnover area. The suburb’s population grew 8.6% between 2013 and 2023, though it saw a slight decrease of around 1% from 2018 to 2023, which is consistent with the broader pattern of Rotorua’s more established western suburbs experiencing modest population fluctuation as younger families move to larger properties on the city’s fringes.
The suburb has 702 dwellings serving a population of just over 2,000 — an average household size around 2.9 persons, which is typical for a suburban residential area with a mix of family households and smaller households.
Location and Access
Sunnybrook’s western position puts it close to State Highway 5 (the main route toward Hamilton and Auckland) and the broader western Rotorua commercial and industrial areas. The suburb is within practical reach of the Rotorua CBD and is connected to the western suburbs that include Mangakakahi and Pukehangi. Western Rotorua’s proximity to Ngongotahā and the hills to the west offers residents access to walking and cycling infrastructure in that part of the district.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Sunnybrook, Rotorua — demographic and geographic overview of the suburb.
Rotorua NZ — Living in Rotorua — information on residential areas and lifestyle in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sunnybrook in Rotorua?
In the western part of Rotorua — a residential suburb on the city’s western side, close to State Highway 5 and the western commercial areas.
What is the population of Sunnybrook?
2,046 in the 2023 census, with an estimate of approximately 2,250 as of June 2024. The median age is 35.5 years — slightly younger than the national average.
What is the character of Sunnybrook?
A residential suburban community with a relatively young demographic profile. It is more family-oriented than some of Rotorua’s older, higher-value suburbs and has a practical, everyday residential character.
Is Sunnybrook close to the Rotorua CBD?
Yes — the western suburbs including Sunnybrook are within a short drive of central Rotorua and well-connected by the main western arterial roads.
Sunnybrook is in western Rotorua. See the Ngongotahā guide for the village and recreational options to the northwest, and the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for outdoor options across the district.
