Last updated October 2026
Fenton Park is an eastern suburb of Rotorua. The suburb lies along Fenton Street, Rotorua’s primary accommodation corridor often called the Motel Mile due to its concentration of motels and visitor lodging. This positioning places Fenton Park close to major geothermal attractions and the Whakarewarewa Forest while maintaining a residential character with a significant visitor overlay.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,310, down 7% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.56 km² (56 ha)
- Location
- 2.0 km south of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Glenholme, Whakarewarewa, Ngapuna
- Ward or local board
- Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Getting there
- Fenton Street, State Highway 30 and SH 30A
- Nearby landmarks
- Arawa Park racecourse, Murray Linton Rose Garden, Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Forest
Who Lives in Fenton Park
About 1,310 residents in 600 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Fenton Park
There is no school inside the Fenton Park boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Fenton Park
Show all 5 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Fenton Park
by 7.30am on collection day, or the night before
Source: Rotorua Lakes Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Safety and Hazards
About the Rotorua average for the number of people who live here. Another 5 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).
Buses from Fenton Park
11 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Baybus timetable data, CC BY 4.0. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Fenton Park
Places and businesses inside the official Fenton Park boundary.
Places
About Fenton Park
Fenton Park sits in eastern Rotorua and serves as both a residential neighbourhood and a key visitor accommodation hub.
Fenton Park sits in eastern Rotorua and serves as both a residential neighbourhood and a key visitor accommodation hub. Fenton Street runs through the suburb as the main arterial route south from the city centre, lined with motels that have supported Rotorua tourism for decades.
The suburb’s location provides convenient access to Whakarewarewa Thermal Village and Te Puia at the southern end of Fenton Street. The Whakarewarewa Forest lies immediately to the east, offering residents and visitors trails for walking and mountain biking.
Additional local features include Arawa Park racecourse in the northern part of the suburb and the Murray Linton Rose Garden, a public park opened in 1970 and named after a former Rotorua mayor. State Highway 30 passes through the southern section while SH 30A forms part of the northeast boundary.
Demographic data from the 2023 census shows a median age of 39.8 years, with 43.3% of residents identifying as Māori and 44.5% as European. The area supports a mix of housing alongside commercial visitor accommodation, creating a distinctive mixed-use suburban environment.
Fenton Street and the Motel Mile
Fenton Street forms the backbone of the suburb and hosts Rotorua’s main concentration of motels and visitor accommodation.
Fenton Street forms the backbone of the suburb and hosts Rotorua’s main concentration of motels and visitor accommodation. This strip has long served tourists exploring the city’s geothermal attractions, with many properties positioned for easy access to Whakarewarewa and Te Puia.
The Motel Mile designation reflects the high density of lodging options along this corridor. Residential housing exists alongside these visitor facilities, giving the suburb a dual residential and commercial character not typical of most Rotorua neighbourhoods.
Location and Access
Fenton Park benefits from strong connectivity via Fenton Street and nearby state highways.
Fenton Park benefits from strong connectivity via Fenton Street and nearby state highways. The southern geothermal zone lies within walking or short driving distance for many accommodation guests, while the Redwoods forest provides immediate recreational opportunities to the east.
The suburb also contains council housing units for older people and hosts the Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre at 1167 Fenton Street, which operates daily to assist visitors with information and bookings.
Near Fenton Park
Just outside Fenton Park, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Rotorua businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Fenton Park: Detailed suburb profile including demographics, history, and local landmarks from primary sources.
Stats NZ — Fenton Park Place Summaries: Official census data and statistical profiles for the suburb.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Local authority information on housing, roads, and visitor services in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fenton Park in Rotorua?
In the eastern part of Rotorua along Fenton Street, the main arterial road running south from the CBD toward Whakarewarewa and the geothermal attractions.
What is the Motel Mile in Rotorua?
The section of Fenton Street through Fenton Park lined with motels and visitor accommodation, a longstanding hub positioned near the city’s main geothermal attractions.
Is Fenton Park close to Te Puia and Whakarewarewa?
Yes. Both attractions sit at the southern end of Fenton Street within easy reach of the accommodation strip, and the Whakarewarewa Forest lies to the east.
What other features are in Fenton Park?
The suburb includes Arawa Park racecourse in the north and the Murray Linton Rose Garden, a public park opened in 1970.
Are there visitor services in Fenton Park?
Yes. The Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre is located at 1167 Fenton Street and provides information and booking assistance daily.
What is the demographic profile?
The 2023 census recorded a median age of 39.8 years, with 43.3% identifying as Māori and 44.5% as European.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Fenton Park is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.