Last updated July 2026
Fenton Park is an eastern suburb of Rotorua covering 1.01 square kilometres. It had a population of 1,704 at the 2023 census and an estimated 1,800 residents as of June 2025. 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.
Practical Information
| Location | Eastern Rotorua along Fenton Street |
| Area | 1.01 km² |
| Population | 1,704 (2023 census); 1,800 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Population density | 1,782 per km² |
| Population growth | +17.4% from 2013 to 2023; +0.4% from 2018 to 2023 |
| Notable feature | Fenton Street Motel Mile and proximity to geothermal attractions |
About Fenton Park
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. 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. 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.
What Visitors Often Say
Guests appreciate the convenient location of motels along Fenton Street for reaching geothermal attractions and forest trails without needing a car for many activities.
Reviewers note the practical mix of accommodation options and the straightforward access to central Rotorua and southern attractions, though some mention typical suburban traffic along the main road.
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.
How large is Fenton Park?
1.01 km² with a population of 1,704 at the 2023 census and an estimated 1,800 residents as of June 2025.
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.
Is Fenton Park growing?
Yes. The population increased 17.4% between 2013 and 2023, though growth slowed to 0.4% between 2018 and 2023.
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.
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