Eastern Suburbs

Lynmore Rotorua: Established Suburb Near the Redwoods and Blue Lake

Last updated October 2026

Lynmore is an established suburb in the eastern part of Rotorua, well-regarded for its proximity to the Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) and the Blue Lake (Tikitapu). The suburb ranks as the 7th largest Rotorua suburb by total residential housing stock.

Lynmore has historically commanded some of the highest property prices in Rotorua. The suburb’s eastern position and access to Rotorua’s best outdoor recreational assets make it one of the more sought-after residential areas in the district.

Official Suburb Facts

The official Lynmore boundary. Boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Population (2023 Census)
About 3,350, up 1% since 2018
Land area
3.25 km²
Location
4.3 km south-east of central Rotorua
Council
Rotorua District Council
Neighbouring suburbs
Ōwhata, Whakarewarewa, Ngapuna, Lake Okareka
Local details
Ward or local board
Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
Schools
Lynmore Primary School
Nearby landmarks
Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods), Waitawa bush
Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.

Who Lives in Lynmore

About 3,350 residents in 1,250 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.

Homes
Owned or in a family trust
82%NZ 66%
Rented
18%NZ 34%
Standalone houses
91%NZ 79%
Townhouses, units and flats
9%NZ 21%
Damp (always or sometimes)
12%NZ 18%
Mould larger than A4
10%NZ 14%
Source: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Lynmore boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.

In Lynmore

Places and businesses inside the official Lynmore boundary.

Places

The Suburb

Lynmore grew predominantly in the 1980s, when the majority of its current housing stock was built — a pattern common to many of Rotorua’s eastern suburbs.

The suburb has an older demographic profile than the Rotorua average, with a median age of 43.4 years and a predominantly European/Pākehā population. This demographic profile, combined with the suburb’s property values, reflects Lynmore’s status as one of Rotorua’s more established and sought-after residential addresses.

Lynmore Primary School (formally named Te Kura ō Ōwhatiura) is one of the larger primary schools in the Rotorua area, with a roll of 637 students.

The school borders the Waitawa bush on its eastern side, giving the school grounds a distinctive native bush edge that is unusual for an urban primary school. The bush connection reflects Lynmore’s broader character as a suburb where residential development sits close to the natural landscape. The school was established in 1956.

Proximity to Outdoor Recreation

Lynmore’s strongest asset is its position relative to Rotorua’s best outdoor destinations. The Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) — New Zealand’s premier mountain biking and walking forest network — is easily accessible from the suburb and is used regularly by Lynmore residents as an everyday recreational resource.

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) lies approximately 5 kilometres from the suburb: a clear, spring-fed lake set in native bush, accessible via the Blue Lake / Green Lake walking circuit or by road. Both destinations are within easy driving distance, and many Lynmore residents use both as part of a regular outdoor routine.

Near Lynmore

Just outside Lynmore, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.

Places

Businesses

Where to Learn More

OneRoof — Lynmore Suburb Profile: property market data, housing stock details and suburb overview.

Lynmore Primary School: official school website with current information and history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lynmore in Rotorua?
In the eastern part of Rotorua, close to the Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) and Blue Lake (Tikitapu). It is one of Rotorua’s more sought-after eastern suburbs.

What school is in Lynmore?
Lynmore Primary School (Te Kura ō Ōwhatiura) is a state primary school for Years 1–6 with a roll of 637 students. It is one of the larger primary schools in the Rotorua area.

Is Lynmore close to the Redwoods?
Yes — the Whakarewarewa Forest entrance is close to Lynmore and is a practical everyday destination for residents, whether for walking, running, or mountain biking.

How old is the housing stock in Lynmore?
The majority of Lynmore’s residential housing was built between 1980 and 1989, though there is a mix of eras. The suburb is the 7th largest in Rotorua by total housing stock.

When was Lynmore Primary School established?
The school was established in 1956 and borders the Waitawa bush, providing a distinctive natural setting for students.

What landmarks are near Lynmore?
Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) and the Waitawa bush are both right next to the suburb.

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Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Lynmore is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.