Last updated October 2026
Tihiotonga is a suburb in the southern part of Rotorua, occupying elevated terrain above the city. It is one of Rotorua’s more established residential areas, ranking 30th among the city’s suburbs by total residential housing stock.
The majority of Tihiotonga’s housing was built in the 1960s, an earlier development period than most of Rotorua’s outer suburbs. The suburb’s elevated position, combined with its established character, places it among the higher-value residential addresses in Rotorua.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 520, up 12% since 2018
- Land area
- 8.90 km²
- Location
- 6.0 km south-west of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Springfield, Kapenga, Ngongotahā Valley, Horohoro, Whakarewarewa
- Ward or local board
- Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Getting there
- Mokoia Drive and the southern arterial routes out of the city
- Schools
- Te Āhuru Mōwai
- Nearby landmarks
- Centennial Park, Waipa forest area (Whakarewarewa Forest)
Who Lives in Tihiotonga
About 520 residents in 180 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Tihiotonga
Tihiotonga’s defining characteristic is its elevated position in Rotorua’s southern landscape. The suburb sits above the lower-lying central city, and properties in this area tend to benefit from views across the city and surrounding district.
The elevated suburban areas away from the lakefront, including Tihiotonga, have historically been associated with higher property values in Rotorua, reflecting the desirability of the hillside position and the established nature of the housing stock.
The suburb’s 1960s housing character is notable. Most of Rotorua’s residential growth happened in the 1970s and 1980s, so Tihiotonga’s earlier development era gives it a slightly different built character, more established, with mature trees and gardens, and a neighbourhood feel that reflects decades of settled residential use.
The housing stock includes a mix of the original 1960s construction alongside later renovations and infill.
Centennial Park, a leafy rural retreat, lies on the slopes of Tihiotonga on Mokoia Drive, offering additional green space within the suburb.
Location and Access
Tihiotonga’s southern position in Rotorua gives it good access to both the Rotorua CBD (a short drive north) and to the southern arterial routes out of the city.
The suburb sits near the boundary between the inner suburban areas and the more rural landscapes to the south of Rotorua, and is close to the Waipa area, a significant forest area used for mountain biking and walking, connected to the broader Whakarewarewa Forest network.
The access to Rotorua’s southern trail systems is a practical advantage for residents who use the city’s forest and trail infrastructure.
Near Tihiotonga
Just outside Tihiotonga, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Stats NZ Tihiotonga-Whakarewarewa Place Summary: 2018 Census data on population, demographics and housing for the area.
Rotorua Lakes Council Centennial Park: Details on the park located on the slopes of Tihiotonga.
OneRoof Tihiotonga Suburb Profile: Property market data, housing stock details and recent sales for Tihiotonga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tihiotonga in Rotorua?
In the southern part of Rotorua, on elevated terrain above the central city. It is one of the more established residential suburbs in the southern part of the urban area.
How old is the housing in Tihiotonga?
The majority of residential housing was built between 1960 and 1969, earlier than most of Rotorua’s outer suburbs, which were predominantly developed in the 1980s.
Is Tihiotonga an expensive suburb?
It is one of Rotorua’s higher-value suburbs, reflecting its elevated position, established character, and desirability as a residential address.
What is near Tihiotonga?
The suburb is close to the Waipa forest area (southern part of the Whakarewarewa Forest trail network) and has good access to the Rotorua CBD. Centennial Park is located on its slopes.
What parks are in Tihiotonga?
Centennial Park (formerly Rotorua Tree Trust) is a leafy rural retreat on the slopes of Tihiotonga on Mokoia Drive.
Which school is in Tihiotonga?
Te Āhuru Mōwai is located within Tihiotonga.
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Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Tihiotonga is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.