
Mokoia Restaurant & Bar
Award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine meets stunning Lake Rotorua views. Experience unique flavors with indigenous herbs and spices.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Mokoia Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning Pacific Rim cuisine meets stunning Lake Rotorua views. Experience unique flavors with indigenous herbs and spices.
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your dining experience at this popular establishment.
Don't Miss Pork Belly
The pork belly with crispy crackle and the seafood chowder are frequently praised as standout dishes.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pacific Rim
Price
$$$
Phone
+64 7 343 5100
Address
77 Robinson Avenue, Holdens Bay, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Website
waioraresort.co.nz/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Pacific Rim Cuisine
Experience exquisite Pacific Rim flavors, renowned nationally and recognized seven times by the NZ Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards.

Lake Rotorua Views
Dine while overlooking the serene Lake Rotorua, offering a beautiful and relaxing setting for any meal.

Romantic Dinner for Two
Choose a shared romantic dinner experience for two, perfect for special occasions or a memorable evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your dining experience at this popular establishment.
Don't Miss Pork Belly
The pork belly with crispy crackle and the seafood chowder are frequently praised as standout dishes.
Arrive Early for Views
Come early to fully enjoy the stunning views over Lake Rotorua before your meal.
Vegetarian Option
Consider the fully vegetarian menu option for a delightful meat-free dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your dining experience at this popular establishment.
Don't Miss Pork Belly
The pork belly with crispy crackle and the seafood chowder are frequently praised as standout dishes.
Arrive Early for Views
Come early to fully enjoy the stunning views over Lake Rotorua before your meal.
Vegetarian Option
Consider the fully vegetarian menu option for a delightful meat-free dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Mokoia Restaurant are mixed, with some diners praising the beautiful presentation and unique Pacific Rim cuisine, while others have expressed disappointment with the dinner menu options, service inconsistencies, and perceived value for money. The restaurant's ambiance and lake views are often highlighted positively, but some guests find the overall dining experience to be less than expected for fine dining.
"Food is great and the vibe is nice"
Sabith Sankalpa
"What a delicious meal we had. Quick service and great food! We definitely recommend this place."
cam payn
"In late August, we arrived at 7:40pm and the kitchen closes at 8:30pm. We were the only diners but they made us a delicious meal. The reception area, bar and dining rooms were lovely and clean."
Tammy Goh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Mokoia Restaurant specializes in Pacific Rim cuisine, uniquely incorporating indigenous herbs and spices. [^M1, ^M2]
Yes, Mokoia Restaurant offers a fully vegetarian menu option alongside its standard set menu and romantic dinner experience. [^M1, ^M6]
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a table, especially given its popularity. [^M1, ^R2]
Based on reviews, the pork belly with crispy crackle and the seafood chowder are often highlighted as standout dishes.
Yes, Mokoia Restaurant offers beautiful views overlooking Lake Rotorua, making for a lovely dining ambiance. [^M3, ^T1]
The restaurant has a bar area, and while a bartender was noted as unavailable during one review, it typically serves drinks.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Rotorua, New Zealand
Mokoia Restaurant is where Pacific Rim cuisine meets fine dining. Its innovative contemporary menu is known across the nation for its unique incorporation of indigenous herbs and spices; in fact, the restaurant has won the prestigious New Zealand Beef and Lamb Excellence Awards seven consecutive times (from 2010 until 2016) because of its exquisite flavours. At dinnertime, you have a choice between the standard set menu, a fully vegetarian option or a shared romantic dinner experience for two.
Eating out in Rotorua | Cafes & Restaurants
If you’re looking for an exceptional fine dining experience in Rotorua then Mokoia Restaurant at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is an excellent choice. Considered by locals as the “best restaurant in Rotorua”, this multi award winning restaurant specialises in Pacific Rim cuisine using indigenous herbs and spices. Located at 77 Robinson Ave, Holdens Bay, Rotorua, it serves a wonderful breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that is sure to satisfy all.
Best Romantic Restaurants In Rotorua
The award-winning Mokoia Restaurant operates from Rotorua's Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, offering diners relaxed fine dining atmosphere in a sumptuous setting. The restaurant enjoys beautiful views over Lake Rotorua with a menu that concentrates on Pacific Rim Cuisine, working with indigenous spices and herbs to deliver dishes that reflect modern New Zealand culture. Mokoia Restaurant has wo...
10 Best Foodie Experiences in Rotorua 🍴 [2025]
For something more “New Zealand”, head to Mokoia Restaurant at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort for local fare prepared with indigenous herbs and spices. At The Regent Room in the Regent of Rotorua, try their indigenous-inspired Degustation Menu. For more recommendations, head over to The Food Guide to Rotorua: Places to Eat & Food Tours and The Top Cheap Eats in Rotorua.
Fine dining restaurants in Rotorua Suburb, NZ
Mokoia Restaurant: Located within the scenic grounds of the Princes Gate Hotel, Mokoia Restaurant provides an exquisite fine dining experience featuring both local and international dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Its warm atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for special occasions or simply enjoying a luxurious meal during your stay in Rotorua.
Vegan Rotorua Restaurants and Takeaway Menus
77 Robinson Avenue, Holdens Bay, Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty, 3012, New Zealand. Kai Moana chowder scented with Lemongrass, Coriander, folded with granules of Karengo and finished with caviar. Signatire trio indigenous ice cream of Akeake white chocolate, purple yam & Kawakawa avocado ice cream
Rotorua where to eat, dine and enjoy great views
Fine dining on the shores of Lake Rotorua sets the scene for an award winning restaurant. Pacific rim fusion style cuisine focused on using locally sourced ingredients. @MokoiaRestaurant@MokoiaRestaurant
Discover the Magic of Lake Rotorua
For those looking for a unique dining experience, the Mokoia Restaurant at the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers a menu inspired by native Maori ingredients and cooking techniques.
Luxury Accommodation Rotorua - Lodges, Houses & Holiday Home Accomodation
Charles Royal Maori Food Trail, Art of the Grill, Bistro 1284, Mokoia Restaurant, Ambience Fine Indian Cuisine, Leonardo’s Pure Italian, Sabroso & Aorangi Peak Restaurant.
21 Incredible Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand: The 2023 Edition
If you’ve fallen in love with Maori cuisine after Tamaki, get along to Mokoia Restaurant or the Regent Room, which has a specialized Maori degustation menu.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit