DCA Architects of Transformation has teamed up with Plus Architecture to design a luxury hotel for Rotorua’s lakefront, to sit alongside RCG’s Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

Client Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Limited (PLHL) is currently seeking investor, developer and operator interest in the Noho Lakeside Hotel.

Lead architect Werner Naudé of DCA says the proposed design reflects the natural features of the surrounding environment, including the scalloped edges of the lakefront, while maintaining a tikanga-Māori-based design framework at its heart.

“The indicative concepts provide for a nearly 11,000m² property, featuring 197 guest rooms, ground-floor hospitality, conference and function rooms, a gym, a pool and a rooftop bar,” says Naudé.

PLHL Chairman, David Tapsell, says a lakefront hotel has always been part of the Pukeroa vision for the area and, specifically, as part of the high-quality spa and wellness tourism precinct on the shores of the lake.

“The development and opening of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, combined with the relocation and rebuild of QE Health, were the first steps in this long-term plan, and now we’re looking to bring the next phase to life.”

Tapsell points out that Noho is the only hotel that can be built at the lakefront as there are no other equivalent sites and he says PLHL is keeping an open mind about how the physical development, final design and eventual hotel operation and management will look. He also pointed out that PLHL is expecting the initial concepts will continue to evolve as investment and operational partners come on board.

“The high-level conceptual designs are based on advice from our cultural and architectural advisors, and serve as an initial, yet important, guide for investors and operators. Some elements are intrinsically linked and will be priorities, including our cultural narrative, retaining a view of the lake and integration with Wai Ariki.”