Rototuna / Rototuna North

As one of Hamilton’s fastest growing regions, Rototuna and Rototuna North offer modern subdivisions close to schools, the Flagstaff and Rototuna Shopping Centres with plenty of community development plans on the cards.

History

Rototuna is built on the bed of an ancient lake. The suburb takes its name from these origins as Rototuna translated means ‘eel lake’.

European occupation of the Rototuna area traces its history back to 1863 when the land was confiscated after the Waikato Wars and soldiers were given 50 acres to farm the region. In 1881, the first school was built, followed by amenities such as a post office, church and store.

Key attractions and notable landmark

Te Ohomauri O Matariki, the sculpture on the intersection of Borman Road and Resolution Drive, depicts seven 10m waka placed in the formation of the Kingitanga symbol of the Matariki star constellation (Maori New Year). Each waka has symbols of local significance on it, such as a kōwhai flower, eels, and a fire. Between the waka, a group of migrating eels are suspended, reflecting the significance of eels to local Māori in pre-European times.

The Thomas Homestead at 219 Gordonton Road was built in 1929 on 100 acres of land that now forms Somerset Heights subdivision.The home’s construction, along with the leadlight windows, plaster dome ceilings and original fireplaces are well preserved features of architecture during the 1920’s.

Primarily a residential suburb, the closeness of Rototuna’s community is the biggest draw card of the area. Modern sub-divisional planning, the consistency of housing and the ability to build your own dream home attract Hamiltonians here.

Real estate and design

An explosion of modern homes in new subdivisions on what was once farmland characterises this primarily residential suburb of north-eastern Hamilton. Modern brick or stucco and tile homes both in single and double storey are typical of the area. The natural geographical features of the gullies have attracted larger luxurious homes along their banks. Real estate in the area, which includes subdivisions of Grosvenor, Callum Brae, Huntington and St James, has seen a surge in development over the last few years, with the number of homes and projects growing every day.

Shopping and amenities

On the corner of Horsham Downs Road and Thomas Road you’ll find the Rototuna Shopping Centre, home to everything from biltong to blue cheese. There’s a New World grocery store, multiple restaurants and takeaways, and a medical center. You'll also find your friendly Lodge Real Estate Rototuna team located here. 

A short walk across the round-a-bout is the St James shopping complex housing a Countdown, a dentist, the Palmers Planet Garden Centre complete with café, and other professional services. 

The Flagstaff Shopping Centre is just around the corner on the River Road/Endeavour Ave round-a-bout. It offers a variety of convenience shops including a coffee shop, takeaways, a bakehouse and a popular wine cellar as well as your local Lodge Real Estate Flagstaff branch.

The Westfield Shopping Mall at Chartwell with its combination of 80 shops and supermarkets is only a short drive away.

Restaurants and cafes

Rototuna’s bar and restaurant scene is centered around the Rototuna Shopping Centre. Here you’ll find Good Neighbour, a brew bar and restaurant in the style of the popular Good George Brewery in Frankton; Little India serving a taste of the Tandoor and terrific curries; Thai Aroma with its blend of subtle spice and sweet and sour, and Lonestar, the classic family favourite. The Keg Room and The Eatery in the main shopping centre also serve terrific modern Italian food and wine.

For something quick and easy, there’s also a variety of fast food outlets in the area including a McDonald’s and KFC.

Further away in Chartwell’s Lynden Court complex, Smith and McKenzie Chophouse provides a tribute to the old New York steakhouse.

Sports and fitness

Rototuna Village, a new community and recreation hub is in the works in Rototuna. Due to be completed in 2022, it will include a library, playground, and sports fields. Discussions are also underway for including a swimming pool in this facility too.

Across the Pukete Bridge, the Waikato River walk trail offers a river-side stroll for walkers and runners alike. If children are in tow, try Flagstaff Park, which has a playground and plenty of open space for ball games. For something more organised, Discovery Park has soccer and cricket fields, while Grosvenor Park also caters for soccer.

If rugby, lacrosse and netball are your jam, head to Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club. The Peak Recreation Centre also caters for netball, basketball, badminton and volleyball.

Callum Brae’s 9-hole pitch and mini-putt make for a great day out with the family, while more serious golfers will enjoy the Horsham Downs Golf Club nearby.

The recently opened Korikori Park, with five sports pitches, is one of several sports parks being developed in the area.

Local sports clubs and facilities:

• Suburbs Community Sports Club
• The Peak
• Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club
• Callum Brae Family Golf & Cafe
• Limelight Dance Academy
• Horsham Downs Golf Club
• Rototuna Sports Park (under construction)
• Mangaiti Park (under construction)
• Te Manatu Park (under construction)
• Hare Sports Park (under construction).

Schools and education

Local schools*:

• Te Totara Primary School (Year 1-6)
• Rototuna Primary School (Year 1-6)
• Hukanui School (Year 1-6)
• Te Rapa School (Year 1-8)
• Horsham Downs School (Year 1-8)
• Waikato Waldorf School (Year 1-10)
• Hamilton Christian School (Year 1-15)
• Rototuna Junior High School (Year 7-10)
• Rototuna Senior High School (Year 11-15).

*Many schools have zoning policies, please check the geographical boundaries of a preferred school with a Lodge salesperson.

Distance from CBD

Rototuna and Rototuna North are between 7 and 10 kilometres from the CBD. 

The Route 4 bus services the area, running from the central bus terminal, through Flagstaff and stopping through Rototuna on their routes.

A taxi fare into the city will cost approximately $24 to $33.

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