Title: Visit Desert Road: 2026 Travel Guide for Desert Road, Waikato | Expedia.com [Hotels in Desert Road](https://expedia.com/Desert-Road-Hotels.d692482936693784576.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Desert Road](https://expedia.com/Desert-Road-Vacation-Rentals.d692482936693784576.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Car Rentals in Desert Road](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Desert-Road.d692482936693784576.Car-Rental-Guide)[Desert Road Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Desert-Road.d692482936693784576.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Desert Road ## Travel Guide ## Visit Desert Road Things to do ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_692482936693784576) - Desert Road Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Desert Road ![Skotel Alpine Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/1000000/992600/992507/460d5be0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Skotel Alpine Resort Whakapapa Village, SH 48 Tongariro National Park $58 nightly $68 total Feb 18 - Feb 19 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Tongariro National Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (821 reviews) Room was clean and spacious and staff was friendly. The restroom was a bit outdated. Overall it was a good choice, great for access to trails and gondolas. The restaurant is quite good. Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=2%2F18%2F2026&endDate=2%2F19%2F2026&selected=992507&PinnedHotelID=992507&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=692482936693784576) ![Turangi Leisure Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/62000000/61340000/61339000/61338998/972148aa_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Turangi Leisure Lodge Ngawaka Place Turangi $83 nightly $96 total Mar 15 - Mar 16 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this spa hotel in Turangi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (518 reviews) Good value, big space. Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F15%2F2026&endDate=3%2F16%2F2026&selected=61338998&PinnedHotelID=61338998&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=692482936693784576) ![Turangi Bridge Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6140000/6133100/6133041/0db0e7eb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Turangi Bridge Motel 4600 State Highway 1 Turangi $78 nightly $90 total Mar 17 - Mar 18 Total with taxes and fees Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Turangi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (565 reviews) Everything was fresh and tidy. Great accommodation and the restaurant meal was very nice and great value for money. Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?startDate=3%2F17%2F2026&endDate=3%2F18%2F2026&selected=6133041&PinnedHotelID=6133041&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=692482936693784576) [See all 425 properties in Desert Road](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=2%2F17%2F2026&endDate=2%2F18%2F2026®ionId=692482936693784576) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Motuoapa Bay Chalets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82800000/82797600/82797522/7cd8a0b3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Motuoapa Bay Chalets 16 Tangitu St Motuoapa Waikato Stay at this cottage in Motuoapa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions River Vineyard and Kuratau Jetty are located nearby. 8.8/10 Excellent! (89 reviews) It was pouring with rain when we arrived, so we really appreciated having the carport and entry cover, so we didn’t get soaked hauling our luggage in. Great for a 1nt stay on our way from Wellington to the Coromandel. Because of the weather the Coromandel didn’t happen, but that’s a whole other ... Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Motuoapa-Hotels-Motuoapa-Bay-Chalets.h82797522.Hotel-Information) ![Rocky Mountain Chalets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9850000/9847200/9847107/58ae5381_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Rocky Mountain Chalets 20 Rangataua Road (State Highway 49) Ohakune NZ3 Book a stay at this golf chalet in Ohakune. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Popular attractions Big Carrot and Ohakune Disc Golf are located ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews) Yes was very clean and comfortable. Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Ohakune-Hotels-Rocky-Mountain-Chalets.h9847107.Hotel-Information) ![Pukawa Villas (Formerly Oreti Village Resort)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/121000000/120530000/120527000/120526993/6cac740f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Pukawa Villas (Formerly Oreti Village Resort) 88 Pukawa Road Pukawa Stay at this aparthotel in Pukawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Kuratau Jetty and Tokaanu Thermal Pools are ... 10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews) Amazing in all regards. Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026 [](https://expedia.com/Pukawa-Hotels-Oreti-Village-Resort.h120526993.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Desert Road](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=692482936693784576&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Desert Road hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17)[Feb 16 - Feb 17](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2026-02-16&endDate=2026-02-17) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2026-02-17&endDate=2026-02-18)[Feb 17 - Feb 18](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2026-02-17&endDate=2026-02-18) [This weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F22%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2%2F20%2F2026&endDate=2%2F22%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.com/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=692482936693784576&startDate=2%2F27%2F2026&endDate=3%2F1%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit #### Tree Trunk Gorge Explore the great outdoors at Tree Trunk Gorge, a lovely green space in Desert Road. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints. [](https://expedia.com/Tree-Trunk-Gorge-Desert-Road.d6108174.Vacation-Attraction) ## Cities near Desert Road ![Lovely view of the mountains in Tongariro National Park 🏔 #roadtrip #NZ18 #Mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108165/c5c6748b-18f6-4c82-bac0-e788604a8a6a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kaimanawa Forest Park ![Mount Ruapehu from Ohakune; Shutterstock ID 3963082; Purchase Order: -](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6353232/f5972f24-55af-4107-b82d-b14f88279caa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Tongariro National Park - Cities near Desert Road - Places of interest [Kaimanawa Forest Park](https://expedia.com/Kaimanawa-Forest-Park.dx6108165)[Tongariro National Park](https://expedia.com/Tongariro-National-Park.dx6353232)[Waipakihi](https://expedia.com/Waipakihi.dx692486731063558144) - [Tree Trunk Gorge ](https://expedia.com/Tree-Trunk-Gorge-Desert-Road.d6108174.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Taupō ](https://expedia.com/Lake-Taupo-Waikato.d6108145.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mount Ruapehu ](https://expedia.com/Mount-Ruapehu-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621532610726.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tongariro National Park ](https://expedia.com/Tongariro-National-Park-Tongariro-National-Park.d6135271.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tongariro Alpine Crossing ](https://expedia.com/Tongariro-Alpine-Crossing-Tongariro-National-Park.d6293955.Vacation-Attraction) - [Whakapapa Ski Area ](https://expedia.com/Whakapapa-Ski-Area-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621532610725.Vacation-Attraction) - [Taranaki Falls ](https://expedia.com/Taranaki-Falls-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248634015586491.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mount Tongariro ](https://expedia.com/Mount-Tongariro-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248634015588017.Vacation-Attraction) - [Turoa Ski Area ](https://expedia.com/Turoa-Ski-Area-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621567596121.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tokaanu Thermal Pools ](https://expedia.com/Tokaanu-Thermal-Pools-Tokaanu.d553248621526971228.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mangatepopo Trail Head ](https://expedia.com/Mangatepopo-Trail-Head-Tongariro-National-Park.d6293948.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre ](https://expedia.com/Tongariro-National-Park-Whakapapa-Visitor-Centre-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248622944955439.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ohakune Old Coach Road ](https://expedia.com/Ohakune-Old-Coach-Road-Ohakune.d6256031.Vacation-Attraction) - [Big Carrot ](https://expedia.com/Big-Carrot-Ohakune.d553248621526967206.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Rotopounamu ](https://expedia.com/Lake-Rotopounamu-Waikato.d553248634015586496.Vacation-Attraction) - [Te Porere Redoubt ](https://expedia.com/Te-Porere-Redoubt-Tongariro-Forest-Park.d553248621526967353.Vacation-Attraction) - [River Vineyard ](https://expedia.com/River-Vineyard-Waiotaka-Valley.d553248621532610743.Vacation-Attraction) - [Waterfall Express Chair ](https://expedia.com/Waterfall-Express-Chair-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621563223488.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lower Tama Lake ](https://expedia.com/Lower-Tama-Lake-New-Zealand.d553248635928587180.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mount Ngauruhoe ](https://expedia.com/Mount-Ngauruhoe-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621532610742.Vacation-Attraction) - [Waitonga Falls Walk Trailhead ](https://expedia.com/Waitonga-Falls-Walk-Trailhead-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248634015586873.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ohakune i-SITE Visitor Information Centre ](https://expedia.com/Ohakune-I-SITE-Visitor-Information-Centre-Ohakune.d704781695660322816.Vacation-Attraction) - [West Ridge Quad ](https://expedia.com/West-Ridge-Quad-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621563223487.Vacation-Attraction) - [Rockgarden Chair ](https://expedia.com/Rockgarden-Chair-Tongariro-National-Park.d553248621563223489.Vacation-Attraction) - [Mountain Bike Station ](https://expedia.com/Mountain-Bike-Station-Ohakune.d553248621532610639.Vacation-Attraction) - [Ohakune Disc Golf ](https://expedia.com/Ohakune-Disc-Golf-Ohakune.d840329220870787072.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app