Ngongotahā

Ngongotahā
Coordinates: 38°04′59″S 176°12′50″E / 38.083°S 176.214°E / -38.083; 176.214
CountryNew Zealand
RegionBay of Plenty
Local authorityRotorua Lakes District
Ward
  • Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward
  • Rotorua Rural General Ward
ElectorateRotorua
Government
  Territorial authorityRotorua Lakes Council
  Regional councilBay of Plenty Regional Council
Area
  Total
12.91 km2 (4.98 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
5,240
  Density410/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
3010, 3097

Ngongotahā is a small settlement on the western shores of Lake Rotorua in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 10 km (6.2 mi) northwest of the Rotorua central business district, and is considered as a suburb of Rotorua. It is part of the Rotorua functional urban area as defined by Statistics New Zealand. Ngongotahā has a population of 5,240 as of June 2024.

Its name is derived from a legend of Ihenga, the famous Māori explorer. It is said Īhenga met the Patu-paiarehe on Mount Ngongotahā and was offered a drink from a calabash. Ngongo means "to drink", and tahā means "calabash". Ngongotahā is often referred to by locals as the "Sunny side of the Mountain".