Rotorua is well known for its 18 lakes, three major rivers and heaps of ways to enjoy many of them – even at night.
Swimming, fishing, lakeside picnicking, paddle boarding and other water sports are the obvious activities, so hook up the boat, grab your floaties and head to Rotorua.
You can also soak away your worries at one of two secluded thermal hot water beaches accessible only by boat, luxury catamaran, floatplane or hike. Take a canoe, kayak or paddle board tour across a lake to see glow worms at night.
Do you prefer something a bit faster? Choose from an exhilarating jet boat experience through a tangled, man-made river at break-neck speed, or scream across Lake Rotorua in a jet boat that takes you to tour pristine Mokoia Island. You can even combine a jet boat ride with a unique geothermal experience at a natural hot water fall and hidden geothermal valley called The Squeeze.
Finally, one of Rotorua’s world-famous adventures is a must-do for adrenaline junkies: a whitewater rafting trip on the famous Kaituna River where you’ll drop off the world’s highest commercially raftable waterfall.
Check out our majestic lakes, including Lake Tarawera, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Ōkareka and the blue waters of Lake Tikitapu.
The Airstream Project
Lakes & Rivers, East
Forget camping in an Airstream – opt for an Airstream lookalike to take you on a lake cruise you’ll never forget.
Action Bug - Rangitāiki with Riverbug.NZ
Lakes & Rivers, South
Try something truly new! This Action Bug tour mixes a Riverbug with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki River between Rotorua and Whakatāne. This is an unforgettable experience that's unique to the Bay of Plenty.
New Zealand Whitewater Academy
Lakes & Rivers, East
New Zealand Whitewater Academy is a place of whitewater excellence, providing top-of-the-line whitewater workshops, courses and excursions.
Lake Tikitapu
Lakes & Rivers, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Lakes & Rivers, South
Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.
Paddle Board Rotorua
Lakes & Rivers
Paddle Board Rotorua is Rotorua's premium paddle boarding and kayak experience providers, well known for their paddle board and kayak glow worm tours.
Fish & Game Eastern Region
Lakes & Rivers
Fish & Game Eastern Region manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.
Cruise and Fish Rotorua
Lakes & Rivers
Some of the best fishing the Central North Island offers is accessed from Rotorua.
Foris Eco-tours
Lakes & Rivers
Foris Eco-tours offers guided tours of the spectacular Whirinaki Forest and Rotorua's premium rafting adventure down the gorgeous Rangitaiki River. Choose guided hiking or combined river and guided walking options.
Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
Lakes & Rivers
Discover the beauty of Hamurana Springs at your own pace or be guided by a descendant of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi people who first migrated to the area in the mid-1300s. Enjoy the stunning natural elements and cultural stories that make this such a magical place.