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.
Lake Rotomahana
Lakes & Rivers, South
Sitting at the base of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana is steeped in history and surrounded by geothermal features like geysers, fumeroles and colourful steaming cliffs.
Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
Lakes & Rivers
Lake Ōkāreka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Ōkataina
Lakes & Rivers
Lake Ōkataina is closed for one month effective from October 1st 2023. The name Ōkataina means "The lake of laughter", a shortened form of the original name Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te Rangitakaroro.
Cruise and Fish Rotorua
Lakes & Rivers
Some of the best fishing the Central North Island offers is accessed from Rotorua.
Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay
Lakes & Rivers, East
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, a hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake, creating our very own hot water beach at Te Rātā Bay.
Waimarino Kayak Tours to hot pools and glow worms
Lakes & Rivers, West
Waimarino Kayak Tours showcases beautiful Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua which boasts a large range of native birds and stunning bush.
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.
Rotorua Rafting
Lakes & Rivers, East
Rotorua Rafting offers the most spectacular whitewater rafting in Rotorua and is home to the largest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, Tutea Falls.
River Rats Raft & Kayak
Lakes & Rivers, East
River Rats have been offering quality adventures for over 35 years including a range of whitewater rafting and lake kayaking options suitable for anyone from families to adrenalin junkies.
Boyes Beach & Park
Lakes & Rivers, East
Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka and a great attraction during the warmer months, and popular for swimming, fishing and picnicking.