Lakes & Rivers

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.

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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.

Paddle Board Rotorua glow worm tour

Lakes & Rivers, West

A glow worm tour with Paddle Board Rotorua is simply one of the best evening experiences to do in Rotorua.

Lake Ōkareka Walkway

Lakes & Rivers

Lake Ōkareka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.

Pure Cruise NZ

Lakes & Rivers, East

Sailing on Lake Rotoiti the most stunning and undiscovered lake in Rotorua. Enjoy sailing, hot pools, fine cuisine in pure comfort.

Lake Okataina

Lakes & Rivers

The name Okataina 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.

Lake Rotoehu

Lakes & Rivers

Rotoehu means "turbid" or discoloured waters.

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.

Guy Roe Reserve

Lakes & Rivers, South

A popular location for fishing, picnics and boat activities.