Lakes & Rivers

Don’t miss the chance to explore Rotorua’s stunning lakes, including the picturesque Lake Tarawera, the expansive Lake Rotoiti, the tranquil Lake Ōkāreka, and the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tikitapu.
 
Discover the breath-taking beauty and thrilling adventures awaiting you in Rotorua, a destination renowned for its 18 magnificent lakes, three major rivers, and an abundance of ways to enjoy them – including at night.
 
By day, immerse yourself in a variety of water activities such as swimming, fishing, lakeside picnicking, stand-up paddle boarding, and other exciting water sports. Whether you’re setting sail with a boat, grabbing your floaties, or just looking to relax by the water, our beautiful lakes promise endless fun and relaxation.
 
For a truly unique experience, escape to one of Rotorua’s two secluded thermal hot water beaches – Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay or Manupirua Springs Hot Pools at Lake Rotoiti – accessible only by water shuttles, water taxi, jet boat, floatplane, or a scenic hike along Tarawera Trail. Let the warm waters melt your worries away.
 
Thrill-seekers will find their paradise with exhilarating jet boat tours. Choose from a ride through a thrilling, man-made river course at Velocity Valley, or race across Lake Rotorua with Katoa Jet.

One of Rotorua’s world-famous adventures awaits adrenaline junkies. Kaituna River offers the opportunity to plunge over the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall with local whitewater rafting companies, or in a guided tandem kayak with New Zealand Whitewater Academy.
 
By night, venture out on a canoe with Waimarino Kayak Tours, or kayak or SUP with Paddle Board Rotorua tour across a serene lake to witness the magical glow worms illuminating the night.
 
Rotorua is a destination where natural beauty meets adventure, creating unforgettable memories for every visitor.

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Lake Tikitapu

Lakes & Rivers, East

Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.

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.

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.

Raftabout Whitewater Rafting & Sledging

Lakes & Rivers

If you're looking for an awesome day out whitewater rafting, then look no further than Raftabout, a family-owned company that aims to excel.

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.

Rotoiti Water Shuttles

Lakes & Rivers, East

Indulge in a genuine off-the-beaten-track geothermal experience.

Rotorua and Taupō Guided Fly Fishing

Lakes & Rivers, Central

Local fly fishing guide Ray Nelson of Rotorua and Taupō Guided Fly Fishing makes it his business to put people on memorable fishing action, and what’s more, he’s very good at it!

Rotorua Duck Tours - Amphibious Sightseeing and Informational Tours

Lakes & Rivers

Guided sightseeing tours of Rotorua and the lakes region in a WWII amphibious landing craft. Splashdown onto pristine lakes surrounded by beautiful native forests. Rotorua Duck Tours are the perfect introduction to Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori history.

Rotorua Paddle Tours

Lakes & Rivers

Stand-up paddle (SUP) board tours and lessons on Lake Rotorua and surrounding waterways.

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.

Rotorua Trout Guide - Guided Fly Fishing

Lakes & Rivers

Rotorua fly fishing guide Julian Danby showcases the best fishing locations found in the Rotorua Lakes District. 

Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana

Lakes & Rivers, South

Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.