Lake Rotorua
The Basics
Lake Rotorua is surrounded by a geothermal playground and offers a variety of activities for travelers. Visitors may take a cruise through the Ohau Channel, which connects with Lake Rotoiti, and relax with a soak at the remote Manupirua Thermal Springs. Tour options include kayaking along the lakeshore, jetting around on a speedboat, or hurtling over falls on a white-water rafting trip.
Among other specialized tours are seaplane flights, which include a thrilling water takeoff and landing, and helicopter tours that offer aerial views of the city and lake. Adventure travelers may opt for a solo or tandem parasailing experience above Lake Rotorua. Horseback rides and 4WD buggy tours take travelers off the beaten path. Combine your adventure with a day trip to the Blue and Green lakes and bubbling geysers.
Recent reviews from experiences in Rotorua
Things to Know Before You Go
This natural feature is hard to miss, and is a must-see for visitors to Rotorua.
A large grassy area includes a children’s playground.
Wheelchair-accessible walkways make for easy strolling.
Outdoor activities last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while day trips take you to other lakes and beyond.
A 10-minute Skyline Rotorua gondola ride guarantees panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Ngongotaha.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The shores of Lake Rotorua are only 10 minutes north of downtown Rotorua by car. Many tours and day trips offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and there is ample parking available for those who opt to self-drive. Walking and public transport options are within easy reach of most accommodations.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Lake Rotorua is open year-round. Sunrise and sunset are especially good times for photo ops, whether you’re walking along the shore, taking a cruise, or setting out for a romantic evening stroll or family picnic. Sunny days in warmer months are ideal for water sports, but mud baths and thermal pools are perfect in winter.
What’s in the Lake?
Though it’s not as large as neighboring Lake Taupo and not as nice for swimming, Lake Rotorua offers plentiful activities and views. The 920-foot (280-meter) elevation makes Rotorua’s water cooler than some other lakes in the region. The water’s green hue comes from sulfur and minerals. The lake is also alive with fish; go fly fishing for trout and try to reel in a big one!
- Things to do in North Island
- Things to do in Tauranga
- Things to do in Tongariro National Park
- Things to do in Hastings
- Things to do in Waiheke Island
- Things to do in Auckland
- Things to do in Wellington
- Things to do in Picton
- Things to do in Akaroa
- Things to do in Queenstown
- Things to do in South Island
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Wanaka
- Things to do in Tasmania
- Things to do in Victoria
- Ohinemutu
- Sulphur Point
- Government Gardens Rotorua
- Rotorua Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa)
- Blue Baths
- Polynesian Spa
- Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village)
- Whakarewarewa
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Te Puia
- Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia)
- Mitai Maori Village
- Velocity Valley
- Agrodome
- Redwoods Forest Whakarewarewa