Rotorua is a magnet for both domestic and international visitors, and with good reason: besides being home to some of the most iconic lakes in New Zealand, it also boasts an incredible mix of Maori culture, geothermal attractions, forests, and a wealth of activities. In no particular order, below are some of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Rotorua.
Lake Tarawera
The beautiful Lake Tarawera, which actually means 'Burnt Spear', is an angler’s paradise, and is famous for the size of the rainbow trout in its waters. The lake is open to fly fishing and trolling from October 1st until June 30th.
Covering an area of 41 square kilometers and with a maximum depth of 85.4 meters, Lake Tarawera is smaller in area than Lake Rotorua, but its greater depth makes it larger in volume. Up until 1886, when Mount Tarawera erupted, the lake was home to many small Maori villages. Nowadays, it welcomes anglers from all over the world, who come here in their never-ending quests for trophy fish.
Lake Rotorua
The second largest lake by surface area in the North Island, Lake Rotorua is also a fisherman’s paradise just like Lake Tarawera, but that’s far from being its only point of attraction. Mokoia Island, the most famous lake island in New Zealand, is associated with the famous Māori love story between Hinemoa and Tutanekai, while Rotorua city, a hub for outdoor adventure, history, and culture, sits on the southern shore of the lake.
Lake Rotorua has a surface area of 80 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of 45 meters. Its name means "second lake" in the Māori language, from "roto" (lake) and "rua" (two). The lake is the most productive trout fishery in the entire country, boasting healthy populations of rainbow trout and brown trout.
Lake Tikitapu
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) sits next to Lake Rotokakahi, in a volcanic caldera that was formed during the last 300,000 years. A stunning feature of the lake is its blue color, which is caused by the rhyolite and pumice on the lake bed.
Covering an area of 1.4 square kilometers, Lake Tikitapu is often the host of many sports events, like triathlons and water skiing. Like other neighboring lakes, Lake Tikitapu is also a great destination for trout fishing enthusiasts.
Lake Rotomahana
The beautiful Lake Rotomahana is located to the south-west of Mount Tarawera, and 20 kilometres from Rotorua. Before 1886, when a major eruption of Mount Tarawera occurred, there were actually 2 lakes in its basin.
One of the hallmarks of the lake were the Pink and White Terraces, which were considered the eighth wonder of the natural world, and one of the major tourist attractions in New Zealand in the 19th century. Sadly, the Pink and White Terraces were buried as a consequence of the eruption in 1886.
The lake is currently a shelter for wildlife, and hunting birds is prohibited.
Lake Okataina
Lake Okataina, located to the east of Lake Rotorua, is one of the cleanest lakes in Rotorua. Its beautiful waters, and the fact that it’s completely encircled by native forest, make it an amazing place to unwind and find some peace of mind. The lake is accessible by road, and visitors will be delighted to find a sandy beach where the road reaches this special lake.
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Kindly provided by www.lakepedia.com
Image Credits:
Lake Tarawera - Totally Tarawera & Bare Kiwi
Lake Tikitapu - Rotorua Duck Tours
Lake Rotomahana - Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Lake Rotorua - Destination Rotorua