Best Activities To Do In Lake Rotorua

Visitors to the city of Rotorua in New Zealand have so many fantastic things to do at their fingertips. But what about Rotorua lakefront activities? This beautiful, tranquil lake is the largest of a dozen lakes in Rotorua formed by volcanic activity. Rotorua City has something for everyone; whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or visiting with the family, you can enjoy activities like free walks, jet-boating, Zoom Ziplines at Skyline Rotorua, and more. What’s more, it’s just a three-hour drive from Auckland. Here’s a brief history and a list of must-see attractions for your Lake Rotorua day trip!

What is Lake Rotorua known for?

Rotorua Lake is the second largest lake on the North Island of New Zealand after Lake Taupo. Surrounded by verdant farmland, native bush, and bubbling geothermal springs, Lake Rotorua features a distinctive colouration stemming from its rich concentrations of sulphur and other volcanic minerals. At the centre of the lake sits New Zealand’s most famous lake island, Mokoia Island, a rhyolite dome formed by slowly oozing lava.

The lake is also famous for its rainbow and brown trout fishing and is recognised as the most productive trout fishery in New Zealand.

Despite its tranquil and picturesque appearance, this lake conceals a violent history. It emerged from the aftermath of a massive eruption approximately 200,000 years ago as one of several large volcanoes in the region, where the underlying magma chamber collapsed. The eruption formed a circular caldera, about 12 km from north to south and 10 km from west to east. The Lake Rotorua depth averages a maximum depth of 45 metres. It has a surface area of 79.8 km² and is the largest lake in Rotorua Lakes District.

Geothermal inputs flow into the lake via streams, and steaming geothermal springs pepper the southern shore. Due to the high sulphur content and volcanic minerals, the lake’s water is an eye-catching dark green-yellow.

Mokoia Island lies at the heart of Lake Rotorua. This rhyolite dome is the nation’s most famous lake island and the centre of the enchanting love story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai.

The Love Story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai

Sitting in the centre of the lake is Mokoia Island, once formed by lava and is now a wildlife sanctuary. Mokoia Island was the setting for a famous love story – the tale of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai.

Living on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua was a beautiful maiden, Hinemoa, who was regarded as sacred, which meant her tribe would choose her husband. Tūtānekai was a young man living with his family on Mokoia Island. One day, Tūtānekai and Hinemoa spotted each other, which was love at first sight. But unfortunately, Hinemoa’s tribe would not allow them to wed.

Heartbroken, Tūtānekai played mournfully on his flute as he sat on the island shore. Finally, no longer able to stand being apart, Hinemoa swam over to the island. When she reached it, she headed for the Wai-Kimihia hot pool to warm up.

While bathing, Tūtānekai’s worker came to fetch water. Hinemoa asked, “For whom is the water?” The worker answered, “For Tūtānekai”. Hinemoa snatched his calabash and smashed it. The worker returned to Tūtānekai to relay what had happened. He went to investigate, and he spotted his love. At last, the two lovers were reunited, and finally, Hinemoa’s tribe allowed them to wed.
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme

To the Te Arawa people, the Rotorua Lakes are a taonga (treasure). To preserve and protect the Rotorua Lakes for present and future generations, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has partnered with the Rotorua Lakes Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust to roll out the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, servicing twelve lakes in the Rotorua district. They’re working to remove 320 tonnes of nitrogen from Lake Rotorua by 2032 and restore the lake’s water quality.

Rotorua Lakefront

The Rotorua lake front is a central hub for locals and tourists to enjoy Rotorua lake activities. The recently built Rotorua lakefront boardwalk is perfect for exploring the Rotorua waterfront on foot or by bike.

Ōhinemutu Māori Village

Ōhinemutu is a Māori settlement chosen for its abundant geothermal activity. Walk around this living village to view steaming vents and bubbling hot pools in a tranquil environment.

Trout Fishing

Lake Rotorua is the most productive trout fishery in the country. As the lake enjoys one of the highest catch rates in the district, it is wildly popular for brown and rainbow trout fishing.

Lake Rotorua Cruises

Take a gentle paddle across Lake Rotorua on a heritage-style vessel, the Lakeland Queen. Enjoy a meal aboard as you pass incredible geothermal landscapes and natural wonders.

Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge

Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge, on the south-eastern shore, is home to an array of bird species thriving in the active geothermal environment. The water is a milky colour due to the sulphur content.

Jet Boating to Mokoia Island

Propel across Lake Rotorua on a powerful jet boat with 360° spins to Mokoia Island. Reach the island’s shores to explore and spot majestic water birds, then head to the Polynesian Spa to relax and rejuvenate in hot mud pools.

Blue Lake Rotorua Walk

Blue Lake, or Lake Tikitapu, features clear blue waters where people enjoy watersports, swimming, and boating. Take an easy 1.5-hour walk around the lake shore, admiring stunning beaches, native bush, lush farmland, and towering Californian Redwoods.

Lake Rotorua Water Activities

Water flows from Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua into the Kaituna River and the Pacific Ocean. The rapid water descent from over 900 feet above sea level makes the area a hotspot for white-water rafting and extreme kayaking.

Zip-Lining

Head to the peak of Mount Ngongotahā and race your friends and family at speeds of up to 60km/h. Zip down 400-metre dual lines amongst giant exotic conifers with Zoom Ziplines at Skyline Rotorua.

Helicopter and Floatplane Tours

Experience the thrill of a floatplane or helicopter taking off to the peak of an active volcano – Mount Tarawera. From there, you’ll have spectacular aerial views of the vibrant red volcanic landscape and deep blue lakes that dot the Waimangu Volcanic Valley below.

Can I Swim in Lake Rotorua?

Some parts of Lake Rotorua are safe to swim in, while others are less suitable due to high bacteria levels. Check the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) – Can I swim here? page for up-to-date information on swimming safety. You can also view the water quality of other lakes located around Rotorua City and the rest of New Zealand.

What are the Best Lakes to Visit in Rotorua?

Besides Lake Rotorua, visitors to Rotorua City have access to Lakes Tikitapu, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Ōkareka, Rotoiti, Okataina, and Rotoehu.

Head to Skyline Rotorua for exciting attractions and a world-class restaurant. Check out our guides for the best day tours and epic bike trails. Visit our blog page for more sightseeing tours and activities in New Zealand. We can’t wait to welcome you!