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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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.

Boyes Beach & Park

Lakes & Rivers, East

Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka and a great attraction during the warmer months, and popular for swimming, fishing and picnicking.

Cruise and Fish Rotorua

Lakes & Rivers

Some of the best fishing the Central North Island offers is accessed from Rotorua.

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.

Guy Roe Reserve

Lakes & Rivers, South

A popular location for fishing, picnics and boat activities.

Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve

Lakes & Rivers

Discover the beauty of Hamurana Springs at your own pace or be guided by a descendant of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi people who first migrated to the area in the mid 1300’s. Enjoy the stunning natural elements and cultural stories that make this such a magical place.

Kaitiaki Adventures – Sledging the Kaituna River

Lakes & Rivers

Multi-award winning Kaitiaki Adventures is passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism experiences in Rotorua. They love to share Aotearoa’s stunning environment, history and unique Māori culture, all the while infusing your experience with the warm and caring manaakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua is renowned for.

Kaituna Cascades Rafting Company

Lakes & Rivers

Join the Original Kaituna Rafting Company for an unbeatable grade 5 white-water experience on one of New Zealand's most exciting and beautiful rivers!

Katoa Jet

Lakes & Rivers

Blast around Lake Rotorua with Katoa Jet on an adrenaline-infused jet boat ride.

Lake Atiamuri

Lakes & Rivers, West

When Lake Atiamuri is first seen, the water appears to be almost black although it is in fact clean and has good visibility.

Lake Ohakuri

Lakes & Rivers, West

Lake Ohakuri, southwest of Rotorua, is the largest artificial lake of the Waikato River system.

Lake Ōkāreka

Lakes & Rivers

One of the smaller lakes in the Rotorua region, Lake Ōkāreka remains off the beaten path, tucked away off the main road accessing lakes Tikitapu and Tarawera.