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Bay of Plenty

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Bay of Plenty

See also:

Rotorua Recreation Guide brochure

Tracks (walking & biking) in Rotorua Lakes area

Campgrounds in the Rotorua Lakes area

Bay of Plenty community conservation projects

Rotorua Lakes

Thirteen major lakes and a variety of geothermal areas and scenic reserves can be found in the Rotorua Lakes area.

Blue Lake

Located near Rotorua, Blue Lake is popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. You can follow an easy walking track that circles around the lake.
Location: Blue Lake is 9 km south-east of Rotorua, via Te Ngae Road then Tarawera Road.

Kaharoa Conservation Area

Kaharoa and the adjoining Onaia Ecological Area are renowned for the endangered kokako. You can walk the Kokako Track through forest to a secluded spot at Onaia Stream.
Location: Kaharoa Conservation Area is located 36 km north of Rotorua.

Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve

Just 22 kilometres north-east of Rotorua, Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is home to a number of species of native birds.
Location: Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is 22 km north-east of Rotorua on Okataina Road, off State Highway 30.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserves

Camping, picnicking and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu. A significant site for wildlife, the lake supports breeding populations of dabchicks, scaup and banded dotterel.
Location: Lake Rerewhakaaitu is 29 km south-east of Rotorua. For vehicle access to the lake, turn off State Highway 5 onto State Highway 38 and then onto Rerewhakaaitu Road.

Lake Rotoiti

Lake Rotoiti has a navigable water link with Lake Rotorua and features a number of significant historic sites.
Location: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is 21km from Rotorua on Trout Pool Road off SH 33. Hinehopu/Hongi Track is 20 km north-east of Rotorua off State Highway 30.

Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve

At Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve you can visit Tarawera Landing, The Orchard, Humphries Bay and Hot Water Beach.
Location: Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve is 18 kilometres southeast of Rotorua on Tarawera Road, off Te Ngae Road.

Mokaihaha Ecological Area

Mokaihaha Ecological Area, in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, is rich in Maori history and has high conservation and scientific values. Walkers on the Mokaihaha Track can listen to the calls of tui, kereru, bellbirds and fantail.
Location: Mokaihaha Ecological Area is situated on the Mamaku Plateau, 9.6 km south-east of the Mamaku township on South Rd.

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve

This reserve has significant Maori cultural and spiritual value. It features the waterfalls of the Kaituna River and is the site of New Zealand's first hydro-electic power station.
Alert: Dangerously strong currents and waterfalls. Please keep to the track.
Location: Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located 21 km from Rotorua on Trout Pool road off SH 33 (the Rotorua to Tauranga highway). Okere Falls Scenic Reserve is located on the banks of the Kaituna river draining out of Lake Rotoiti.

Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve

Located 26 kilometres south-east of Rotorua, Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve contains a number of plants which are unique to geothermal areas. The popular Crater Lakes Walk is a one-hour return hike.
Location: The Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve is located 26 km south east of Rotorua on State Highway 5.

Find out more

Publications

Rotorua Recreation Guide brochure

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Rotorua Lakes Area Office
Phone:	+64 7 349 7400

Email:
Full office details