Image: Nicole Portner | ©
Tarawera Outlet.
Lake Tarawera Outlet (Te Tapahoro) Campsite

Located in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve in the Bay of Plenty region

Camp alongside the lake in a large and attractive campsite where trout fishing and water sports are popular. There is no road access to the campsite.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Book Lake Tarawera Outlet (Te Tapahoro) Campsite.

Access to this campground is available to those that have walked in from the DOC tracks that link to this area, or via boat. You're not allowed to use the privately owned road that provides access from Kawerau.

Overnight parking at the Tarawera Falls Carpark is not permitted.

There are a number of commercial operators that run either boat or helicopter transport around the Rotorua Lakes area, with options for connecting trails or getting to/from campsites. 

Find commercial operators for Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve.

Tracks to this campsite

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1906584, N5767896
Latitude: -38.18501393, Longitude: 176.50314606

Water supply is not reliable due to intermittent toxic algal blooms in Lake Tarawera (more prevalent over the summer period) - take your own water supply as the lake water may not be drinkable.

Dogs are not allowed in areas administered by DOC in the Rotorua area.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Fishing

Trout fishing is popular.

Walking and tramping

A bridge links the campsite with the Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track and the Northern Tarawera Track.