Lake Tarawera

Travel Guide

Lake Tarawera which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Lake Tarawera featuring a lake or waterhole
Lake Tarawera showing a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
Lake Tarawera showing a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people
Lake Tarawera showing a lake or waterhole

Surrounded by picnic areas, camping spots and bushwalking trails, this scenic lake is a favourite holiday destination for New Zealanders.

The glassy waters of Lake Tarawera wrap themselves around one side of the infamous Mount Tarawera, a towering volcano with a tragic history. This is the largest of the lakes that surround the volcano, covering an enormous 41 square kilometres (16 square miles). Visit the lake to fish for rainbow trout, swim at its hot water beaches and hike its network of walking trails to reach campsites, picnic spots and cascading waterfalls. Tour operators in the area can facilitate your adventures but Lake Tarawera’s accessibility is what attracts its broad range of visitors.

Explore the area surrounding the lake on foot to discover the natural beauty of Lake Tarawera. Hiking trails traverse the park, with a high concentration of trailheads at the Tarawera Outlet. Embark on a 4-hour return trip to the Tarawera Falls to feel the thick mist generated by the cascading water. If you’re feeling more adventurous, trek to the Hot Water Beach Campsite. Bring ample water and food for the journey, which takes 6 hours each way. Reserve a campsite to avoid disappointment during the popular summer months.

Those not up for a 6-hour trek can still discover the campsites and picnic areas of Lake Terawera. Take a water taxi to reach Hot Water Beach and bathe in the warm shallows. The geothermic activity of the volcano has created pockets of heated water where you can relax with a warm soak.

Learn about the tragic historic of the Māori village of Te Wairoa, which was destroyed in the 19th century when the volcano erupted, forming the lake. Join a scenic boat tour to have landmarks pointed out to you.

Lake Terawara is located about 45 minutes from the Kawerau township by car. Obtain a permit prior to arriving at the lake. This service, along with tour operators and charter boats, can be arranged in Kawerau.

Solitaire Lodge

Solitaire Lodge

5 out of 5
16 Ronald Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
The price is P60,989 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P60,989
P70,138 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tarawera ...
"The.staff, facility and dining is as good as anywhere in the world. Combine that with the beauty of the location and you’ll never want to leave."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025

Solitaire Lodge
Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is P4,365 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P4,365
P5,020 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Excellent king size bed. Samsung TV very good. Ground floor room handy to parked car. Chapmans Restaurant provided good choices."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
The price is P5,026 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P5,026
P5,780 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"A great experience with amenities in house"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

4 out of 5
1420 Hamurana Road, RD4, Rotorua, Mourea
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Mourea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (552 reviews)
"Everything was perfect. 2nd time staying here and will definitely come back for a 3rd and many more."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Quest Rotorua Central

Quest Rotorua Central

4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,039 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Ripple Rotorua

Ripple Rotorua

3.5 out of 5
4 Barnard Road, Rotorua
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly apartment in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Skyline Rotorua and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (475 reviews)
"Near the racetrack for any keen punters. About km into city centre. Area was a little dodgy. Bit rundown & needing some TLC. Barely a 3 star.⭐️."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Ripple Rotorua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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