Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / North Island / Bay of Plenty Region / Rotorua District / Rotorua / Nature / Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua, Rotorua

4.3

#3 of 10 in Nature in Rotorua

Water Body Nature / Park

Stretching for miles and miles, Lake Rotorua boasts the title of North Island's second-largest lake. Though the lake's high volume of sediment does not lend itself to water sports, the surroundings make a special treat for a wide variety travelers. Drive, walk, or cycle through the lush surroundings to discover farmland, native bush, and bubbling geothermal springs. If you do want to get onto the water, consider a trout fishing trip or hopping aboard the traditional paddle steamer that cruises the lake. Before you head to Rotorua, plan trip itinerary details with our user-friendly Rotorua vacation trip planner, to make sure you see all that Rotorua has to offer, including Lake Rotorua.

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Related Tours to Book

Rotorua Gondola with optional Luge Ride BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $22

Lake Rotorua Paddle Boat Cruise with Breakfast or Lunch BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $33

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Exciting Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $168

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White Island Helicopter Flight and Volcano Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $667

Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $30

Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip from Auckland BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $239

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Where to stay in Rotorua

Rotorua has a range of different accommodations, mainly centered around the lake itself. In this downtown area you will find luxury hotels and hostels, many benefitting from good views of the surrounding scenery. Farther out of the town, comfortable motels offer those with a car a good option for setting up a base from which to explore the area. Campers and others wanting to enjoy the outdoors as soon as possible can opt for campsites and RV parks, all best accessed by car or taxi.

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834 reviews

868malharm

Lake Rotorua is a serene location. It has walk ways where you can enjoy the lake. The lake has black swans and seagulls which approach you once you offer them food. Overall a nice place to spend 2-3 h... more »
Linda S

Lake Rotorua is a beautiful lake. Easy public access with parks, entertainment areas, good free parking all around it. Take a boat ride or enjoy a wander along the edge of the lake. Beautiful scenery,... more »
wisechildVan

Definitely need to stop here and take photos. The black swans are pretty in the lake, but can be aggressive so don't feed them. Great kids playground here too. more »