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Lake Rotorua, Rotorua

4.4
#9 of 19 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 visit Rotorua, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.
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Tours To Lake Rotorua

Rotorua Duck Tours - Fully Guided City and Lakes Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $49
4.5
10 reviews
Duration: 90 to 105 minutes
Buy tours from $49
Lake Rotorua Paddle Boat Cruise BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $13
3.8
10 reviews
Duration: 1 hour
Buy tours from $13
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $46
5.0
2 reviews
Duration: 3 hours
Buy tours from $46

Lake Rotorua Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
1,053 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • By Pam D
    Huge lake forming a backdrop to the city of Rotorua. Great for walking but the building work hampers this just now.  more »
  • By Gvipin
    Waterfront city centre good to enjoy but currently is closed as having some renovation/development so avoid for now.  more »
  • By Triathlete63
    In Rotorua city, almost the entire waterfront is blocked off for renovation. I'm sure it will be beautiful when it's done but now its hard to get a lake-side view.  more »
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Google
  • By Mark Owen
    Beautiful Lake. On the city side, there ia really beautiful {and easy) walk along the waterfront. Here you can see some really wonderful views. There is also a great playground for kids with lots of variety for different ages. There's also a clean (and free) public toilet. Of you had of around the lake (either by car or bike}, you won't be disappointed. There's lots of great views There are boat trips also, but gotta admit I've b nene done those. They are definitely on my bucket list though.
  • By ChunYi OuYang
    It's good to walk along the lake. Tranquil and beautiful scenery
  • By michelle roos
    Beautiful park like surrounds. Lovely atmosphere on a good day.
  • By Charli & Mum
    Beautiful! Excellent children's playground. Paddle boats. Lovely coffee! Gorgeous day :)
  • By Wee Tat Lee
    Nice lake and beautiful sunrise.
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Popular things to do in Rotorua

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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
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Zipline
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
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Te Puia
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
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Lake Okareka Walkway
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Rotorua

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Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Taupo
4.9
Duration: 3 hours
Huka Falls Walkway
Taupo
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Hobbiton Movie Set
Hinuera
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
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Kayaking & Canoeing
Taupo
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

Hidden gems in Rotorua

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Waimangu Volcanic Valley
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
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Rotorua Museum
4.1
Duration: 2 hours
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Agrodome
Ngongotaha
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min
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Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nature in Rotorua

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Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
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Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
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Lake Rotoiti
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Wildlife in Rotorua

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Rainbow Springs Nature Park
3.8
Duration: 4 hours
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Redwoods Treewalk
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
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Fishing Charters & Tours
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
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Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
Ngongotaha
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Rotorua

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Rotorua Canopy Tours
4.9
Duration: 3 hours
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Skyline Rotorua
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Tamaki Maori Village
4.5
Duration: 3h 30 min
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Polynesian Spa
3.9
Duration: 4 hours

Featured attractions

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HeliBike Rotorua
4.0
Duration: 8 hours
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Fancy Meow Cat Cafe
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
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Happy Ewe Cycle Tours
5.0
Duration: 3 hours
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Horseback Riding Tours
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
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Plans to Lake Rotorua by other users

21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND June, hidden gems Preferences: June Attraction style: Hidden gems Pace: Medium 42 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND July, slow & easy, hidden gems Preferences: July Attraction style: Hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy 29 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 20 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND August, hidden gems Preferences: August Attraction style: Hidden gems Pace: Medium 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 60 days in Oceania BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA June, teens, popular sights Preferences: June, teens Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 16 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND June, fast-paced, hidden gems Preferences: June Attraction style: Hidden gems Pace: Fast-paced 17 days in Rotorua BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND July, culture, outdoors, popular sights Preferences: July, culture, outdoors Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 17 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND June, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Fast-paced 46 days in Australia & New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 12 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 37 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM February, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems Preferences: February, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy
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