Lake Tarawera

Travel Guide

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

Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is €83 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€83
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Very nice and clean hotel. Staff are great at accommodating us to store our rental bikes. Bar and breakfast are wonderful!!!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Prince's Gate Hotel
Prince's Gate Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1057 Arawa Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is €123 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€123
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice old pub with period features in the rooms and common areas. Friendly staff at reception and in the restaurant. Only issue is no lift if you are not as mobile as you used to be but staff helped with luggage but staff helped with that. Overall an enjoyable couple of days"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Prince's Gate Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is €87 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
€87
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"No staff on Reception. They should have a bell to summon staff to front desk rather than having guests calling out to see if any staff can hear and /or come to receive guests to check in and or to assist with enquires."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
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.
Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
Lake Tarawera
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Buried Village ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
Tarawera weekend fishing.
"Great spot and facilities."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
Holiday home at Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Holiday home at Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Lake Tarawera
Stay at this vacation home in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Buried Village and Lake Tarawera are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
Stunning view and great indoor/putdoor flow
"Perfect spot for us. The weather was devine so we made good use of the spacious deck, BBQ and outdoor furniture, enjoyed the lake-views listened to the chatter and song of bellbirds and tuiEasy walk or cycle to the lake. Everything you might need in the kitchen, plenty of space.The BBQ needed a good ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Holiday home at Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Pohutukawa Lake House. Relax in comfort in our well equipped lake house.
Pohutukawa Lake House. Relax in comfort in our well equipped lake house.
Lake Tarawera
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tarawera ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Special family time
"Was in Lake Tarawera for a family wedding, and needed somewhere to stay with some overseas family. What a great spot, lovely home and stunning views!! 10/10 would recommend"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Pohutukawa Lake House. Relax in comfort in our well equipped lake house.
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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