Rotorua is well known for its 18 lakes, three major rivers and heaps of ways to enjoy many of them – even at night.
Swimming, fishing, lakeside picnicking, paddle boarding and other water sports are the obvious activities, so hook up the boat, grab your floaties and head to Rotorua.
You can also soak away your worries at one of two secluded thermal hot water beaches accessible only by boat, luxury catamaran, floatplane or hike. Take a canoe, kayak or paddle board tour across a lake to see glow worms at night.
Do you prefer something a bit faster? Choose from an exhilarating jet boat experience through a tangled, man-made river at break-neck speed, or scream across Lake Rotorua in a jet boat that takes you to tour pristine Mokoia Island. You can even combine a jet boat ride with a unique geothermal experience at a natural hot water fall and hidden geothermal valley called The Squeeze.
Finally, one of Rotorua’s world-famous adventures is a must-do for adrenaline junkies: a whitewater rafting trip on the famous Kaituna River where you’ll drop off the world’s highest commercially raftable waterfall.
Check out our majestic lakes, including Lake Tarawera, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Ōkareka and the blue waters of Lake Tikitapu.
Fish & Game Eastern Region
Lakes & Rivers
Fish & Game Eastern Region manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Lakes & Rivers, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Action Bug - Rangitāiki with Riverbug.NZ
Lakes & Rivers, South
Try something truly new! This Action Bug tour mixes a Riverbug with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki River between Rotorua and Whakatāne. This is an unforgettable experience that's unique to the Bay of Plenty.
Rotorua Paddle Tours
Lakes & Rivers
Stand-up paddle (SUP) board tours and lessons on Lake Rotorua and surrounding waterways.
Foris Eco-tours
Lakes & Rivers
Foris Eco-tours offers guided tours of the spectacular Whirinaki Forest and Rotorua's premium rafting adventure down the gorgeous Rangitaiki River. Choose guided hiking or combined river and guided walking options.
Raftabout Whitewater Rafting & Sledging
Lakes & Rivers
If you're looking for an awesome day out whitewater rafting, then look no further than Raftabout, a family-owned company that aims to excel.
River Rats Raft & Kayak
Lakes & Rivers, East
River Rats have been offering quality adventures for over 35 years including a range of whitewater rafting and lake kayaking options suitable for anyone from families to adrenalin junkies.
New Zealand Whitewater Academy
Lakes & Rivers, East
New Zealand Whitewater Academy is a place of whitewater excellence, providing top-of-the-line whitewater workshops, courses and excursions.
Kaitiaki Adventures – Sledging the Kaituna River
Lakes & Rivers
Multi-award winning Kaitiaki Adventures is passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism experiences in Rotorua. They love to share Aotearoa’s stunning environment, history and unique Māori culture, all the while infusing your experience with the warm and caring manaakitanga (hospitality) Rotorua is renowned for.
Rotoiti Water Shuttles
Lakes & Rivers, East
Indulge in a genuine off-the-beaten-track geothermal experience.
Lake Tarawera
Lakes & Rivers
One of the largest lakes in New Zealand, the picturesque Lake Tarawera (meaning ‘burnt spear’), is a firm favourite with boaties, and famous for the size and condition of its rainbow trout.