Lake Tikitapu
Lakes & Rivers / East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Popular for swimming, boating, trout fishing and water sports, this small circular lake has an easy circuit walking track and links to the mountain bike trail network in Whakarewarewa Forest.
The name comes from Māori history. Tikitapu is a sacred greenstone necklace, believed to have been worn and lost in the lake by the daughter of a high-ranking chief.
Facilities include beach areas at both ends of the lake, a boat ramp, barbecues and picnic areas, children’s playground and toilets.
Between Lake Tikitapu and the neighbouring Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) is a lookout point, accessible from the car park, where you can see the contrasting colours of the two lakes.
Lake Tikitapu hosts a number of sporting events throughout the year, so if you’re bringing your boat, check out any lake closures before you plan your trip.
Facilities include playground, barbecues, picnic tables, toilet facilities, and boat ramp. Dogs are permitted and must be kept on lead.
Remember to take care of the environment and to dispose of rubbish and dog waste responsibly.
The shorter Tikitapu Nature Walk has great story panels and plant identification labels, giving detailed information about the beautiful native bush. This easy well-formed trail will take around 30 minutes. For more walks around Rotorua check out 10 wonderful walks in Rotorua.
Tangaroamihi is a flowing 2.5km grade two mountain bike trail connecting Lake Tikitapu to the rest of the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike trail network, and part of the Forest Loop. You can ride the trail in either direction.
Remember to take care of the environment and to dispose of rubbish and dog waste responsibly.
The name comes from Māori history. Tikitapu is a sacred greenstone necklace, believed to have been worn and lost in the lake by the daughter of a high-ranking chief.
Facilities include beach areas at both ends of the lake, a boat ramp, barbecues and picnic areas, children’s playground and toilets.
Between Lake Tikitapu and the neighbouring Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) is a lookout point, accessible from the car park, where you can see the contrasting colours of the two lakes.
Lake Tikitapu hosts a number of sporting events throughout the year, so if you’re bringing your boat, check out any lake closures before you plan your trip.
Facilities include playground, barbecues, picnic tables, toilet facilities, and boat ramp. Dogs are permitted and must be kept on lead.
Remember to take care of the environment and to dispose of rubbish and dog waste responsibly.
Walking & Biking Trails
The 5.5km Blue Lake Track circling the lake is popular with local walkers and visitors alike, weaving through beautiful native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest, and dropping into sandy beaches at each end of the lake. Dogs on leads are permitted on this track.The shorter Tikitapu Nature Walk has great story panels and plant identification labels, giving detailed information about the beautiful native bush. This easy well-formed trail will take around 30 minutes. For more walks around Rotorua check out 10 wonderful walks in Rotorua.
Tangaroamihi is a flowing 2.5km grade two mountain bike trail connecting Lake Tikitapu to the rest of the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain bike trail network, and part of the Forest Loop. You can ride the trail in either direction.
Remember to take care of the environment and to dispose of rubbish and dog waste responsibly.