Don’t miss the chance to explore Rotorua’s stunning lakes, including the picturesque Lake Tarawera, the expansive Lake Rotoiti, the tranquil Lake Ōkāreka, and the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tikitapu.
Discover the breath-taking beauty and thrilling adventures awaiting you in Rotorua, a destination renowned for its 18 magnificent lakes, three major rivers, and an abundance of ways to enjoy them – including at night.
By day, immerse yourself in a variety of water activities such as swimming, fishing, lakeside picnicking, stand-up paddle boarding, and other exciting water sports. Whether you’re setting sail with a boat, grabbing your floaties, or just looking to relax by the water, our beautiful lakes promise endless fun and relaxation.
For a truly unique experience, escape to one of Rotorua’s two secluded thermal hot water beaches – Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay or Manupirua Springs Hot Pools at Lake Rotoiti – accessible only by water shuttles, water taxi, jet boat, floatplane, or a scenic hike along Tarawera Trail. Let the warm waters melt your worries away.
Thrill-seekers will find their paradise with exhilarating jet boat tours. Choose from a ride through a thrilling, man-made river course at Velocity Valley, or race across Lake Rotorua with Katoa Jet.
One of Rotorua’s world-famous adventures awaits adrenaline junkies. Kaituna River offers the opportunity to plunge over the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall with local whitewater rafting companies, or in a guided tandem kayak with New Zealand Whitewater Academy.
By night, venture out on a canoe with Waimarino Kayak Tours, or kayak or SUP with Paddle Board Rotorua tour across a serene lake to witness the magical glow worms illuminating the night.
Rotorua is a destination where natural beauty meets adventure, creating unforgettable memories for every visitor.
The Airstream Project
Lakes & Rivers, East
Forget camping in an Airstream – opt for an Airstream lookalike to take you on a lake cruise you’ll never forget.
Rotorua and Taupō Guided Fly Fishing
Lakes & Rivers, Central
Local fly fishing guide Ray Nelson of Rotorua and Taupō Guided Fly Fishing makes it his business to put people on memorable fishing action, and what’s more, he’s very good at it!
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.
Rotoiti Water Shuttles
Lakes & Rivers, East
Indulge in a genuine off-the-beaten-track geothermal experience.
Steaming Cliffs Kayak at Lake Rotomahana
Lakes & Rivers, South
Explore the amazing scenery of Lake Rotomahana on this spectacular guided kayaking tour.
Lake Tikitapu
Lakes & Rivers, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
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.
Eastern Fish & Game
Lakes & Rivers
Eastern Fish & Game manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Rafting 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.
Rotorua Duck Tours - Amphibious Sightseeing and Informational Tours
Lakes & Rivers
Guided sightseeing tours of Rotorua and the lakes region in a WWII amphibious landing craft. Splashdown onto pristine lakes surrounded by beautiful native forests. Rotorua Duck Tours are the perfect introduction to Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori history.
Waimarino Kayak Tours to hot pools and glow worms
Lakes & Rivers, West
Waimarino Kayak Tours showcases beautiful Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua which boasts a large range of native birds and stunning bush.
Hot Water Beach at Te Rātā Bay
Lakes & Rivers, East
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, a hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake, creating our very own hot water beach at Te Rātā Bay.