Lake Tarawera

Travel Guide

Lake Tarawera showing a beach as well as a small group of people
Lake Tarawera featuring a lake or waterhole
Lake Tarawera showing forest scenes 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.

Solitaire Lodge
Solitaire Lodge
5 out of 5
16 Ronald Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
The price is S$1,596 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$1,596
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tarawera ...
"The.staff, facility and dining is as good as anywhere in the world. Combine that with the beauty of the location and you’ll never want to leave."

Reviewed on 22 Jan, 2025

Solitaire Lodge
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is S$96 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$96
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"The property is conveniently located, though a car is still needed to get into town. The room was spacious, clean, and quiet, with comfortable beds, good heating, and a sizeable fridge. The furnishings were older than expected, but this wasn’t an issue. The bathtub had spa jets that didn’t work — ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is S$136 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$136
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Room next to 011 is hotel’s commercial washing room, when machine operates, you can’t sleep."

Reviewed on 10 Jul, 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
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.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
4 out of 5
1420 Hamurana Road, RD4, Rotorua, Mourea
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Mourea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (548 reviews)
"Nice environment"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Quest Rotorua Central
Quest Rotorua Central
4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,039 reviews)
"Excellent service and room was very clean"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
4 out of 5
16 Sala Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Polynesian Spa and Skyline Rotorua are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (603 reviews)
"Staff were super friendly, the location, the room it was all perfect, the kids loved the hot tub and being close to the pool. We know where we will be staying next time we are in Rotorua :)"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Alpin Motel & Conference Centre
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do