Lake Tarawera Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lake Tarawera which includes a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Lake Tarawera featuring a lake or waterhole
Lake Tarawera featuring a lake or waterhole and forests
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 AU$1,822 per night from 3 May to 4 May
AU$1,822
includes taxes & fees
3 May - 4 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free parking, room service, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tarawera ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"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
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is AU$144 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$144
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Súper nice place. Not the most modern or updated but the suites are affordable, breakfast is great, they have room service and a washer and dryer available."

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is AU$166 per night from 12 May to 13 May
AU$166
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
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! (1,005 reviews)
"“Very comfortable stay, the hotel is excellent. I would choose to stay here again next time.”"

Reviewed on 10 Apr. 2025

Rydges 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.
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
Boat Shed at Lake Tarawera - BACH OF THE YEAR
Boat Shed at Lake Tarawera - BACH OF THE YEAR
Lake Tarawera
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Tarawera and Buried ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
Had a amazing time yet again
"This is our 5th time staying and it gets better every time. We lucked the best weather. Unfortunately our reason for attending completely turned to custard and in the end only half our guests managed to stay (our end not the hosts issue) but our hosts were extremely accommodating considering we were ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2025

Boat Shed at Lake Tarawera - BACH OF THE YEAR
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! (132 reviews)
A beautiful and peaceful stay
"This home is perfect and just as described. Clean, spacious, sunny, quiet, and perfectly sited amongst the trees. It has great lake views also. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 13 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Lake Tarawera