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.

Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is AU$148 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$148
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Good value"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Rydges Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is AU$155 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$155
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Enjoyed out stay"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Prince's Gate Hotel
Prince's Gate Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1057 Arawa Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is AU$202 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$202
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Property was quiet, spacious, and conveniently located in a safe part of a walkable town. Facility was a little tired"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Prince's Gate Hotel
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
Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
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 Buried Village ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
Perfect Spot
"We stayed at Sally's place to attend a wedding at Black Barn. Location was great, house clean and tidy and communication with Sally was a breeze. Would happily recommend and stay again in the future."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2025

Fisherman's Retreat on Lake Tarawera
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
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.

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