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Lakes And Geothermal
Beautiful lakes, distinctive volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal sites are special features of the Bay of Plenty.
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The Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is one of the closest, lakes to Rotorua. Its clear blue waters are popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. An easy walking track circles the lake taking in beautiful beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest. There are good views over Blue Lake and the nearby Green Lake (Rotokakahi).
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This free hot water mineral pool is located 1.8 kilometers south of Reporoa on Broadlands Road(entrance is signposted from Broadlands Road).
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The Lake Okataina area was an important link in pre-European routes, when canoes were carried from Lake Tarawera to Lake Okataina.Okataina Road follows one of these ancient portage routes.
The Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve is a pristine natural area with native bush down to the waters edge. The reserve is rich in birdlife and contains fine examples of rimu, totara, rata and kahikatea.
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Lake Rerewhakaaitu is a site of special wildlife interest. It supports breeding populations of
dabchicks, scaup and the largest breeding population of banded dotterel in the Rotorua
Ecological District.
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Lake Rotoiti is popular for water sports and fishing. The lake has a navigable water link with
Lake Rotorua. Among important cultural, historic and scenic sites around the lake are Okere Falls
Scenic Reserve and Hinehopu/Hongi Track (Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve, Hinehopu Scenic Reserve).
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The 1886 eruption, which killed 153 people and raised the lake surface by 12m, shaped the
Tarawera landscape. The lake drains eastward through the Tarawera River, over spectacular
falls. The reserve contains walking tracks and many recreational and cultural sites,
including those at Tarawera Landing, The Orchard, Humphries Bay and Hot Water Beach.
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The park borders Lake McLaren, formed behind a dam built for hydro-electricity generation.
The landscape includes parkland and native bush. McLaren Falls has a fine botanical collection
of trees and a range of birdlife, including the North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin
and long-tailed cuckoo.The park has accommodation, with camping on any open, grassed area, except Cherry Bay,and three hostels. Trout fishing is permitted year round in the lake and nearby Ruahihi Canal
with a licence. An animal park adjoins McLaren Falls Park.
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The 2.5km Okareka walkway is part of a continuing community revegetation project aimed at improving lake water quality and re-establishing wildlife habitats. A 500m boardwalk provides assisted wheelchair access to the wetland area of the walk.
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Rainbow Mountain is significant in botanical and scientific terms, containing a complex
mixture of plant species, some of which are rare and unique to geothermal areas. From its
volcanic origins, Rainbow Mountain (Maungakakaramea, meaning ‘mountain of
coloured earth) has cooled over recent years.Though places are still smouldering, the native
vegetation is regenerating.
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Varied sections of walkway around Rotorua take in areas of historical, cultural, scenic and
scientific interest. Much of the landscape in Kuirau Park and along the Motutara and Te
Arikiroa sections of lakeside walk has been shaped by geothermal activity. The entire
Rotorua City Walkway measures 26km, broken into eight shorter sections.
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