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 NZ$2,055 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$2,055
27 July - 28 July
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 NZ$124 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$124
20 July - 21 July
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 NZ$153 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$153
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (1,006 reviews)
"The reception staff were exceptional, warm, welcoming and gave great recommendations for the local are. The rooms are fantastic. Lovely shampoo etc, the only downside was there was only 1 washing machine and dryer. Given this was Rotorua, I’d expect more machines as everyone wants to get the sulphur ..."

Reviewed on 12 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.
Tui Glen - Lake front bach with stunning views
Tui Glen - Lake front bach with stunning views
Lake Tarawera
Stay at this vacation home in Lake Tarawera. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (298 reviews)
Piece of paradise
"The view in pictures captured my heart, and in real life it did not disappoint! The sunrise view is priceless! The bach itself was clean, comfortable, and well layed out for up to 4 visitors. We enjoyed listening to the many birds who visited us. Note that the driveway is steep and the road is ..."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Tui Glen - Lake front bach with stunning views
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Buried Village and Lake Tarawera are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
Stunning views, well appointed
"This is a great place with everything you need and views to die for. We had an amazing short break and would live to stay again."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 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! (156 reviews)
"Fantastic stay. Property was clean and comfortable. Thank you."

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 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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Cities near Lake Tarawera