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$2,075 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$2,075
29 July - 30 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
Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$141 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$141
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Arawa Park Hotel

Arawa Park Hotel

4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is NZ$125 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$125
27 July - 28 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was nice"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Arawa Park 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.
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)
Mrs
"This was a lovely getaway. It was cosy and perfect for what we needed. The kayaking was a hit!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 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)
"Amazing location and a wonderful stay!"

Reviewed on 22 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Lake Tarawera