Lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua
4.5
About
The largest of a dozen lakes formed by volcanic activity, this clear, calm lake offers cruises, kayaking and sailing, as well as great trout fishing.
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Top ways to experience Lake Rotorua
The area
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Best nearby
Restaurants
260 within 3 miles
Attractions
47 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,063 reviews
Excellent
457
Very good
480
Average
116
Poor
8
Terrible
2
Mouzouris
Detroit, MI2,110 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Our Airbnb was across the park so the lake was two minutes walk for us. We visited a couple of times as my wife’s favorite coffee truck was right there. Great for people watching, exercise, playground for the kids. Also looked like plane and chopper tours took off or could be booked from right there.
Written April 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil B
Auckland, New Zealand1,483 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Amazing enhancement to Rotorua's lakefront since our last visit. Beautiful landscaping, boardwalk, and cool all ages playground occupy the space that used to be a carpark. Well done to the local authority!
Written March 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sachin K
New York City, NY6,556 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Lake Rotorua is a fabulous lake and can be reached by a short walk from the city center. It was a very pleasant experience just walking on the pathway at the edge of the lake and watching some interesting wild life including some black swans. Certainly would very highly recommend Lake Rotorua to any traveler.
Written November 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Raggas
Thessaloniki, Greece38 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
A definetly mest see place in north New Zealand. There you see real Maoris the way they live and can accomodate! We have a fantastic daytrip there
Written October 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hansromer
Yarmouth, ME47 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
Nice area, plenty to do. Sailing, flying, hiking, bathing (Hell's Gate), dining, gondola, mountain biking and wine tasting (me!) I stayed at newly renovated Lake Rotorua hotel and was a comfortable 3-4 start hotel, just 5 minutes from downtown. Touring NZ? A must stop, especially to see all the geothermal sites!
Written February 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,879 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
Lake Rotorua is located to the north of the city and was created from a volcano that last erupted 240,000 years ago and as a consequence the magma chamber underneath collapsed and left a depression known as the Rotorua Caldera. It is a particularly pleasant area and there were a lot of people enjoying the tranquillity of the lake on the day of our visit especially as it was a particularly hot summer's day.
Written January 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
csundseth
Lake Ridge, VA265 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Rotorua is a nice visit especially for foreigners who are unused to the natural wonders so abundant in New Zealand. We took the helicopter short tour (8 minutes I think) but the views were worth the price.
Written December 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OurTravelLife
Estero, FL77 contributions
Feb 2020
In Rotorua city, almost the entire waterfront is blocked off for renovation. I'm sure it will be beautiful when it's done but now its hard to get a lake-side view.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John S
Exeter, UK296 contributions
Dec 2019
We had previously visited this beautiful lake and found this time that due to construction work we had to find our way around to the shore. Once there it is very magical and we loved the black swans.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freeman5802
Worcestershire, UK262 contributions
Jan 2020
Third time visiting Rotorua, it Somehow relaxes you . Yoh quickly do not notice the smell of sulphur , we always find something new to do, be interested to see how they redevelop the waterfront I hope they do not lose its charm.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What activities are suitable for infant (1.5 years old) and kid (10 years old) in Lake Rotorua?
Which hotel is highly recommended for family (total 4 pax)?
Thanks.
Written September 24, 2018
There is the Gondola ride to the top of the hill where you can toboggan down and the tree walk which is great to do. Mini golf is good too where the little one could pat some bunnies.
We stayed in the Millenium Hotel & found it great for catering to children, young and older.
Written November 22, 2018
Hi - I'm driving from Thames (Coromandel) area to Lake Taupo. How far out the way is Hobbiton? Is it a worthwhile tour?
Thanks
Written December 17, 2016
Hi hobiton is just outside matamata which is about half way to Taupo so would make a good stop. The drive from Thames to matamata is about 1hr 20 minutes down on highway 27. I have not been to hobiton so unable to help - just not my cuppa tea
Regards
Written December 18, 2016
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