Top Tourist Attractions, Lake Rotoiti

Only 15 minutes drive from Rotorua, one of NZ's most popular tourist destinations lies Lake Rotoiti. Despite being so close to Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti is an idyllic spot; a place where people come to enjoy the peace and beauty of the lake, take day walks into the surrounding native bush or go fishing or boating.

This is an area steeped in Maori history; where many of the unique regions and locations around the lake have historical, cultural and spiritual significance for local iwi (local Maori tribes). Much of the land around the lake is in the care of local iwi, so it is with their permission that visitors can enjoy this extraordinary place.

Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity and hot mineral pools. But you don't have to drive to Rotorua to enjoy a health-restoring soak in a heated pool. The Manupirua Hot Pools located on the southern side of the lake are accessible by boat only. Here you'll find a range of hot pools at different temperatures and if you get too hot, dive into the lake to cool down.

But the real hidden gem is Waitangi Soda Springs. Recently upgraded, these pools are accessible by car. Take Manawehe Rd off SH30. There's a large pool that drains via a concrete race into a lower deeper pool so you can lie back and enjoy the hot water bubbling up around you while streams of warm and fresh water pass by.

Lake Rotoiti is a haven for boaties and fishing enthusiasts. If you have your boat, there are public boat ramps at Gisborne Pt, Mourea and Rotoiti with nearby water ski lanes. Kayaking is a great way to reach many areas of the lake not accessible by land. You can hire kayaks from local tour operator River Rats who are based at Mourea or take one of their guided tours on the lake.

From Mourea, head to the nearby town of Okere Falls. Here the Kaituna River drains Lake Rotoiti with water exiting over rapids and the Okere Falls. This is a famous stretch of water for white water rafting, sledging and kayaking. The Kaituna River boasts the highest commercially rafted waterfall (7 metres) in the world. With another three waterfalls among the 14 rapids, thrill-seekers are in for an exhilarating ride.

Local white water rafting and sledging operators, Kaitiaki Adventures, are adrenalin specialists. Kaitiaki means guardianship, and with Kaitiaki, your safety is of prime importance. Kaitiaki also respect that the Kaituna River is sacred to local Maori and show respect by beginning each trip with a karakia (prayer). With Kaitiaki Adventures, you'll be treated to an unforgettable day of culture, adrenalin and history.

If you're feeling hungry after all that adventure, then stop by the Okere Falls Store. While the name doesn't provide any clues, this is much more than just a store. It's also an upmarket deli stocked with delicious organic and freshly made food and a German beer garden. Each year the store holds a week-long German Beer Festival starting in October at Labour weekend. This popular local event features loads of beer, bratwurst and live music from a German-style ompa band. However tickets are limited each year so if you are planning on going, make sure you secure a ticket.

Hells Gate & Waiora Spa is a smooth 15 minutes drive from Lake Okere, back along with SH33 turning left into SH30. Four kilometres up the road and you're there. Here you'll see some of Rotorua's geothermal activity at its best; erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and hot lakes and springs. While you're there, detoxify and purify your skin with a mud bath at Wairoa Spas or luxuriate with one of their unique treatments.

One of the most popular activities at Lake Rotoiti is merely enjoying an outdoor picnic. You can pick up picnic supplies from Okere Falls Store or if you are on the southern side of the lake, the Emery Store. There are many inlets and bays to explore, many of which are only accessible from the lake, including Hot Water Beach, which as the name suggests, you can dig your feet into the sand and find hot water, Cherry Bay, Honeymoon Bay and Picnic Pt.

Lake Rotoiti is such a special place; its stunning scenery, spectacular native bush beautiful lake, entice people back again and again. You too will enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Lake Rotoiti.