Lake Tarawera

Tragedy shaped this remarkably beautiful lake into the broad, branching lake it is today. The 1886 Tarawera eruption raised the lake by 12 meters, drowning a small valley between lava flows. Te Wairoa, the Buried Village, lies close by the southwest shore. Over 100 years later the landscape around the fiery mountain, Tarawera, is lush, green and blissfully peaceful.

Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve is an excellent spot for fishing, boating, bush walking, picnicking and mountain biking. Tarawera Landing, eight kilometres from Rotorua, is where scenic boat trips depart from and is a short walk from an archeological site of Maori cave drawings. These are an important part of New Zealand’s history and must be respected as such.

There are a number of incredible walks through native bush to spectacular waterfalls that burst from fissures in the rock face in the area. Be sure to collect information from the Rotorua Visitors Centre as some of the Department of Conservation walks in the area require permits which cost a small fee of around NZ$3.50.

The setting for one of New Zealand’s premier lodges, Solitaire Lodge, Lake Tarawera is a fantastic, romantic, adventurous location to holiday. Accommodation for everyone, from those seeking sublime luxury to those wanting a taste of nature, is available at Lake Tarawera, including the camping ground at Hot Water Beach - Te Rata Bay. This campsite is accessible only by boat and there is a ferry which will take you there. Natural hot springs beneath the sand bubble up creating warm, and in some places hot, sand where you may dig yourself a sandy, heated outdoor bath right beside the lake!

See a complete list of the Rotorua region accommodation.

This week's featured accommodation at the Rotorua region is:

Featured Accommodation

Country Villa Bed and Breakfast, Historic Accommodation - Rotorua Welcome to Country Villa, a beautiful Victorian style villa, built in 1906 and located in Rotorua. With magnificent views of the lake and a lovely cottage garden, this fully restored and renovated bed and breakfast is a delightful place to stay. Country Villa is an excellent place for rest after a day's sight-seeing. With good old fashioned hospitality, a log fire in the guest lounge offers a cosy atmosphere on those cool evenings. Facilities Country Villa has a... More...

Paradise Valley Lodge Cottage, Holiday Home, Lodge Accommodation - Rotorua Come and enjoy a 'slice of paradise'. Whether you are in Rotorua on holiday with family and friends, visiting from overseas, trout fishing or participating in other sporting activities, you will find Paradise Valley Lodge provides the perfect accommodation where you can relax and unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility of country living. Location Only 10 minutes from the city centre and close to many major tourist attractions. Nowhere else in New Zealand will you... More...

Crash Palace Backpackers - Rotorua Backpacker, Medium Stay, Student Accommodation - Rotorua Our warm and cosy Backpackers is located on the same street as the Blue Baths, Polynesian Spa Pools and Government Gardens. As an added bonus we are a short walk to Rotorua's shopping district and Pak'n Save supermarket. Rooms range from private, single twin, double, 4-6 bed dorms, 9 bed dorms to female dorms. Ideal for families, travellers, groups, couples and the budget conscious. All rooms have windows, are thermally heated and include clean linen and blankets. Prices from $22 to... More...

Baden Lodge Lodge, Motel, Motor Lodge Accommodation - Rotorua Baden Lodge offers guests the best in quality apartment-style accommodation to suit couples, families and the corporate guest. Apartments are spacious, comfortable, clean, chic, and self contained. Designed as a high standard accommodation provider, our apartments have all the modern facilities to make your stay a comfortable one: big bubbling spa pools in each apartment, Sky digital TV and free wireless internet. Baby friendly. We are centrally located in the heart of Rotorua -... More...

Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre Hotel Accommodation - Rotorua - City Being an oasis of relaxation, the Distinction Rotorua Hotel and Conference Centre offers a pleasant ambience, high standards of comfort and convenient facilities. Location Situated on Fenton Street, this property is just seconds away from the Central Business District and close to the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the beautiful mature Redwood Forest and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Excellent shopping, tourist activities and nightlife are all with a 5... More...