Lakes Near Rotorua

Lakes are as much part of the landscape of Rotorua as volcanoes, and in fact are closely connected to volcanic activity. The area is dotted with them, and Rotorua is sometimes described as the "lake district" of the North Island. Most of these lakes are situated in the depressions formed from volcanic eruptions (Lake Taupo is the most extreme example of this). Rotorua itself lies on the edge of a large volcanic lake (Lake Rotorua).

Lake Rotorua

This picture shows a Rainbow over Lake Rotorua. Mokoia Island which lies at the centre of the lake can be seen in the background. To the south of Rotorua lies lake Tarawera, surrounded by some beautiful bushlands and displaying a landscape that everywhere bears the imprint of the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera.

The Waikato River & Huka Falls

The Waikato is the country's longest river (425 km), and is about 30 minutes drive south west of Rotorua. The Huka falls and Aratiatia rapids are also on the Waikato, and are pretty spectacular. Jetboat rides and white water rafting are very popular on the Waikato. Jetboating and rafting in this area is supposed to be among the best in the world.

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake at 600 square kilometres, is about 90 kilometres south west of Rotorua. It is the product of a huge volcanic eruption that took place some 1800 years ago (the explosion is estimated to have been the most violent volcanic eruption anywhere in the world in the last 5 millennia). It is formed from the crater of an ancient volcano (called Taupo volcano), and is situated over a thousand feet above sea level. It is deep, (160 metres in parts) cold, full of trout and often used for wind-surfing, water-skiing and a host of other water sports.