Rotorua Lakes

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Lake Tikitapu is the smallest of four small lakes lying between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera. The blue colour of the lake can be attributed to rhyolite and pumice on the lake bed. In summer, the lake is used for recreational purposes, with many sports events being held such as water skiing and triathlons. Like many of the lakes in the Rotorua district, it is also used for trout fishing. Photo courtesy of Z.Rumler, http://www.panoramio.com/photo/47222358	Lake Okareka Lake Okareka has reasonably clear, clean water and is used extensively for recreation such as boating, swimming and fishing. Renowned for its natural beauty, this lake has an adjacent settlement of approximately 600 people. The lake is easily accessible from the well-known tourist location of Rotorua. Photo courtesy of Lake Okareka Holiday Home, dogglehq.com.	Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) Lake Rotokakahi, named for its abundance of kakahi (freshwater mussels) flows to Lake Tarawera via the Te Wairoa waterfalls. From the air the lake looks emerald green due to its shallow, sandy bottom. The lake is 1302 feet above sea level and 69 feet below the level of the neighbouring Lake Tikitapu. Rotokakahi remains under the authority of Te Arawa iwi, Tūhourangi, and remains largely undisturbed as it is considered to be tapu (sacred). Photo courtesy of Eric Hill
Lake Rerewhakaaitu Lake Rerewhakaaitu is popular for camping, picnicking and boating. A significant site for wildlife, the lake supports breeding populations of dabchicks, scaup and banded dotterel. The lake and the surrounding Recreation Reserve offer a tranquil environment for many species including 46 different bird species - 9 of these classified as threatened. Photo courtesy of http://harveyjones.co.nz/general/lake-rerewakaatui/	Lake Rotomahana Lake Rotomahana is a wildlife refuge with all hunting of birds prohibited. A healthy population of black swan inhabits the lake. The lake is popular for fishing, camping, swimming and boating. A boat cruise on the lake, visiting hydrothermal features on the lake's shore is available as an additional extra from the Waimangu Volcanic Valley tourism operation. Photo courtesy of http://www.mygola.com/lake-rotomahana-p133422	Lake Rotoehu Lake Rotoehu is one of the least visited but offers great Kayaking and fishing (rainbow trout). It has two access points, Otautu Bay and Kennedy bay and is well located centrally to many other places e.g. the ocean, mountain biking, hiking etc. It has very good wildlife and birdlife with several rarely seen birds. In particular the endangered Kokako is located close by. Photo courtesy of Tightlines Lakeside, bachcare.co.nz.
Lake Okataina Unlike many other lakes in the region, Lake Okataina is completely encircled by native forest. It also has no inlets or outlets. The lake can be accessed by road via Hinehopu on the southern shores of Lake Rotoiti. At the end of the road there is a large sandy beach, a massive grassed area and the privately owned Okataina Lodge. The area around the lodge is, to the surprise of many. Photo courtesy of http://www.prweb.com/releases/new-zealand-tour/tours-of-a-lifetime-2013/prweb10660208.htm	Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoiti is the northwesternmost in a chain of lakes formed within the Okataina caldera. The lake is close to the northern shore of its more famous neighbour, Lake Rotorua, and is connected to it via the Ohau Channel. The lake is popular for water sports and fishing during summer, there are also thermal hot-spring baths on the southern shore which are accessible by boat. Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/imagesnz/	Lake Tarawera Lake Tarawera is the largest of a series of lakes which surround the volcano Mount Tarawera, The lake is filled primarily by sources from the nearby Blue (Lake Tikitapu) and Green (Lake Rotokakahi) lakes. Lake Tarawera is home to eels and rainbow trout. During the summer it is popular for both fishing and water sports, and also camping as there a number of hot water beaches. Photo courtesy of galenfrysinger.com
Lake Rotorua Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island. Despite the large volume of water flowing through Lake Rotorua its shallow depth makes it very prone to discolouration, especially from sediment following windy weather. It is well used by fishermen, but less popular with watersports participants and swimmers. Photo courtesy of trekearth.com	Lake Rotoma Lake Rotoma is renowned for its beauty and its crystal clear water and is is the clearest and cleanest lake of all the Central North Island lakes. At 10.8 Km/2 it is the forth largest, and eastern most of the Rotorua lakes. It features a multitude of white sand beaches where you can always find a sheltered place to enjoy your day's activities. Popular for all forms of fresh water sport and recreation. Photo courtesy of scottg26.com