Rotorua Lakes

Our region's lakes are popular for many forms of recreation. In the Rotorua District, the Rotorua Lakes are nationally significant as natural assets of great beauty.

Rotorua Lakes

The term Rotorua Lakes refers to the twelve large lakes managed through the Rotorua Lakes Protection and Restoration Action Programme:

• Lake Okareka
• Lake Okaro
• Lake Okataina
• Lake Rerewhakaaitu 
• Lake Rotoehu
• Lake Rotoiti
• Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake)
• Lake Rotoma
• Lake Rotomahana
• Lake Rotorua
• Lake Tarawera
• Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

Frequently Asked Questions

View the common questions asked about the Rotorua Lakes and the Restoration and Protection Action Programme.

Lake Closures/Lake Events

Are you planning a visit to one of the Rotorua lakes? Check out our lake closures page to see what events might be happening. You can also find out lake closure dates for previous years.

Lake Fact Sheets

The Rotorua Lake Fact Sheets contain useful information about the lakes.

Rotorua Lakes Report Cards

The Rotorua Lakes Report Cards are an annual report on the state of the Rotorua lakes.

Lake Health Warnings

Make sure you check out the blue-green algae status of the Rotorua Lakes and Kaituna River before you visit the lakes.

Lake Water Quality

For information about the water quality of the Rotorua lakes and how we measure it.

Lake Statistical Information

This page has general statistical information about the Rotorua lakes.

Living Near Lakes

What you need to know about living near lakes.

Ohau Channel Diversion

The Ohau Channel Diversion was built in 2008 and diverts nutrient-rich water from Lake Rotorua directly down the Kaituna River.

Phytoplankton and Cyanobacteria

Lake algae can affect the quality of a lake and how we use and enjoy it.

Reports to Council

Read the reports to council about the Rotorua lakes.

Technical Reports

These technical reports provide some background information and research about work to improve the Rotorua lakes.

Trophic Level Index

The Trophic Level Index is used to indicate the water quality of a lake.

Strategies

Read the Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua Region, and the Rotorua Lakes Recreation Strategy.

Electronic Lake Signs

New technology, like the Electronic Lake Signs help keep users informed of lake issues.

Other websites

The organisations listed below are also involved with aspects of Rotorua Lakes management. Environment Bay of Plenty takes no responsibility for the content of these websites.

• Ministry for the Environment
• Rotorua District Council
• Te Arawa Lakes Trust
• Fish & Game (Eastern Region) New Zealand
• Department of Conservation
• Lake Okareka Ratepayers and Residents Association
• Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association
• University of Waikato Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research: Rotorua Lakes Database
• Lake Ecosystem Restoration New Zealand