Rotorua Lakes District

Nature and outdoor activities in Rotorua Lakes District

Nature and Outdoors

Rotorua’s landscape is shaped by dramatic geothermal and volcanic activity. This collection features the region’s diverse hydrology, from the 65-meter Tarawera Falls erupting through a rhyolite cliff to the white-water drops of the Kaituna River. Explore geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park’s public mud pools and the steaming cliffs of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The list also highlights the massive rock faces of the Horohoro caldera and the serene lakefronts of Okareka and Tarawera, offering a detailed look at the Bay of Plenty's natural terrain.

Nature and Outdoors — Map

A

Kuirau Park

Free public park featuring active geothermal activity, including boiling mud pools, steaming alkaline lakes, and dedicated foot-soaking pools.

B

Tutea Falls

A 7-meter drop on the Kaituna River, known as the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Located adjacent to Tutea’s Cave.

C

Okere Falls

Part of the Okere River scenic reserve, featuring a series of waterfalls and the remains of Rotorua’s first hydroelectric power station.

D

Tarawera Falls

A 65-meter waterfall where the Tarawera River surges through a fissure in a high rhyolite cliff face formed by ancient lava flows.

E

Bridal Veil Falls

A geothermal waterfall located within the Wai-O-Tapu region, characterized by its delicate water flow over volcanic rock.

F

Lake Ngakoro Waterfall

Situated at the end of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland track, where geothermal overflow spills into the green-tinted Lake Ngakoro.

G

Aniwhaniwha Falls

Located on the Rangitaiki River near the Aniwhenua Dam, these falls are part of a hydro-electric scheme and recreational reserve.

H

Wairere Falls

The North Island’s tallest waterfall, dropping 153 meters over the Okauia fault line in the Kaimai Range.

I

Trout Pool Falls

A wide waterfall on the Kaituna River where trout often gather at the base, visible from the Okere Falls walking track.

J

Hardcastle Lagoon

A tranquil wetland and swamp area on the banks of the Waikato River, providing habitat for diverse birdlife.

K

Red Beach

A secluded shoreline on Lake Tarawera known for its distinctive reddish sand, accessible via the Tarawera Trail or by boat.

L

Sandy Beach

A swimming and picnic spot located on the western shore of Lake Okareka, featuring clear shallow waters.

M

Steaming Cliffs

Geothermal cliffs on the northern shore of Lake Rotomahana within Waimangu Volcanic Valley, featuring active fumaroles and vents.

N

Horohoro Cliffs

Massive rhyolite rock formations rising 200 meters, marking the edge of the Horohoro caldera and significant to local Māori history.

O

Boyes Beach Reserve

A lakefront park on Lake Okareka with facilities for swimming, picnicking, and overnight camping for self-contained vehicles.

Other Lists

Rotorua District Essentials Geothermal Wonders Scenic Lakes & Viewpoints Animal Encounters Top Camping & Holiday Parks