Rotorua Lakes District

Scenic lakes and viewpoints in Rotorua Lakes District

Explore the volcanic landscape of the Rotorua district, from the geothermal activity of the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley to the high-altitude viewpoints of Rainbow Mountain. This collection features the world’s largest hot spring, Frying Pan Lake, and the contrasting colors of Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi. It includes panoramic vistas from Mount Ngongotahā and the Whakarewarewa Forest, offering perspectives on the region's major lakes and the active steam vents of the Whakarewarewa Valley.

Scenic Lakes & Viewpoints — Map

Pseudopanax / Public domain

A

Frying Pan Lake

Frying Pan Lake is the world's largest hot spring. It is located in the Echo Crater of the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, New Zealand and…

B

Whakarewareewa Forest Look Out - Quarry Track

Located along the Quarry Track, this elevated platform offers views over the 5,600-hectare redwood forest toward Rotorua city and the lake.

joerch / CC-BY-SA

C

Mud Pools

These large, boiling mud craters are the site of a former mud volcano that collapsed in the 1920s. They demonstrate continuous geothermal activity through erupting steam and mud.

JSilver / CC BY 2.0

D

Lake Rotomahana

Lake Rotomahana is an 800-hectare lake in northern New Zealand, located 20 kilometres to the south-east of Rotorua.

Phillip Capper / CC BY 2.0

E

Lake Rotomā

Lake Rotomā is the fourth largest lake of the 11 lakes in the Rotorua Lakes district, or the Hot Lakes district as it was known in the…

Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Crater Lake Outlook

An intermediate viewpoint on the Rainbow Mountain summit track overlooking a bright turquoise geothermal lake set against red and white volcanic cliffs.

Andy king50 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Lower Whaka Outlook

This viewpoint provides a direct line of sight into the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, including the frequent eruptions of the Pohutu Geyser and the historic Living Maori Village.

Charles Henry Howorth (1856-1945) / Public domain

H

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

A 1.5-square-kilometer lake known for its vibrant blue color caused by reflected light off its white rhyolite and pumice bottom. A 5.5-kilometer walking track circles the perimeter.

I

SkyLine & Luge

Situated on the slopes of Mount Ngongotahā, this site is accessed via gondola and features three luge tracks with views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Rainbow Mountain

Locally known as Maunga Kākaramea, this dacite volcano features steaming vents and colorful rock faces. The summit offers 360-degree views of the Central North Island volcanic peaks.

Follash / Public domain

K

Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand by surface area, and covers 79.8 km2.

L

Blue lake and green lake

A roadside viewpoint situated on the ridge between Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi, showcasing the visual contrast between the clear blue and deep green waters.

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