Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua is the largest lake in the district and the most productive trout fishery in New Zealand. With the city of Rotorua on its shores, it is much valued and used by locals and tourists alike.

Lakefront reserve - Lake Rotorua

The lakefront reserve features children's playgrounds, BBQs, picnic tables and other areas perfect for family-oriented activities. The reserve is also used for public events such as craft markets, pony rides and concerts. The reserve includes the Village Green (bounded by Whakaue Street, Tutanekai Street and Memorial Drive) and the War Memorial Park which was opened in 1958.

Reserve facilities:

Barbeques (electric, on timer)
Public toilets
Children's playground
Boat ramp
Parking and reserved parking for mobility card holders
Access to Rotorua walking track (accessibility friendly)

Treasure this place - take your rubbish with you. There is no overnight parking or camping at this reserve.

Sulphur Point

Visible from the lakefront, Sulphur Point includes a boat ramp, toilet facilities and access to the Rotorua walking track. See the wildlife and the rainbow of colours in the Sulphur flats. You can access Sulphur Point by turning left behind the Rotorua Energy Events Centre behind the Rotorua Museum (Queens Drive).

Reserve facilities:

Toilet facilities
Boat ramp
Parking area
Access to Rotorua walking track (accessibility friendly).

Treasure this place – take your rubbish with you. There is no overnight parking or camping at this reserve.

If you are visiting this area, please take note of the wonderful wildlife but remain on the tracks. Some of the birds that make Sulphur Point their home are threatened species and are protected by the Department of Conservation.

Hamurana

Hamurana is famous for its beautiful, crystal-clear, freshwater springs. The water, once above ground, flows into Lake Rotorua.The waters of the springs are a wildlife sanctuary and play host to many bird species, including scaup and the endangered dabchick. The springs are a major source of water supply for the Hamuranā and Ngongotaha areas.

Hamurana Springs can be found on the northern shores of Lake Rotorua alongside Hamurana Road. Hamurana stream is also a popular hotspot for trout fishing. The water is quite shallow, so this can be a safe spot for children to swim in.

The Hamurana Springs are under the management of the local Iwi Ngāti Rangiwewehi. Guided tours and Self-guided walks are available at the Springs.

Reserve facilities:

Barbeques
Picnic table
Toilets facilities
Children's playground
Boat ramp

Waikawau/Hannahs Bay

Waikawau/Hannahs Bay wetlands

The Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, just behind the Rotorua Airport. The beach is commonly used for swimming and windsurfing and has easy access for water skiing and jet-skis.

The reserve is said to have been named by Ihenga, the Te Arawa explorer who named many of the district’s ngā tūtohu whenua (landmarks). It is said that he gave the name Waikawau, having come upon the shore and seeing a mass abundance of Kawau (a general term for a variety of shags) said “ka horohia te wai e te Kawau” (the waters here have been overwhelmed by the Kawau).

Rotorua Lakes Council is working in partnership with iwi, the Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve Committee and Tatau Pounamu Eastside Collective and with the support of the wider eastside community, to protect and enhance the Otauira wetlands within the reserve.

Reserve facilities:

A mobility playground
Public toilets
Dog exercise areas
Horse bridle trail
Large open spaces for recreational activities
Wheelchair-accessible wetland walkway
Barbecues (electric, on timer)

Treasure this place – take your rubbish with you.

The main gates are open for vehicle access between 8am and 8.30pm year-round. There is no overnight parking or camping at this reserve.

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