Lakes, hot pools & spas
After the geysers, Rotorua is a place to slow down. Its ring of lakes — from island-studded Lake Rotorua to the jewel-blue Tikitapu — invites swimming, boating and lakeside walks, while the town's hot mineral pools and thermal spas are the perfect way to end a day. Here's where to swim, soak and unwind.
Rotorua, Tikitapu & Tarawera
Rotorua is cradled by lakes. Lake Rotorua, with tree-clad Mokoia Island — home to the Hinemoa and Tūtānekai love story — is the heart of town. Just south, the jewel-toned Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is loved for swimming and its loop walk, beside the sacred Green Lake (Rotokakahi). Beyond lies mighty Lake Tarawera, superb for boating and trout fishing. See our Māori culture guide.
The Polynesian Spa & hot pools
Rotorua's geothermal gift is warm water. The lakeside Polynesian Spa is the classic — tiers of hot mineral pools looking over Lake Rotorua, wonderful at dusk. For a rustic soak, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are fed by a natural hot spring, and Hell's Gate offers a geothermal mud spa. Many motels have their own thermally heated pools too. See our geothermal wonders guide.
Government Gardens
On the lake edge, the manicured Government Gardens make a lovely stroll, framed by the grand Tudor-style Bath House. That building — the historic Rotorua Museum — has been closed for earthquake strengthening and restoration, so do check its current reopening status; the gardens, bowling greens and Blue Baths precinct are pleasant to wander regardless. See our things to do guide.
Rotorua lakes & hot pools: your questions
Rotorua sits amid a string of beautiful lakes. Lake Rotorua itself, with tree-clad Mokoia Island at its heart, is the centrepiece; the jewel-toned Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is loved for swimming and walks, beside the sacred Green Lake (Rotokakahi); and Lake Tarawera, in the shadow of the mountain, is glorious for boating and fishing. See our Rotorua tours.
The best-known is the lakeside Polynesian Spa, with hot mineral pools looking over Lake Rotorua, but you can also soak at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools (fed by a natural hot spring), at Hell's Gate's mud spa, and at many motels with their own thermally heated pools. It's the perfect end to a Rotorua day. See our geothermal wonders guide.
Mokoia Island, in Lake Rotorua, is the setting for New Zealand's great love story — Hinemoa and Tūtānekai. Hinemoa, forbidden to see her love, is said to have swum the lake at night guided by his flute to reach him on the island. It's a taonga of the Te Arawa people, visited on guided boat trips. See our Māori culture guide.
Yes — the Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is a favourite for swimming, with a sandy edge and a lovely loop walk, and parts of Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera are popular in summer too. The neighbouring Green Lake (Rotokakahi) is tapu (sacred) and access is not permitted, so admire it from the ridge. Always check current water-quality notices. See our best time to visit guide.
The historic Rotorua Museum — the grand Tudor-style Bath House in the Government Gardens by the lakefront — has been closed for earthquake strengthening and restoration, so please check its current reopening status before planning a visit. The gardens themselves are lovely to stroll any time. See our things to do guide.