Natural Lakes

The Rotorua / Te Arawa Lakes are popular for many forms of recreation and are a taonga to the people of Te Arawa. Our lakes are nationally significant to New Zealanders and are treasured natural assets of great beauty.

There are 16 lakes in the Rotorua region, however 15 are fishable lakes of varying size and depth.

The stock is predominantly rainbow trout, although there are brown trout plus some brook trout and tiger trout. (Tiger trout are a hybrid cross between brown and brook)

All lakes are easily accessible by car and most can be fished from the shoreline and by wading, however a small boat opens up much more water.

Major fishing lakes are Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoma. To a lesser extent Lakes Rerewhakaaitu, Rotoehu, Aniwhenua (on the Rangitaiki River) and Waikaremoana, which is much further east of the others.