Rotorua, Walks & Parks

On the northern side of Lake Rotorua, Hamurana reserve has a freshwater spring and its huge trout make it very popular for shoreline fishing. The lake waters are shallow and provide safe swimming for children. There are picnic tables and a BBQ, a playground to keep the children amused and toilets.

Only a 2 minute walk one way will take you to the bubbling hot pools where you can see steam and gases rising through the pools. Waiotapu is on the site of what was formerly the largest mud volcano in New Zealand. The track is suitable for all types of fitness and wheelchair access is also available.

This free hot mineral pool has recently been upgraded. The mineral water is piped directly from an adjacent spring. As with all hot pools, it is advisable that you keep your head above water at all times to avoid the risk of contracting amoebic meningitis. Toilets and changing rooms are on-site.

This large, flat area lies between Rotorua airport and the shores of Lake Rotorua. There is an all mobility playground, horse bridle trial and a dog exercise area. The reserve has large open spaces for recreational activities and the beach is popular for swimming and windsurfing. There are toilets, BBQs and picnic tables.

The Blue Lake Reserve is an ideal place for a picnic and is very popular for water sports such as water-skiing, jet-skiing and power boat racing so there should be plenty to watch! The south side of the lake has good swimming beaches and there are toilets, a playground, BBQs, picnic tables and a boat ramp. A walk around the lake will take about one and a half hours. Please note dogs are not allowed in the playground and are only allowed around the walkway on a lead.

The reserve is very family orientated with attractions like the Volcanic Playground for the children and cruises around the lake. The Rotorua Walkway passes through the Lakefront Reserve, which is within walking distance of the city centre and is close to restaurants and cafes. The reserve often hosts activities like pony rides, amusements and craft markets. There are BBQs, toilets and picnic tables at the reserve. Please note that dogs are not allowed at the Lakefront Reserve.

This is a popular destination during the summer months for swimming and picnicking. A short walkway connects the reserve to Steep Street Reserve. There are BBQs, picnic tables, toilets and a playground on the reserve.

This informal park of about 30 hectares is only about five minutes walk to the city centre and has playing fields, a refreshment kiosk, a fountain, a miniature steam railway and children’s play area. You can see boiling mud pools and hot steaming crater lakes in the park and the large garden area has an ornamental lake and geothermally heated foot pools where you can soak your tired feet! A walk throughout the park will take about 40 minutes.

This beach on the southern shores of Lake Tarawera is only accessible by boat and there is a ferry that can take you across from Boat Shed Bay. Hot Water Beach is administered by the Department of Conservation. There is a self-registration, user pays, camping area on site and you can bathe in the hot mineral waters that are around 38 degrees, so take your swimsuit. There are toilets on site.

This easy walk will take you about twenty minutes one way and is a 15 to 20 minute drive from Rotorua central. Hamurana is famous for its beautiful crystal clear fresh water spring and surrounding the area is a variety of bird life. There are peaceful spots for a picnic after your walk.