Lake Rotorua/Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe, Volcanic crater lake in Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand.
Lake Rotorua is a volcanic crater lake in the Bay of Plenty Region featuring distinctive yellowish-green waters caused by mineral content from below. The lake sits in a basin created by volcanic activity, surrounded by geothermal features visible throughout the area.
The lake formed around 240,000 years ago when volcanic eruption created the Rotorua Caldera, which then filled with water over time. This geological event shaped the landscape and continues to influence the area's geothermal character today.
The lake carries the Māori name Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe, reflecting its importance to indigenous communities over centuries. The shores show enduring connections to local people who view these waters as central to their heritage.
You can reach the lake from Rotorua city through several access points, with boat launches available for fishing and water activities. Visiting outside peak times makes for a more relaxed experience on and around the water.
Beneath the water surface are active geothermal vents releasing heat into the lake, creating an unusual underwater environment driven by volcanic energy. This hidden system shapes the lake's character in ways most visitors never see.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
