Lake Tarawera

Not just a pretty face, Lake Tarawera also has a great personality.

One of New Zealand’s largest lakes, Tarawera boasts a lot of breathtaking scenery, but there’s more to this place than its good looks. There’s also rainbow trout fishing, hot springs, water sports and boating. Take the 15km walk along the Tarawera Trail, on track (quite literally) to being another of New Zealand’s great trails. At the end of the trail is perhaps Lake Tarawera’s best-hidden gem: Hot Water Beach. It’s formed by underground hot springs heating the water and shore. You can reach it only by boat or on foot and we think that makes it even more special.