Located on the western side of Lake Tarawera, Te Rata Bay is famous for its natural hot pools. A great place to relax and get back to nature, the geothermal water come from a hot spring which runs down a cliff into the lake. You can gather some rocks to make your own private hot pool at the lake edge, or follow the stream inland where you will find a remote bush pool.
Access to Te Rata Bay is by boat, water taxi or the Tarawera Trail walking path. There is also a Department of Conservation camping ground nearby offering basic facilities if you wish to stay the night.
Products and specialities
Hot pool
Geothermal pools
Reviews
This is a super-special campsite. The joy of DOC camp sites are their remoteness, and Te Rata Bay does not disappoint. Accessible only by boat or a hike along the Tarawera Trail, you’ll find 30 campsites and basic facilities. Make sure you book and you’ll have a prime spot for exploring the lake and also the hot spots in the bay fed by a hot stream.
Hike or take a boat from Rotorua to this amazing spot on Lake Tarawera and swim in this unique hot bay all year round. The lake is fed by a small hot stream and you can find hot spots in the lake. Relax and enjoy the pristine surrounds while soaking in hot water at the lake edge. One of my favourite spots in Rotorua.
This is a undiscovered little gem. Accessible only by foot or boat and now protected by the Department of Conservation, Te Rata Bay, or more commonly know as Hot Water Beach, is an awesome little spot on the shore of Lake Tarawera, beneath the gaze of the majestic Mt Tarawera. As the name suggests there are pockets of thermal activity on the beach, so you can dig yourself a little hot spa in the sand. There is also a popular DOC campsite where you can stay via donation.
