Hot Water Beach Round Trip: Totally Tarawera, Rotorua
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with minimal walking required
Overview
Discover the natural hot springs of Hot Water Beach with Totally Tarawera. This unique Rotorua trip combines a scenic lake journey with the rare chance to warm your toes in geothermal sand.
Hot Water Beach Round Trip
This is a "Day Trip" Only. Not for Campers!!
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Visit Hot Water Beach for a half or a whole day experience to enjoy the geothermal stream and cool waters of the lake.
Tucked away on the southern shore of Lake Tarawera, the hot spring trickles down a small stream and into the lake. Take care dipping your toes into the water on the lake’s edge or using your hands, dig into the silky sand to feel the beauty of geothermal magic at work.
Duration
25 Minutes each way
Departure times
9:00am returns at 12:30pm or 3:30pm 12:00pm returns at 3:30pm
About
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Hot Water Beach – Te Rata Bay Te Rata is a very special place. It’s right in the very heart of the thermal Rotorua district.
Steam rises sleepily from the lake edge – the result of a hot thermal spring trickling into the lake water. The sand on part of Hot Water Beach heats up to 86 degrees – hot enough to cook a meal ‘hangi-style’ beneath the surface.
Be aware that during busy season, there will be campers at the DOC campsite and you will share hot water beach itself, with those campers.
What to Bring
- Good walking shoes (Tramping boots not required)
- Drinking water
- Lunch if you'd like to eat at one of our picnic benches!
- Camera
- Take your swimming costumes and a towel in the summer for a swim at designated spots.
- Sunscreen
Travel is in our all-weather boat. Refreshments available
Adventure Tips
Book in Advance
Reservations are essential to secure your spot on the all-weather boat, especially during peak season.
Bring Swimwear and Towel
Summer visitors will appreciate a swim at designated spots—don’t forget your swimsuit and towel.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The walk to the hot spring pools is short but best enjoyed with sturdy shoes rather than heavy tramping boots.
Respect Shared Spaces
You may share Hot Water Beach with campers from the nearby DOC campsite; keep noise low and tidy up all waste.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fantail (Pīwakawaka)
- Native long-tailed bat (pekapeka)
History
Lake Tarawera’s geothermal activity has been central to Māori traditions, with the hot springs used historically for cooking and healing.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to take care to minimize impact by staying on marked paths and respecting the delicate geothermal areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Light footwear for navigating soft sand and gentle trails.
Swimwear
For enjoying lake swims and soaking in warm sand pools.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Protection against strong New Zealand UV rays during exposed outdoor time.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the trip with fresh water.