Paddling near Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Rotorua sits at the heart of the Rotorua Lakes district in the Bay of Plenty, surrounded by 17 volcanic lakes and fed by rivers ranging from gentle channels to serious whitewater. Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti, and Lake Tarawera draw flatwater paddlers, while the Kaituna River — home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 metres — pulls experienced kayakers seeking technical whitewater. Geothermal activity adds a genuinely unusual dimension: hot water beaches, steaming shorelines, and warm springs accessible only by paddle craft.
Top waters to paddle near Rotorua
Lake Rotorua / Te Rotorua Nui Ā Kahumatamomoe
Lake Rotoiti / Te Roto Kite Ā Ihenga I Ariki Ai Kahu
Bay of Plenty
Lake Tarawera
Kaituna River
Tauranga Harbour
Waihou River
Tarawera River
Pukehina Beach
Waikato River
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