Explore The Lakes Tour
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore The Lakes Tour – 9am to 1pm
By far the best lakes tour in Rotorua, small group, locations and value.
With 18 lakes in the Rotorua area our Explore The Lakes Tour provides a driver-guided exploration of some of the highlights of New Zealand’s Lake District: Hamurana springs, the largest fresh water spring in the North island. Okere falls and Tutea falls with Native forest walk. lake Rotoiti, the Blue and Green lakes and lake Tarawera. Explore our favourite scenic spots and natural springs on foot. Take photographs at your leisure and learn about Rotorua’s colourful culture and history from our knowledgeable and friendly guide.
• Highlights
• Small group, relaxed atmosphere.
• Informative, outgoing driver-guide.
• Breath-taking scenery.
• No queues .
• Half day tour.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 8 people per tour
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Supportive footwear such as trainers or hiking boots is recommended
This tour includes walks of up to 2 kilometers, a good level of fitness and balance is required for all participants
Risk Disclosure: We operate a strict safety management system that is audited to New Zealand standards. It is important for you to be aware of the risk and hazards of this tour which are: uneven grounds, tree roots, rocks and slippery surfaces that could result in slips, trips and falls causing injury / strains / sprains / or broken bones
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Rotorua Central only.
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Lake Rotorua
with 18 lakes in the district i will guide you to the best locations, without the crowds and part of a small group
Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve
Towering redwoods, crystal clear waters, crowd free
Options
Explore The Lakes Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
65 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Explore the Lakes
T4DKM,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful tour we went on this morning in Rotorua with Real Rotorua. Explore the lakes took us away from crowds to see some amazing places. Peaceful & beautiful places with Stephen who was knowledgeable & interesting sharing his obvious passion for the area. Memories from this morning will last a lifetime.
Excellent experience from one Tour Guide to another. Wow
Meander24540777324,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely worth every cent. Stephen knows all the hidden gems and stories. Learned and experienced many sights and mostly away from the bustling crowds.
Hidden Gems of Rotorura
Heinz K,
Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolute must do as you get to see and here all about the secret hidden gems away from the crowds. Stephen knowd all these spaces and stories.
Great introduction to Rotorua
BobM450,
Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour of the area with ample opportunities to get out and explore the area. We visited four lakes, walked through a grove of redwood trees, and hiked a beautiful path along the river all while learning about the plants, trees, and natural history of the area. Stephen is a very knowledgeable and engaging guide.
Wonderful tour of the beautiful Lakes around Rotorua.
cheekyscot,
Dec 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen was our very friendly and knowledgeable guide for this lovely tour. We were looking for something different to do as we are past the age of wanting high adrenaline activities. We started off at the Hamurana Springs nature reserve, a beautiful, serene place with natural cold springs occurring…and had a sacred place to the iwi of Ngāti Rangiwewehi. We walked through some extremely tall and beautiful Redwood Trees which made us feel incredibly small! Stephen talked about the trees, the plants and all the wonderful ferns. He pointed out trees that were used for medicinal purposes but others that were poisonous. From there we visited the Ōkere Falls, the Tutea Falls, Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) and finally Lake Tarawera. Stephen filled us in with the history and flora and fauna of each Lakeside. There was a reasonable amount of walking so some fitness is needed but well worth it to see the Real Rotorua.
A Rotorua Must
43gillianp,
Jun 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing. Magic. Breathtaking. The Lakes tour was a definite highlight of my trip to NZ. The discovery of stunning crystal clear lakes, towering redwoods, waterfalls, and ancient volcanic craters was expertly accompanied by well researched local knowledge. Stephen’s passion for showing the wonders of Rotorua made the tour exciting and fun. I highly recommend Explore The Lakes Tour to all who manage to spend a day in Rotorua. You will not be disappointed!
Beautiful lakes and good guide
ZYD114514,
Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Man, it is almost the best tour in my NZ trip. It is winter and only me booked this trip. Stephen was still very warm, explaining everything I was curious about during this trip-- and took photos for me. Since there was only me, it was better than a normal private trip because Stephen was so professional about these lakes and springs, and his hot chocolate!
Don’t miss this!
Tour60553079936,
May 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was traveling “solo” with my infant baby girl. Our guide and driver Stephen is not only a highly knowledgeable person but also very well traveled. He showed the beautiful lakes and the springs around. Also told a lot about the native flora and fauna as well as Māori tradition and culture. I highly recommend this tour!
Stunning and awe inspiring!
Terryt0,
Apr 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were super lucky to have hit the jackpot with this company. Stephen picked us up from our motel and it was an amazing experience from our first to our last stop. We chose the ‘Explore the Lakes Tour’ and were so impressed with everything we experienced and absolutely wrapt with our choice. If you want a unique, informative, nature-appreciating tour choose this! We feel like we got to see part of the lesser known Rotorua that everyone should know. Take the road less travelled! This is the REAL Rotorua. We couldn’t rate more highly. Thank you so very much Stephen and Rosa!
Great tours into Rotorua's nature
ras797,
Apr 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Stephen. Both tours (Lake & Thermal) were interesting and a lot of fun. As a local tour guide, Stephen is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and the history of the landscape. He shows you spots that you wouldn't have found on your own. Highly recommended! Thanks Stephen!!! 🌋🙏
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Operated by Real Rotorua