Last updated October 2026
Te Rururiki Holdens Bay Reserve is a public lakeside reserve on the shores of Lake Rotorua in the Holdens Bay area, approximately 10 minutes by road from central Rotorua.
The reserve provides access to the lake edge in one of the quieter bays on Lake Rotorua’s southern shore, away from the busier city lakefront. It is used by locals for swimming, fishing, and informal recreation. Entry is free and the reserve is open daily.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Oct–Mar by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Te Rururiki Holdens Bay Reserve
Saturday 24 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (371 per 100 mL from 112 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- Holdens Bay, Lake Rotorua, approximately 10 minutes from central Rotorua
- Lake access
- Direct access to Lake Rotorua from the reserve edge
- Entry
- Free; open daily
- Uses
- Swimming, fishing, informal recreation, lakeside walking
- Swimming water quality
- Monitored site at Waingaehe/Holdens Bay (check LAWA for current status)
About Te Rururiki Holdens Bay Reserve
Holdens Bay is one of the bays on Lake Rotorua’s southern and eastern shore. It offers a quieter setting than the main Rotorua lakefront, with residential properties nearby. The Te Rururiki Reserve provides public lakeside access in this area.
The calm waters of Holdens Bay are suitable for wading, swimming in summer, and fishing from the lake edge. The bay’s sheltered character means it is generally calmer than more exposed parts of the lake.
The reserve sits near the Waingaehe Reserve and forms part of the network of quiet lakeside areas on this part of Lake Rotorua’s shore. It serves as a less-visited alternative to the main city lakefront for those seeking a quieter lake experience.
Swimming and Recreation
Waingaehe/Holdens Bay is a monitored swimming site. Visitors picnic and enjoy views across the lake. Always check current water quality on LAWA before swimming, as conditions can change.
Blue-green algae blooms are a known problem in this part of Lake Rotorua. Toi Te Ora Public Health has issued health warnings for Holdens Bay, including in February 2023 and December 2024, telling people to avoid contact with the water while the warning is in place.
Keep children off algal scum on the shoreline and keep dogs away from the water, as algae can be deadly to them. Check LAWA and Toi Te Ora for current warnings before you swim.
The reserve supports informal recreation including lakeside walking and relaxation in a residential setting.
Fishing
Holdens Bay offers opportunities for lakeside fishing on Lake Rotorua. The sheltered waters provide a peaceful spot for anglers targeting trout and other species common to the lake.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Lakes Council — Parks and Reserves: official listings and information for parks and reserves in the Rotorua district.
LAWA — Lake Rotorua at Waingaehe/Holdens Bay: current water quality monitoring and swimming site details.
Rotorua Lakes Council — Booking Reserves: information on using and booking lake and park reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Te Rururiki Holdens Bay Reserve?
In the Holdens Bay area on Lake Rotorua’s shore, approximately 10 minutes by road from central Rotorua. Follow the eastern lakeshore roads toward Holdens Bay.
Is the reserve free?
Yes — Te Rururiki Holdens Bay Reserve is a public reserve, free to enter and open daily.
Can I swim at Holdens Bay?
Yes — the bay is used for swimming in summer. The water is generally calmer here than at the main city lakefront. Always check current lake water quality before swimming.
Is Holdens Bay Reserve the same as Holdens Bay Holiday Park?
No — they are separate. The Te Rururiki Reserve is a public lakeside reserve. The Holdens Bay Holiday Park is a separate private accommodation facility nearby.
What activities are available at the reserve?
Swimming, fishing from the lake edge, informal recreation, and lakeside walking are common uses.
Are dogs allowed at the reserve?
Standard Rotorua Lakes Council dog control rules apply; check current bylaws for the specific area.
Is the reserve wheelchair accessible?
Basic lakeside access is available, but specific accessibility features are not detailed on official sources.
How does water quality affect swimming?
Waingaehe/Holdens Bay is a monitored site. Visit LAWA for the latest grades and any advisories before entering the water.
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