Last updated October 2026
Rerewhakaaitu is a small rural community about 30 kilometres east of Rotorua city, spread across volcanic soils surrounding the lake of the same name. Lake Rerewhakaaitu is the southernmost and highest of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes at 438 metres above sea level.
The area was the last of the Rotorua district’s farming lands to be developed after the 1886 Tarawera eruption deposited fertile tephra that later supported productive pasture once lowlands were drained. Today the community remains modest in size with a primary school, ongoing lake restoration work, and a quiet rural character.
Official Locality Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 140, down 4% since 2018
- Land area
- 111.97 km²
- Location
- 25.2 km south-east of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Kaingaroa Forest, Mount Tarawera, Waimangu, Tarawera Forest, Matahina Forest
- Ward or local board
- Rotorua Rural General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Getting there
- SH30 east or SH5, then Rerewhakaaitu Road
- Nearby landmarks
- Lake Rerewhakaaitu, Guy Roe Reserve, Rerewhakaaitu Domain
Who Lives in Rerewhakaaitu
About 140 residents in 40 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Rerewhakaaitu
One school sits inside the Rerewhakaaitu boundary.
Also zoned for Rerewhakaaitu
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Rerewhakaaitu
by 7.30am on collection day, or the night before
Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Streets in Rerewhakaaitu
12 streets are in Rerewhakaaitu. Search any street in Rotorua to see which suburb it is in.
Show all 12 streets in Rerewhakaaitu
- A
- Ash Pit Road
- B
- Bainbridge Road
- Brett Road
- G
- Gavin Road
- N
- Ngāmotu Road
- Northern Boundary Road
- R
- Republican Road
- Rerewhakaaitu Road
- Rotomahana Road
- S
- State Highway 38
- T
- Tawa Road
- Y
- Yankee Road
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Handy Facilities
Weather and Rent at a Glance
City-wide figures.
In Rerewhakaaitu
Places and businesses inside the official Rerewhakaaitu boundary.
Places
About Lake Rerewhakaaitu
The name Rerewhakaaitu translates as the lake of wandering spirits.
The name Rerewhakaaitu translates as the lake of wandering spirits. The 1886 Tarawera eruption deposited thick layers of tephra across the area, which eventually proved highly fertile for pastoral farming once drainage improved. The lake occupies a shallow basin and supports a small catchment dominated by farmland.
Water quality reflects surrounding land use, prompting long-term restoration efforts. The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme and local sustainable farming initiatives involving around 25 farms work to reduce nutrient inputs through monitoring and best-practice changes. These projects collaborate with farmers, scientists and councils to improve lake health.
The surrounding landscape offers expansive views toward Mount Tarawera on clear days. Cooler temperatures at this elevation make mornings crisp even in summer compared with Rotorua city.
Activities at the Lake
Kayaking and non-motorised boating suit the lake’s calm, shallow waters.
Kayaking and non-motorised boating suit the lake’s calm, shallow waters. Guy Roe Reserve on Brett Road provides popular access for fishing, picnics and boat launching. Basic camping options exist nearby with minimal facilities.
Scenic walking and cycling routes follow the pastoral roads around the lake. The remote setting offers a quiet alternative to busier Rotorua lakes.
Rerewhakaaitu Community
Lake Rerewhakaaitu School serves local families with a roll maintained around 55 students.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu School serves local families with a roll maintained around 55 students. The community participates in lake restoration alongside Rotorua Lakes Council services shared with nearby rural areas such as Reporoa.
The area has longstanding Māori connections through hapū associated with the Tarawera rohe, where volcanic soils and water sources supported traditional life before European settlement and farming.
Near Rerewhakaaitu
Just outside Rerewhakaaitu, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Where to Learn More
Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA): Monitored water quality data and ecological health indicators for the lake.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Details on reserves, access and recreation at Lake Rerewhakaaitu.
Wikipedia — Lake Rerewhakaaitu: Geography, history and context within the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes (citing primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people live in Rerewhakaaitu?
About 140 people lived in Rerewhakaaitu at the 2023 Census, down 4% since 2018. See Who Lives in Rerewhakaaitu
What school zones cover Rerewhakaaitu?
The zones of John Paul College, Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School cover all of Rerewhakaaitu. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Rerewhakaaitu
When is bin day in Rerewhakaaitu?
Tuesday. Bins go out by 7.30am on collection day, or the night before. Streets near the edge of the suburb can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure. See Bin Day in Rerewhakaaitu
Are dogs allowed in Rerewhakaaitu?
Lake Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road: off leash. See every dog park and walk in Rotorua.
What suburbs border Rerewhakaaitu?
Kaingaroa Forest, Mount Tarawera, Waimangu, Tarawera Forest and Matahina Forest. See Official Locality Facts
How far is Rerewhakaaitu from central Rotorua?
About 25 km south-east of central Rotorua, measured in a straight line.
What does Rerewhakaaitu mean?
The name translates as the lake of wandering spirits, reflecting the area's deep Māori history and spiritual landscape connections.
Which is the highest Rotorua lake?
Lake Rerewhakaaitu at 438 metres above sea level. It is also the southernmost of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes.
Is Lake Rerewhakaaitu good for kayaking?
Yes, the calm shallow waters suit kayaking and non-motorised boating. Access is typically from the shore or reserves such as Guy Roe Reserve.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Rerewhakaaitu is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 7
- Official Locality Facts: Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.
- Who Lives in Rerewhakaaitu: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Rerewhakaaitu boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.
- Schools in Rerewhakaaitu: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026.
- Bin Day in Rerewhakaaitu: Rotorua Lakes Council collection areas.
- Streets in Rerewhakaaitu: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Handy Facilities: Rotorua Lakes Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026.