Last updated October 2026
Hannahs Bay is a residential suburb on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua. The suburb is known locally for Hannah’s Bay Reserve, also known as Waikawau Reserve, a lakeside park featuring a boardwalk, walking trail, playground, and direct lake access that serves the eastern suburbs as a recreational green space.
The majority of the suburb’s housing stock dates from the 1950s, making it one of Rotorua’s older lakeside residential communities. Hannahs Bay is the 33rd largest Rotorua suburb by total residential housing stock.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 530, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.44 km² (44 ha)
- Location
- 5.7 km east of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ōwhata, Holdens Bay
- Ward or local board
- Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Waikawau/Hannah’s Bay Reserve, Otauira wetland, Rotorua Airport
Who Lives in Hannahs Bay
About 530 residents in 190 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Hannahs Bay
Hannahs Bay lies directly on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua and offers residents and visitors a quieter lakeside setting within easy reach of the city centre. The suburb’s position provides some properties with lake frontage or views, contributing to its established residential character.
The housing profile is distinctive, with the majority of homes constructed between 1950 and 1959 according to property records. This earlier development timeline sets it apart from many neighbouring eastern suburbs that expanded later.
The suburb benefits from proximity to the lake while forming part of Rotorua’s broader eastern residential fringe. Mature gardens and a settled feel are common features of the older housing stock.
Hannah’s Bay Reserve (Waikawau Reserve)
The suburb’s most significant community asset is Waikawau/Hannah’s Bay Reserve, a lakeside park on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua. The reserve features a boardwalk that runs along the lake edge, a walking trail through the reserve area, a children’s playground, and direct access to the lake for fishing, kayaking, and general recreation.
The reserve is managed by Rotorua Lakes Council and is a popular destination for both local residents and visitors exploring the eastern lake circuit.
The lakeside boardwalk gives pedestrian access to the lake edge in an area where the shoreline is otherwise difficult to access.
The reserve has been developed to allow residents of the eastern suburbs to enjoy Lake Rotorua’s shore without needing a boat or lakefront property. On calm days, the reserve offers one of the quieter lake experiences available close to Rotorua city.
The reserve holds important cultural and environmental significance. It includes the Otauira wetland, which has ecological value and extends into adjacent airport land.
The Waikawau Reserve Management Committee, involving Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi, and the Eastside community, supports management in recognition of its special reserve classification and cultural importance. Recent projects include wetland restoration, a landscape concept plan, and consultation on boat ramp relocation and a swimming-only area.
Near Hannahs Bay
Just outside Hannahs Bay, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
OneRoof — Hannahs Bay Suburb Profile: property market data, housing age statistics, and suburb overview.
Rotorua Lakes Council — Waikawau/Hannah’s Bay Reserve: official information on reserve management, cultural significance, and current projects.
Wikipedia — Holdens Bay: statistical area details including population and boundaries for the Holdens Bay-Rotokawa area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hannahs Bay in Rotorua?
On the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua. It is in the eastern part of the Rotorua urban area.
What is Hannah’s Bay Reserve?
A lakeside park on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua, also known as Waikawau Reserve, with a boardwalk, walking trail, playground, and direct lake access. It is managed by Rotorua Lakes Council and is open to the public.
Is Hannahs Bay on Lake Rotorua?
Yes — the suburb is directly on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua, and the Hannah’s Bay Reserve provides public access to the lake edge.
How old is the housing in Hannahs Bay?
The majority of the residential housing was constructed between 1950 and 1959, making Hannahs Bay one of Rotorua’s older eastern lakeside suburbs.
What cultural significance does the reserve have?
The reserve has special classification recognising its importance to Ngāti Uenukukōpako and Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi, with management input from a committee including local hapū.
Are there recent developments at the reserve?
Yes, projects include wetland restoration planting, a landscape concept plan, and consultation on relocating the boat ramp and creating a swimming-only area.
Is the reserve suitable for walking?
Yes, the Hannahs Bay Reserve Loop is a mostly flat track along the lake shore, suitable for easy walks and accessible to a range of visitors.
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Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Hannahs Bay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.