Last updated October 2026
Kawaha Point is a residential suburb of Rotorua on the western shore of Lake Rotorua, occupying the point of land that gives the suburb its name. It is one of Rotorua’s established lakeside suburbs with a mix of older and newer housing.
The suburb’s position provides residents with lake views and access uncommon in many inland areas. Formal development began in the early 20th century, building on earlier Māori settlement of the promontory. Recent housing projects continue to shape the area alongside its established character.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,910, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.01 km²
- Location
- 3.3 km north of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Ngongotahā, Koutu, Fairy Spring
- Ward or local board
- Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Lake Rotorua
Who Lives in Kawaha Point
About 1,910 residents in 660 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Kawaha Point
One school sits inside the Kawaha Point boundary.
Also zoned for Kawaha Point
Show all 4 zoned schools
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Kawaha Point
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 Kawaha Point
20 streets are in Kawaha Point. Search any street in Rotorua to see which suburb it is in.
Show all 20 streets in Kawaha Point
- A
- Aquarius Drive
- Aries Place
- B
- Bellvue Road
- C
- Capricorn Place
- G
- Gemini Place
- Grand Vue Road
- K
- Kawaha Point Road
- Koutu Road
- L
- Leo Place
- Libra Place
- M
- Manahi Avenue
- Matthew Place
- N
- Naera Place
- P
- Pah Road
- R
- Rika Place
- T
- Taurus Place
- Tirita Street
- Tupara Crescent
- V
- Virgo Place
- Vista Place
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Safety and Hazards
About the Rotorua average for the number of people who live here. Another 5 reports were at shops and businesses.
Buses from Kawaha Point
7 bus stops inside the suburb.
Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Weather is city-wide; rent is for this suburb.
In Kawaha Point
Places and businesses inside the official Kawaha Point boundary.
Places
About Kawaha Point
Kawaha Point occupies a distinctive geographical position on Lake Rotorua.
Kawaha Point occupies a distinctive geographical position on Lake Rotorua. The point juts into the lake, giving many properties waterfront access or views. Its lakeside setting makes it a notable residential area on Rotorua’s western edge.
The area’s history includes pre-European Māori settlement. A fortified pā once stood on the headland, associated with chieftain Tunohopu. In 1910 the land was used for potato growing.
Formal subdivision started in 1917 through Arthur William Gillies, son of businessman and politician Robert Gillies. He offered part of the point for a hospital provided the government improved road access. A loan for the road was approved in 1924, with land sales following in 1927 and 1929. Initial building focused on the southern side of the point.
The northern area developed later, primarily between 1966 and 2000. Housing now spans from early 20th-century properties to contemporary builds. Recent projects include Kāinga Ora proposals for new state housing on Kawaha Point Road and council plans to develop land for additional sections. The suburb maintains a quiet residential feel with convenient lake proximity.
The Lake Connection
Lake Rotorua defines much of the suburb’s character.
Lake Rotorua defines much of the suburb’s character. The large lake supports recreational activities including fishing for rainbow trout. Residents enjoy convenient access to the water from multiple sides of the point. Higher streets offer views across the lake, while waterfront areas provide direct shoreline contact. This setting distinguishes Kawaha Point from more inland Rotorua suburbs.
Near Kawaha Point
Just outside Kawaha Point, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Kawaha Point: Detailed suburb history, demographics and education information drawn from official sources.
Education Counts — Kawaha Point School: Official school profile, roll and contact details from the Ministry of Education.
Rotorua Lakes Council: Local authority information on parks, reserves and development in the Kawaha Point area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people live in Kawaha Point?
About 1,910 people lived in Kawaha Point at the 2023 Census, up 1% since 2018. See Who Lives in Kawaha Point
What school zones cover Kawaha Point?
The zones of John Paul College, Rotorua Boys' High School, Rotorua Girls' High School and Western Heights High School cover all of Kawaha Point. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Kawaha Point
When is bin day in Kawaha Point?
Thursday. 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 Kawaha Point
Which buses serve Kawaha Point?
Route 6, about every 30 min. There are 7 stops in the suburb. See Buses from Kawaha Point
Are dogs allowed in Kawaha Point?
Aquarius Drive Reserve: off leash. Boielle Park: off leash. See every dog park and walk in Rotorua.
What suburbs border Kawaha Point?
Is Kawaha Point on the lake?
Yes. The suburb sits on a promontory that extends into Lake Rotorua, with many properties enjoying lake views or direct waterfront access.
When did development of Kawaha Point begin?
Formal development started in 1917 when Arthur William Gillies offered land for a hospital on condition that road access was improved. Earlier Māori settlement existed on the site.
What school serves Kawaha Point?
Kawaha Point School, a co-educational state primary school for Years 1–6 that opened in 1979 and currently has a roll of 223 students.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Kawaha Point is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 8
- Official Suburb 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 Kawaha Point: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Kawaha Point boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.
- Schools in Kawaha Point: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026.
- Bin Day in Kawaha Point: Rotorua Lakes Council collection areas.
- Streets in Kawaha Point: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Safety and Hazards: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).
- Buses from Kawaha Point: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Baybus timetable data, CC BY 4.0.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (new bonds in the suburb’s Stats NZ areas), July 2025 to June 2026, CC BY 3.0 NZ.