The Lake Tarawera settlement sits on the western shore of Lake Tarawera, approximately 18 kilometres east of Rotorua between the lake and Lake Ōkāreka. The settlement covers 4.50 square kilometres and had an estimated population of approximately 240 as of June 2025 — a very small permanent community, supplemented significantly by holiday bach owners and visitors drawn to the lake for fishing, boating, and water recreation. Lake Tarawera itself is one of the most significant lakes in the Rotorua district: a deep, clear lake at 298 metres elevation with a surface area of 41 square kilometres, and a place of considerable geological and historical significance following the Tarawera eruption of 1886.
Practical Information
| Location | Western shore of Lake Tarawera, ~18 km east of Rotorua |
| Area | 4.50 km² |
| Population | Approximately 240 (June 2025 estimate; permanent residents) |
| Housing | 20th largest Rotorua suburb by housing stock; majority built 1980–89, earliest 1900–09 |
| Character | Rural settlement; holiday bach community; lake recreation base |
Lake Tarawera
Lake Tarawera is one of the larger and deeper lakes in the Rotorua district. At 298 metres above sea level with a surface area of 41 km², it is significantly larger than the small crater lakes surrounding it. The lake is renowned for its water clarity and is actively used for trout fishing (rainbow trout), swimming, boating, kayaking, and water skiing. The lake’s shores are a mix of private bach properties, DOC-managed reserves, and the settlement area on the western shore.
The lake has significant historical context. Before the Tarawera eruption of 1886, the lake shores were home to numerous Māori villages and the famous Pink and White Terraces — silica terraces considered among the natural wonders of the world before they were buried in the eruption. The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera destroyed these terraces and devastated the Māori communities around the lake, and the event remains a defining moment in the history of the broader Rotorua district.
The Settlement
The Lake Tarawera settlement functions primarily as a holiday and recreational community. With a permanent population of around 240, the settlement’s 20th-ranking in Rotorua’s suburb list by housing stock (a relatively high ranking for so few permanent residents) reflects the significant number of holiday baches and secondary homes in the area. The majority of the housing was built between 1980 and 1989, though some properties date to the early 1900s — a reflection of the long history of recreational use of this lake.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Lake Tarawera — geographic, historical, and geological overview of the lake and area.
Rotorua Lakes Council — Lake Tarawera — council information on the lake reserves and recreational access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lake Tarawera settlement?
On the western shore of Lake Tarawera, approximately 18 kilometres east of Rotorua — between the lake and Lake Ōkāreka, accessed via the Tarawera Road.
How large is Lake Tarawera?
41 km² surface area at 298 metres elevation — one of the larger and deeper lakes in the Rotorua district. The settlement occupies 4.50 km² of land on the western shore.
What happened at Lake Tarawera in 1886?
The eruption of Mount Tarawera in June 1886 destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces on the lake’s shores — silica formations considered among the world’s natural wonders — and devastated the Māori communities living around the lake. It remains one of New Zealand’s most significant volcanic events.
What activities are available at Lake Tarawera?
Trout fishing (rainbow trout), swimming, boating, kayaking, and water skiing. The lake’s water clarity makes it particularly valued for water recreation. DOC reserves around parts of the shore provide access for day visitors.
How many people live at Lake Tarawera permanently?
Approximately 240 — a very small permanent population, with significantly more holiday bach owners and seasonal visitors adding to the community during summer and school holidays.
The Lake Tarawera settlement is 18km from Rotorua. See the Lake Ōkāreka guide for the neighbouring lake settlement, and the Tarawera Falls guide for the waterfall accessible from the Lake Tarawera area.
