The Otauira Wetland at Hannahs Bay is a wetland reserve on the eastern shore of Lake Rotorua, part of the Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve managed by Rotorua Lakes Council in partnership with local iwi. The reserve features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through the wetland, a playground, and lakeside walking access — a quiet green space on the lake’s eastern edge that is undergoing active ecological restoration. Entry is free and the reserve is accessible from the eastern suburbs of Rotorua.
Practical Information
| Location | Hannahs Bay, eastern shore of Lake Rotorua |
| Managed by | Rotorua Lakes Council (in partnership with local iwi) |
| Access | Wheelchair-accessible wetland boardwalk; walking trail; lakeside area |
| Facilities | Playground, lakeside area; parking available |
| Entry | Free; open daily |
The Wetland and Boardwalk
The Otauira Wetland extends from the Hannahs Bay Reserve into the adjacent low-lying ground near the lake edge. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk traverses the wetland, allowing close-up access to the reed beds, open water channels, and vegetation that characterise this edge-of-lake environment without disturbing the habitat. The reserve also connects to the lakeside, where walking tracks follow the shore and a playground makes the area suitable for families.
The wetland is part of an active restoration project — Rotorua Lakes Council, the Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve Committee, and the Tatau Pounamu Eastside Collective have committed to ongoing protection and enhancement of the wetland’s ecological values. Revegetation work has been progressing, and as the wetland matures it will provide increasing habitat for birds, insects, and native plants on the edge of Lake Rotorua.
Birdwatching at Hannahs Bay
Wetland reserves on Lake Rotorua’s edge attract a range of waterbirds — the combination of open water, reed margins, and restored vegetation at Hannahs Bay creates conditions suitable for ducks, herons, stilts, and the waterfowl that frequent Lake Rotorua’s shallower bays. The eastern shore location is quieter than the busier lakefront areas closer to the city centre, which benefits less wary bird species.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Lakes Council — Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve — council information on the reserve, restoration project, and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Otauira Wetland at Hannahs Bay?
On Lake Rotorua’s eastern shore, in the Hannahs Bay area east of central Rotorua. Follow the eastern lakeshore roads to Hannahs Bay.
Is the Hannahs Bay Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the wetland boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, making it one of the more accessible lakeside nature walks in the Rotorua district.
Is there a fee to visit?
No — the reserve is free to enter and open daily.
What is the wetland restoration project about?
Rotorua Lakes Council, local iwi, and community groups are working to restore the Otauira Wetland’s ecological values — removing weeds, replanting natives, and improving water quality. The work is ongoing and the wetland is expected to improve as habitat over time.
Are there facilities at Hannahs Bay Reserve?
Yes — the reserve has a playground and lakeside area in addition to the wetland boardwalk. Parking is available at the reserve entrance.
Hannahs Bay is one of Rotorua’s lakeside reserves. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor options, and the Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge guide for the bird reserve on the lake’s southern shore.
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