Rerewhakaaitu is a small rural community about 30 kilometres east of Rotorua, spread across the volcanic soils surrounding the lake that gives the area its name. Lake Rerewhakaaitu is the southernmost of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes and, at 438 metres above sea level, the highest. The land here was the last of the Rotorua district’s farming areas to be developed — the rich volcanic soils deposited by the 1886 Tarawera eruption eventually proved highly productive once the swampy lowlands were drained for pasture. Today the community is modest in size, with a primary school, an active lake restoration programme, and the kind of quiet rural pace that characterises the district’s more remote corners.
Practical Information
| Location | ~30 km east of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|
| Access | Via SH30 east toward Whakatāne, then south on Rerewhakaaitu Road |
| Lake elevation | 438 m above sea level (highest Rotorua Te Arawa lake) |
| Lake character | Small, shallow lake with active ecological restoration programme |
| Activities | Kayaking, boating (non-motorised recommended), camping, scenic walks |
| Community school | Lake Rerewhakaaitu School, Year 1–8, roll ~55 (2025) |
About Lake Rerewhakaaitu
The name Rerewhakaaitu translates as the lake of wandering spirits — a name with particular resonance given the area’s history of volcanic upheaval. The 1886 Tarawera eruption, which destroyed the Pink and White Terraces and buried several villages, deposited deep layers of tephra across this part of the district. The volcanic soil proved exceptionally fertile once drained and developed, and the Rerewhakaaitu area was farmed intensively for pastoral agriculture through the 20th century.
The lake itself is small and shallow, with water quality that reflects the farming activity in its catchment. The Rerewhakaaitu community has been actively involved in lake restoration efforts for years, working with the Rotorua Lakes Council, NIWA and AgResearch to reduce nutrient flows from surrounding farms. The sustainable farming project that emerged from this collaboration is a model for other lake catchments in the district, bringing together farmers, scientists and local government to monitor and improve lake health over time.
Activities at the Lake
Kayaking, boating and camping are the main draw for visitors who make it out to Rerewhakaaitu. The lake’s remote location and relative lack of tourist infrastructure give it a genuinely off-the-beaten-track quality. Non-motorised watercraft are well-suited to the lake’s calm, shallow waters. The surrounding pastoral landscape provides scenic cycling and walking routes for those exploring by road.
The area’s elevation — 438 metres — means cooler temperatures than Rotorua city, and mornings can be crisp even in summer. The views across the lake toward the Tarawera massif and the wider volcanic plateau are expansive on clear days.
Rerewhakaaitu Community
The farming community here is small but engaged. Lake Rerewhakaaitu School serves Year 1–8 students with a roll of around 55, and the school’s involvement in local lake restoration work reflects the community’s attachment to the landscape. Rotorua Lakes Council administers services for Rerewhakaaitu alongside neighbouring communities including Reporoa, Kaingaroa and Mamaku.
As with much of the Rotorua district’s rural fringe, Rerewhakaaitu has a significant Māori population history — the area’s volcanic soils and water sources were central to the lives of hapū connected to the Tarawera rohe (district) long before European farming arrived.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme — Lake Rerewhakaaitu has water quality data, restoration programme information and lake ecology details.
Wikipedia — Lake Rerewhakaaitu covers the lake’s geography, history and position within the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes group.
Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) — Lake Rerewhakaaitu provides monitored water quality data and ecological health indicators for the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rerewhakaaitu from Rotorua?
About 30 kilometres east — roughly 30 to 35 minutes by road via SH30 and Rerewhakaaitu Road.
What does Rerewhakaaitu mean?
The name translates as the lake of wandering spirits, reflecting the area’s deep Māori history and the spiritual significance of the landscape.
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 lake’s calm, shallow waters suit kayaking and non-motorised boating. There is no formal boat ramp infrastructure, so launching a kayak from the shore is the typical approach.
Is there camping at Rerewhakaaitu?
Basic camping options exist in the area, though facilities are minimal. Check with the Rotorua Lakes Council for current access and any restrictions.
What happened to the Rerewhakaaitu area in the 1886 eruption?
The Tarawera eruption deposited thick tephra across the area. While the eruption was devastating for communities closer to the mountain, the volcanic material left behind eventually became fertile farmland once drainage was improved.
The nearby Lake Tarawera settlement and its bach community are worth exploring, as is the wider volcanic landscape along the Lake Okataina corridor to the north.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
