Rotorua Lakefront

Walking or cycling along the Rotorua lakefront is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful setting.

The first recorded public playground equipment in Rotorua was a merry-go-round gifted to the children of Rotorua by local bakers Mr and Mrs Graeff in 1929. Since then, the lakefront has grown in popularity, leading to the development of a large playground, toilet block and grassy picnic areas.

A number of lake-based tourism activities are located here, too, with activities available year round: Katoa Lake Rotorua, Ki te Hoe - Waka Paddle Rotorua, Lakeland Queen, and Volcanic Air.

The lakefront is within walking distance from the city centre and Eat Streat, and adjacent to the Village Green where markets, music festivals and sporting events take place. It has really become a central hub for locals and visitors to enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the lake.

The area is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, and the new boardwalk which opened in July 2021 features multiple wider pathways alongside the shore, projecting into the lake, and criss-crossing in some areas.

Work on the western end of the lakefront will commence in 2022, including the Whare Waka for the Te Arawa Waka Taua, and space for commercial activities. More information can be found on Rotorua Lake Council's website here and here.