The Blue Lake is a very easy 1 hour and 30min walk right around the lake.

It’s one of the closest lakes to Rotorua. It’s clear blue waters are popular with water skiers, swimmers and boaties. An easy walking track circles the Blue Lake taking in beautiful beaches, native bush and the exotic conifers of Whakarewarewa Forest.

There are good views over the Blue Lake and the nearby Green Lake; Rotokakahi. You might find it easier to do this walk clockwise.

After your walk around the Blue Lake, you should go take a lovely relaxing soak in the hot pools in Rotorua.

Quick Facts about the Blue Lake walk in Rotoura

  • Location: 11 km from central Rotorua, North Island NZ
  • Distance: 4.50 km
  • Time needed: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty: Very Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Round Trip
  • Elevation: 415m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes, at the lake
  • Dogs: Leash only
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The clear blue water is a definite highlight. It's also an easy walk too.

Track Quality

Can get a little muddy at the start then opens up to a wide 4×4 track. Then its a road walk back to the car.

Hazards

Walking back along the road to the car.

Transport

No. You will have to make your own way to the Blue Lake. Hire a car for the day.

Water

Yes, across the road in the Blue Lake shop, and there is a water tap in the Blue Lake picnic area next to the toilet block.

Driving Instructions

Drive south east out of Rotorua to Whakatane. At 3 km there is roundabout, Lake Tarawera and the Blue Lake, read the sign, turn right follow the road to the Blue Lake.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

There is a small shop at the blue lake camp ground. Or a 11 km drive into Rotorua town.

Area & Trail History

The Blue Lake has a rich history, both in terms of its geological formation and its cultural significance to the local Maori people.

Geologically, Blue Lake is a crater lake formed within the Okataina Caldera, which is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The caldera was created through a series of volcanic eruptions over thousands of years. Blue Lake itself was formed around 13,500 years ago during the most recent eruption in the area.

Culturally, the lake holds great importance for the local Maori communities. According to Maori legend, Lake Tikitapu was named after a chief's daughter who died in the area. The word "Tikitapu" translates to "sacred tattoo" in English, referencing the facial tattoo patterns worn by Maori. The lake is considered tapu, or sacred, and it's used for various cultural activities and ceremonies.

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) Map Location

Points of interest along the walk​

Picnic area at the Blue Lake near Rotorua
Start of the Blue Lake walk
View of the blue Lake
Track down to the Beach
Walk on the beach on the Blue Lake

Start of Blue Lake Walk - park the car

There is plenty of parking spaces along the Blue Lake waterfront. From the car park walk out onto the lakefront then turn to your right. Follow the lakefront for 100m to where the bush comes down to the water’s edge.

You should see the wooden barrier and the track sign. From here you should have no trouble following the Blue Lake track. There might be a couple of small mud holes to jump over at the beginning of the walk.

It is a pity the trees were not trimmed back so you can see more of the lake. Around 30 minutes into the walk, there is a short downhill track on the left. This track will take you down to a small sandy beach. Just the right place to stop for lunch or just to get your bearings.

At the junction just follow the track that runs slightly to the left. From here on you are walking on an old forestry road. Follow this road up to a car park.

The busy road on the Blue Lake walk from Rotorua
Back in the bush on the Blue Lake walk
Open ground on the Blue Lake walk from Rotorua
Descent down through the pine trees on the Blue Lake walk
Carpark at the Blue Lake

Back to the car

Now you have two options:

  • Option one is to walk up to the busy Tarawera Road turn left and walk the 2.7m back to the car.
  • Option two is the better one. Take the track on your left, this will take you down to the lake. It is a steep descent down through the pine trees. When you walk out onto the lake, turn to the right and walk along the lake’s edge. The track starts in the bush 50m in front of you. Back in the bush again, this section is a little rocky in place so don’t go kick your toes on the big ones. You only have 700m to go before walking out onto Tarawera Road.


Now turn to the left and follow the road back to the car. This road is quite narrow so watch out for the cars.

See more of my walks in Rotorua