Lake Tarawera Outlet (Te Tapahoro) Campsite
Located in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve in the Bay of Plenty region
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Introduction
Camp alongside the lake in a large and attractive campsite where trout fishing and water sports are popular. There is no road access to the campsite.Access
- Boat
- Foot
Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
Facilities
- Boat launching
- Jetty
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Access to this campground is available to those that have walked in from the DOC tracks that link to this area, or via boat. You're not allowed to use the privately owned road that provides access from Kawerau.
There are a number of commercial operators that run either boat or helicopter transport around the Rotorua Lakes area, creating a variety of options for connecting trails or getting to/from campsites.
Tracks to this campsite
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![Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track]()
Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track
Located in Lake Tarawera Scenic ReserveSee the Tarawera River disappearing underground at various sites before it re-emerges through the spectacular Tarawera Falls through narrow fissures in a fractured rhyolite lava cliff.Duration 2 hr one wayDifficulty Easy -
![Tarawera Outlet to Humphries Bay]()
Tarawera Outlet to Humphries Bay
Located in Lake Tarawera Scenic ReserveThis area was extensively altered by the 1886 Tarawera eruption and the landscape is being slowly regenerated by native plant species.Duration 3 hrDifficulty Advanced
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1906584, N5767896
Latitude: -38.18501393, Longitude: 176.50314606
Water supply is not reliable due to intermittent toxic algal blooms in Lake Tarawera (more prevalent over the summer period) - take your own water supply as the lake water may not be drinkable.
Dogs are not allowed in areas administered by DOC in the Rotorua area.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Fishing
Trout fishing is popular.
Walking and tramping
A bridge links the campsite with the Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track and the Tarawera Outlet to Humphries Bay Track.
Contacts
| Rotorua isite Visitor Information Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 348 5179 |
| rotoruavisitor@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1167 Fenton Street Rotorua 3010 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 7 867 9080 |
| kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |