Lake Events and Closures

The Rotorua Te Arawa lakes are used for events throughout the year.  Some events require full or partial lake closures. Event guidelines and safety on lakes are covered under the Navigation Safety on the Rotorua Lakes. For more information call the Lakes Maritime Team on 0800 884 880 or view the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017.

To book an event requiring full or partial lake closure please fill out the Aquatic Event Application Form.

To book an event where lake closure is not required please fill out the Lake and Harbour Usage Form.

Applications require a map defining the lake area required for the event.  To download a map to attach to your application please click on the lake name or area.

 

Maps: Lake Ōkāreka​, Lake Rotorua, Beaumont Road, Rotorua Lakefront, Hannahs Bay, Hamurana, Lake Rotomā​, Hamurana, Matahi Spit, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu, Blue Lake / Tikitapu, Lake Ōkataina​ and Lake Tarawera.

Ōkataina Ōkāreka Ōkaro Rerewhakaaitu Rotoiti Rotomā Rotorua Rotoehu Tarawera Tikitapu IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ALL EVENT APPLICATIONS

Lake Ōkataina - Open with special controls in place

Important Notice from Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust: Protecting Lake Ōkataina from Invasive Species

To safeguard Lake Ōkataina from the invasive Corbicula Fluminea (Asian clam), it is mandatory for all boats to provide proof that they have been washed at the Te Ngae wash station prior to entering the lake. Proof of wash must be presented via the QR code issued at the wash station. Please note, we will be checking that you have proof of your wash upon arrival.

 

Lake Access Schedule:

  • Monday, 30 September: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday, 1 October: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday, 2 October: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, 3 October: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday, 4 October to Sun 6 October: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • 7 October onwards:
    • Monday - Thursday 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    • Friday to Sunday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM

 

Statement issued by Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust and supported by Ministry of Primary Industries, Fish & Game, Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

There are no health warnings.

2026 JAN 1. Dr Ron Caughey Memorial Yacht Race

1 January 2026
Saving day- 2 January 2026

EVENT
Lake Okareka 51st Annual New Years Day Dr Ron Caughey Memorial Yacht Race
Community event for Okareka locals

LAKE USAGE ONLY.  No Closure Required 
1300-1700 hours
Event starting and finishing at Boyes Beach.
Moving round Lake Okareka.
15-18 sailing participants

There are no health warnings.

No Events or Closures

 

No Events or Closures

 

No Events or Closures

 

No Events or Closures

 

31 JAN. NZWSRA. Water Ski event.

31 January 2026

Hannahs Bay

PROVISIONAL BOOKING

Details TBC

There is currently a health warning.

No Events or Closures

 

2025 DEC 31. P. Johnston. New Years Fireworks Display

EVENT DETAILS POSTED ON Bay Of Plenty Regional Council Website:

https://www.boprc.govt.nz/do-it-online/submit-an-application/apply-for-an-aquatic-event-permit/

Aquatic events and safety permits

There are no health warnings.

2026 JAN 16-18. Rotorua Rowing Club. Dewar Shield Rowing Regatta

Details are now on the BOPRC website

​www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/boating-in-the-bay/aquatic-events-and-navigation-safety-licences/

2026 JAN 30-FEB 1. CRNZ Tikitapu 2 Regatta

Please go to the BOPRC website

​www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/boating-in-the-bay/aquatic-events-and-navigation-safety-licences/

2026 FEB 2-8. WATERWORLD INFLATABLE FLOATING WATERPARK

2 - 8 February 2026

Event / Who:   
Waterworld Inflatable Floating Waterpark / Waterworld Ltd

Schedule TBC
Feb 2       Set up initially then WaterPark open from 9-10am
Feb 8       WaterPark open 8am - 7pm, PACKDOWN 5pm Feb 8

Partial Lake Closure TBC
North Western passive area TBC

Map showing the waterworld park layout and position (JPEG 98Kb)
 

PROVISIONAL  BOOKING

2026 Jan 24-25. Blue Lake Multisport Festival

Please go to the BOPRC website

​www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/boating-in-the-bay/aquatic-events-and-navigation-safety-licences/

2026 MAR 6-7. The Event Crew. Legend of the Lake Swim

FRI 6 - SAT 7 March 2026

Event / Who  
Legend of The Lake Swim / The Event Crew

Lake Closure  TBC 
Fri 6 March 2026 (Set up all day)
Sat 7 March 2026. 0900 - 1900 hrs (includes pack down)

Areas Closed / Open TBC
CLOSED
The entire lake apart from the North Eastern Passive Area will be CLOSED.
OPEN
The North Eastern Passive Area remains OPEN TO PUBLIC for PASSIVE USE ONLY.

PROVISIONAL  BOOKING

2026 APR 11. Barefoot Sport NZ. XTERRA Triathlon

SAT 11 April 2026

Event/Who:

XTERRA (off road Triathlon) - Barefoot Sport NZ Ltd

Time / Closure Details  TBC

0645 - 1300 hours Sat

Areas Closed / Open  TBC

Areas Remaining Open (for passive use ONLY)  

South Western, North Eastern, and South Eastern Passive areas


PROVISIONAL  BOOKING

There are no health warnings.

Now Apply through BOPRC Website- LINK BELOW

from December 2025

All Aquatic Event Applications to be completed and submitted at Bay of Plenty Regional Council website.

www.boprc.govt.nz/living-in-the-bay/boating-in-the-bay/aquatic-events-and-navigation-safety-licences/

 

Recent Monitoring Results
Click here to view full test analysis