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.
2025 DEC 13. Rotorua 2025 Half Ironman
Sat 13 December 2025
Event / Who
Half Ironman - Swim Section / Rotorua. Suffer. (Shane Hooks)
Times
0515 hours to 0700 hours
Map and more details to come.
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2026 JAN 3-12. WATERWORLD INFLATABLE FLOATING WATERPARK
3 - 12 January 2026
Event / Who:
Waterworld Inflatable Floating Waterpark / Waterworld Ltd
Schedule TBC
Jan 3 Set up initially then WaterPark open from 9-10am
Jan 4-12 WaterPark open 8am - 7pm, PACKDOWN 5pm Jan 12.
Partial Lake Closure TBC
North Western passive area TBC
Map showing the waterworld park layout and position (JPEG 98Kb)
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2026 JAN 16-18. Rotorua Rowing Club. Dewar Shield Rowing Regatta
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 January 2026
Event / Who:
Blue Lake Dewar Shield Rowing Regatta / Rotorua Rowing Club
Lake Closure
Friday to Sunday
Details and Areas TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2026 JAN 30-FEB 1. CRNZ Tikitapu 2 Regatta
Sat-Sun 30 Jan-1 Feb 2026
Event / Who
Tikitapu 2 Regatta / Canoe Racing NZ
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
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 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.
