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.
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.
2025 MAR 8- Wander Women Adventure Race, Soaked in Adventure
EVENT: Wander Women Adventure Race
WHO: Soaked in Adventure
This is a land based event involving treking and mountain biking, however,
one part of the race involves walking out to a buoy in Ngongoahi Bay to
collect a checkpoint. This lake usage is for that particular part of the event.
WHERE: Ngongoahi Bay, Lake Rotoiti
DATE: 8 March 2025
Lake usage ONLY. NO LAKE CLOSURE REQUIRED
CONFIRMED BOOKING
2025 MAR 16- Rotoma No.1 Incorporation Whanau Day with WaterPark
EVENT: Water Park
WHO: Rotoma No.1 Incorporation Whanau Day
TIMEFRAME: Sun 16 March, 6am - 5pm (This includes set up and pack down).
WHERE: Koro Ki Te Wao Bay, Lake Rotoiti
This is a Whanau Day incorporating the Waterworld Waterpark (scaled down version) as part of its activities.
The area around the waterpark will be closed off to the public for the duration of the waterpark being in place.
Map showing where the actual Waterpark position (jpeg 192kb) The exclusion zone (closure area) will be approximately 200m beyond the WaterPark perimeter.
CONFIRMED BOOKING
There are no health warnings.
2025 JUN 20. Matariki Drone Show-Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival
Friday 20 June 2025
(Saving Date 21 June 2025)
EVENT / WHO
Matariki Drone Show, Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival
PARTIAL LAKE CLOSURE
Partial Lake Closure, Rotorua Lakefront
1900-2030 hours Friday 20 June
AREA CLOSED (Exclusion Zone)
Map (6Mb docx)
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
There is currently a health warning.
2025 NOV 8. Rotorua 1400m Regatta - Rotorua Rowing
Friday 8 November 2025
EVENT / WHO
Rotorua 1400m Regatta / Rotorua Rowing
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2025 DEC 6-7. CRNZ Tikitapu 1 Regatta
Sat-Sun 6-7 December 2025
Event / Who
Tikitapu 1 Regatta / Canoe Racing NZ
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2025 DEC 13. Rotorua 2025 Half Ironman
Sat 13 December 2025
Event / Who
Half Ironman - Swim Section / Rotorua. Suffer. (Shane Hooks)
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
There are no health warnings.
