HOT WATER BEACH – Te Rata Bay
Te Rata is a very special place. It’s right in the very heart of the thermal Rotorua district.
Steam rises sleepily from the lake edge – the result of a hot thermal spring trickling into the lake water. The sand on part of Hot Water Beach heats up to 86 degrees – hot enough to cook a meal ‘hangi-style’ beneath the surface.
Be aware that during the busy season, there will be campers at the DOC campsite and you will share hot water beach itself, with those campers.
Tarawera Trail
4.5hrs (average) one way
Walk to Hot Water Beach (HWB) or walk back. Trail car park is south of the Buried Village. Shuttle available. Walk easy to moderate.
Water Taxi Drop Off to Tarawera Trail, Te Rata Bay 9am 12pm 3pm
Water Taxi Pick Up from Te Rata Bay – in front of Hot Water Beach Camp 9.30am 12.30pm 3.30pm
Cost: $35 Adults $25 children 5-12yrs. $5 Infants Group rates available.
Pre-booking is essential.
Hot Water Beach
Stay a few hours or all day. Take a picnic, stay the night.
Dropoff and pickups at our standard times.
Water Taxi to Hot Water Beach Camp 9am 12pm 3pm
Water Taxi from Hot Water Beach Camp 9.30am 12.30pm 3.30pm
Cost Return: $40 Adults, $30 children 5-12yrs. $10 Under 5yrs 15 Group rates and other times available for groups.
Gear transport: $10/ backpacks / chillybin. $25 handling fee for unaccompanied camp gear.
Pre-booking is essential.
Camping – Hot Water Beach
This campsite is now operated by DOC (Department of Conservation) please visit their website to book. Stay at a campsite: Places to stay (doc.govt.nz)
Camp Gear Transport
Packs $10/pack
Separate tent $15/tent
Unaccompanied camping gear will incur a $25 handling fee.
Water Taxi Hot Water Beach Return Start 9am and return at 12:30pm or
9am and return at 3.30pm or water taxi at 12pm and return at 3:30pm
Return fare: $60 Adults, $45 children 5-12yrs. $15 Under 5yrs (conditions apply)
Pre-booking is essential and conditions apply.
