Hot Water Beach Lake Tarawera (Te Rātā Bay)
Discover natural hot water pools meeting a serene lake, accessible by a stunning hike or boat. A unique geothermal escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Quieter camping experience
Hot Water Beach Lake Tarawera (Te Rātā Bay)
Best Time
Quieter camping experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover natural hot water pools meeting a serene lake, accessible by a stunning hike or boat. A unique geothermal escape.
"The walk itself is easily in the top 5% of NZ's walks- a bucket list item."
🔥 Be Water Wise
The hot water is seriously hot! Test carefully before dipping to avoid burns.
🎒 Pack it in, Pack it out
No bins here! Take all your rubbish with you to keep this beautiful spot pristine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Hot Water Pools
Lake Tarawera shoreline
Discover naturally heated pools where steaming hot water meets the cool lake, creating a unique bathing experience.
Scenic Lakeside Campsite
Te Rātā Bay Campsite
Simple yet serene camping amidst stunning natural beauty, perfect for unwinding by the lake.
The Hike to Te Rātā Bay
From Tarawera Road Carpark
A rewarding 15km trek through beautiful landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead, Especially Off-Season
Water Safety & Hydration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Would it be worth the 3-4 hour drive just to experience the Hot Water Beach?
🔥 Be Water Wise
The hot water is seriously hot! Test carefully before dipping to avoid burns.
🎒 Pack it in, Pack it out
No bins here! Take all your rubbish with you to keep this beautiful spot pristine.
Hot Water Beach Coromandel
The idyllic Hot Water Beach. You may not like it, but this is what peak season looks like.
💧 Water Purification Needed
Don't drink lake water directly. Filter or boil it first for safety.
🚶 Hike or Boat In
Choose between a 15km hike or a water taxi for access. Both offer unique experiences.
Whangarei to Hot Water Beach
Tips
from all over the internet
🔥 Be Water Wise
The hot water is seriously hot! Test carefully before dipping to avoid burns.
🎒 Pack it in, Pack it out
No bins here! Take all your rubbish with you to keep this beautiful spot pristine.
💧 Water Purification Needed
Don't drink lake water directly. Filter or boil it first for safety.
🚶 Hike or Boat In
Choose between a 15km hike or a water taxi for access. Both offer unique experiences.
🏕️ Simple Campsite Amenities
Expect composting toilets and a food prep area. Bring all your essentials.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique natural hot water pools and the stunning lakeside setting of Te Rātā Bay. The challenging but rewarding hike and the friendly camp host are frequently praised. However, the basic amenities, the need for self-sufficiency, and occasional booking system issues are noted drawbacks.
"We had a great stay here. Nice spot when camping during low season. Its quite popular and the sites are all very close to one another so if you like a calmer camping experience, off season is ideal. Kitchen space is provided, clean toilets and change room. There is hot water streams flowing into the lake near this site but difficult to get a cozy dip. Best to check out the hot water pools. You can get there either by boat or do an hour hike from the campsite. We found our about this spot only on our way out by water taxi. Would have loved to spend an afternoon there. The camp caretaker is so friendly and maintains the sites and hot water pools. There is cell reception a little farther out from the site if you are looking to book a water taxi out from there."
Sabreena Chandra
"What can be said that hasn't already been said a million times? Get in here before it becomes a Great Walk and even the walk needs bookings. Try and stay away from weekends from mid-spring until mid-autumn. Be prepared to share the camp with boaties who pitch their tents. The walk is very special. There are warnings about not taking drinking water from streams and the lake edge. That's your personal call. When we were there there was a good flow and filtered all water, but if course the heavy metals can only be avoided by ensuring you pick up absolutely zero sediment and other particular matter. Officially, don't. In practice, your call. 14.5 km from car park to camp, and the last bit going either way is a sting in the tail with some elevation gain. Allow extra time if you have someone in your group that's not up to speed with going up while carrying a pack. The walk itself is easily in the top 5% of NZ's walks- a bucket list item. Water taxi is available if you want to only walk one way, in which case I would pick taxi in, sleep, walk out."
Pete Belt
"Beautiful surroundings at hot water beach. The hot water fills small rock pools, and gushes diretly onto the beach. Steam rises all year round from the water.
The campsite is pretty simple (composting toilets and a food prep area the only amenities). Water can be taken from the lake for drinking but you will need to filter / boil / purify before using. There are no trash bins, so everything you bring you must take out.
You can hike in (15km) from the carpark, or ferry in from the ferry landing.
Bookings are essential for campsites, but the booking system is currently (Jan 2021) not working properly. There are empty campsites even though it shows full.
Jason is the camp host, and he is great."
Glen C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Hot Water Beach Lake Tarawera by hiking a 15km track from the Tarawera Road Carpark, or by taking a water taxi from the ferry landing. The hike is considered challenging by some, especially the final uphill sections with a pack.
Yes, there is a carpark at the start of the hike from Tarawera Road. Be aware that the booking system for campsites has had issues, so it's wise to confirm availability.
No, you cannot drive directly to the hot water beach. Access is either by hiking or by water taxi to Te Rātā Bay campsite.
The drive time to the Tarawera Road Carpark can vary, but it's a significant journey from major centers like Auckland, often involving a 3-4 hour drive.
While not explicitly mentioned as a regular shuttle, water taxis are available for hire, offering a convenient way to access the area, especially if you prefer to hike one way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, bookings are essential for campsites at Te Rātā Bay. However, the booking system has been reported as not working perfectly, with some showing full when empty. It's recommended to check in advance.
Specific pricing details for campsites are not readily available in the provided information, but booking is required. It's best to check the official DOC (Department of Conservation) website or contact them directly for current rates.
The hot water beach is part of the natural landscape accessible via the campsite. While campsite bookings are required, there's no mention of separate entry fees for the beach area itself.
The hot water pools are a natural feature and are accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
While the hot water beach is adjacent to the campsite, access is primarily managed through the campsite. Day visitors might be able to arrange a water taxi, but overnight stays require booking a campsite.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hot water pools are where natural hot water streams flow directly onto the beach and into small rock pools. Steam rises year-round, creating a unique and warm bathing experience.
Officially, drinking water from the lake or streams is not recommended due to potential heavy metals and sediment. It's advised to filter, boil, or purify any water you intend to drink.
The campsite at Te Rātā Bay is quite simple, offering composting toilets and a food preparation area. There are no trash bins, so you must take all your waste with you.
The hot water can be extremely hot, with temperatures reported up to 84°C. It's crucial to test the water carefully before entering to avoid burns.
Cell reception is limited at the campsite itself but can be found a little further out from the site, which is useful if you need to book a water taxi.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft illumination over the steaming water and lake. Consider capturing the steam rising against the backdrop of the lake.
Focus on the contrast between the steaming hot water and the cooler lake, the textures of the rock pools, and the rising steam. Wide-angle lenses can capture the expansive lake views.
The shoreline of the hot water beach itself offers the most direct photographic opportunities. For broader landscape shots, consider viewpoints along the hiking trail leading to the bay.
A tripod can be useful for capturing steam effects in low light. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable due to the steam and potential splashes.
Emphasize the steam rising from the water. Shooting during cooler parts of the day or when there's a temperature difference will make the steam more visible and dramatic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 15km hike might be too challenging for very young children, so consider the water taxi option for easier access. If hiking, break it into manageable sections and carry plenty of snacks and water. The simple campsite means families will need to be well-prepared with all their food and camping gear. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about nature and self-sufficiency.
🚶 Hikers and Adventurers
Consider the 'walk in, boat out' or vice versa strategy to experience both the journey and a more relaxed departure. The remote nature of the campsite adds to the adventure, providing a true escape into the wilderness. Be prepared for basic amenities and the responsibility of leaving no trace.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers
Combine a gentle soak with the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeside campsite. The simplicity of the amenities encourages a disconnect from the hustle and bustle, allowing for true rejuvenation in nature. The journey itself, whether by hike or boat, can also be a meditative experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Hot Water Experience
It's important to note that while the water is hot, it's not recommended for drinking without proper purification due to potential mineral content and sediment. The campsite caretaker plays a vital role in maintaining the area and ensuring visitors can safely enjoy the hot water pools.
This natural wonder is a significant draw for visitors seeking a different kind of outdoor experience, blending the beauty of the lake with the fascinating power of geothermal activity. It's a reminder of the volcanic forces at play beneath New Zealand's surface.
Accessing Te Rātā Bay: Hike vs. Water Taxi
For those seeking a less physically demanding approach, or if time is a constraint, a water taxi is available. This service provides a quicker and more comfortable way to reach the bay, allowing visitors to potentially hike only one way. Many travelers suggest taking the water taxi in and hiking out, or vice versa, to experience both aspects of the journey. Booking a water taxi in advance is recommended, and cell reception can be found a short distance from the campsite if needed for arrangements.
Both access methods offer a distinct way to appreciate the remote beauty of Lake Tarawera. The hike immerses you in the natural environment, while the water taxi offers a scenic and efficient arrival, highlighting the lake's expansive beauty from the water.
Camping at Te Rātā Bay
Despite its simplicity, the campsite is praised for its cleanliness and the friendly demeanor of the camp host, Jason, who is noted for his helpfulness in maintaining the sites and hot water pools. During the off-season, the campsites can be quite private, offering a calmer experience. However, during peak times, sites can be close together, and the area can be shared with boaties who also pitch tents. Booking campsites is essential, though the system has experienced glitches, sometimes showing full when sites are available.
Camping here offers a unique opportunity to be close to nature, with the hot water beach just steps away. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate a more rustic and natural camping adventure, away from the usual conveniences.
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