Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) – Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) – Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Lake Tikitapu — better known as Blue Lake — glows in impossible shades of turquoise on sunny days. Set just south of Rotorua, the lake sits in a volcanic basin ringed by forested hills and wide open bays that feel built for long summer afternoons.

The water here is famously clear. Close to shore, sunlight reflects off the pale rhyolite lakebed, giving the shallows their electric blue colour. Step further out and the lake deepens into richer sapphire tones, cool and refreshing against warm Bay of Plenty air.

Unlike Rotorua's geothermal swims, Blue Lake is pure, classic freshwater — sandy beaches, pine-backed picnic areas, paddleboards gliding across calm mornings, and families drifting in wide, safe swimming zones. For more geothermal swimming nearby, check out Kerosene Creek or explore Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach.

Discover More with Swim New Zealand

Lake Tikitapu is featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island, a curated guide to the country's best volcanic lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and geothermal swimming spots. If you're exploring Rotorua's lake district, the guide connects Blue Lake with nearby gems like Lake Ōkāreka, Lake Tarawera, and hidden forest waterfalls. Browse all our New Zealand travel guides.

Map & Navigation

Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake+Tikitapu/

Main Access Point:
Blue Lake Reserve (northern shore)

Facilities include:

• Toilets

• BBQ areas

• Picnic tables

• Car parking close to the water

The sealed road circles much of the lake, offering multiple entry points.