Lake Rotoaira
Privately owned lake
Lake Rotoaira is a relatively small and shallow lake situated between Lake Taupo and Mount Tongariro. It is situated 20 minutes south west of Turangi and accessed from SH46 or SH47.
Lake Rotoaira is one of the few privately owned lakes in New Zealand, and is administered by the Lake Rotoaira Trust on behalf of its owners. In addition to a fishing licence, an access permit must be held by those using the lake for fishing and similar activities, and can be obtained from the i-Site Information Centre in Turangi.
Lake Rotoaira has a large population of hard fighting rainbow trout and is a very productive fishery. There are boat ramps at the northern end of the lake just off SH47 and at the south west corner of SH46.
Maori legend tells us that Mount Taranaki was originally sited where Lake Rotoaira is today. Taranaki fell in love with the mountain Pihanga, but Pihanga was Tongariro's wife and Tongariro drove Taranaki away to the west.
Although a natural lake, Rotoaira has been extensively modified for hydo electric generation purposes and water is diverted to it to be used at times of peak generation.