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Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Rerewhakaaitu means the lake of "wandering spirits." The land surrounding this lake, rich with the volcanic soils from the Tarawera eruption, was the last of the developed farming areas of the Rotorua District.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu lies at the base of the southern slopes of Mount Tarawera. It is a relatively shallow lake, with unusual catchment groundwater drainage. Most of the farmland groundwater does not enter the lake but drains into other catchments. The area around the lake is of special wildlife interest, with the largest breeding population of banded dotterel in the Rotorua district.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu At a glance
Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Lake size: 530 ha
Catchment area: 5290 ha
Elevation: 435 m
Average depth: 7 m
Deepest point: 15 m
Formed: 700 years ago
Groundwater links with Lake
Rotomahana plus some overflow to the
Mangaharakeke Stream and Rangitaiki
River during high lakes levels.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu Report Card

Working for Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Working together: The Rerewhakaaitu farmers are helping to protect the waterways and lake water quality through good farming practices. The community restoration group has set its sites on helping the Awaroa Stream, which is one of the main inlets into the Lake. Download the pdf below to read about farmers working together to make changes.

The Sutton Family: Chris and Rosemary have a long history in dairying. Chris says affinity to the lake is shared by all farmers in Rerewhakaaitu and awareness of the Lake and looking after it is a priority for everyone. Download the pdf below to read their story.

The Allen Family: Barbara and Peter have farmed in the Lake Rerewhakaaitu catchment for 32 years. They have been creating wetland areas and protecting vulnerable underground springs on their land. Native birds like tui and bellbirds are returning. Download the pdf below to read their story.

The Pacey Family: Because of their strong attachment to the land, Mac and Lynda are always challenging themselves to do better on their farm for the sake of the Lake. Download the pdf below to read their story.

The Koopal Family: Anne and Stewart have a proud dairy heritage. Three generations of the Koopal family have farmed at Lake Rerewhakaaitu. Download the pdf below to read their story.

The Hamilton Family: For Trevor and Harriet, settling at Lake Rerewhakaaitu was both a business and lifestyle decision. Their expansion makes the Hamiltons the largest dairy farmers in the lake area. Download the pdf below to read their story.