Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake)

Rotokakahi means the lake of the shellfish "kakahi". While the Green Lake is now deserted and tapu, in days gone by it was heavily populated. The lake was known for its kakahi, an edible shellfish found in the lake's sandy bed. It is also famous for its island named Motutawa, the burial ground of many Māori ancestors

Rotokakahi is privately owned by local iwi and considered tapu or sacred, with no swimming or boating permitted on the lake. A small island on the lake is also of historical significance, and many people are buried there.

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake)	At a glance
	Lake size: 440 ha Catchment area: 1860 ha Elevation: 394 m Average depth: 17.5 m Deepest point: 32 m Formed: 13,300 years ago Drains to Lake Tarawera via Te Wairoa Stream

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) Report Card

• 2009-2010 (353KB, pdf)
• 2008 (688KB, pdf)

Action Plan

Click here to access the Rotorua Lakes Action Plans.