Lake Rotorua

Te Rotorua nui ā Kahu-matamomoe

"Lake in a basin".  A number of the Rotorua lakes were named by Ihenga, a grandson of the captain of the Arawa canoe Tamatekapua. He named the largest lake, Rotorua nui ā Kahu-matamomoe, in honour of his father-in-law and uncle, Kahumatamomoe. "Rotorua nui" refers to the large basin-like lake.  

Lake Rotorua is the largest lake in the district and the most productive trout fishery in New Zealand. With the city of Rotorua on its shores, it is much valued and used by locals and tourists alike. The quality of the water in Lake Rotorua also affects Lake Rotoiti as the two lakes are linked by the Ōhau Channel.

In July 2008 a diversion wall was constructed that prevents the high nutrient water from flowing directly into Lake Rotoiti. As a result more than 70 percent of the nutrients that were flowing into Lake Rotoiti have now been diverted down the Kaituna River.

Lake Rotorua	At a glance
	Lake size: 8060 ha Catchment area: 50060 ha Elevation: 280 m Average depth: 11 m Deepest point: 45 m Formed: 140,000 years ago Has geothermal input

Lake Rotorua Report Card

• 2009-2010 (351KB, pdf)
• 2008 (1.05MB, pdf)

Action Plan

Click here to find out about  The Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti Action Plan.