Tarawera & Lakes Eco Tour

Tarawera & Lakes Eco Tour

Discover Rotorua's lake district aboard New Zealand's only authentic World War II amphibious vehicle on this 2-hour guided tour. You'll travel by both land and water to explore three of the region's most significant lakes: Ōkāreka, Tikitapu (Blue Lake), and the sacred Lake Tarawera.

Your tour begins at Lake Ōkāreka, where you'll splash down into calm waters surrounded by native bush and peaceful lakeside homes. Continue to Lake Tikitapu, known as the Blue Lake for its striking colour and significance to the local Te Arawa people. The highlight is Lake Tarawera, where you'll learn about the dramatic 1886 volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera that changed the landscape forever and buried the village of Te Wairoa.

Your English-speaking guide shares Māori history, local legends, and geological stories throughout the tour, with scheduled stops at each lake for photos and exploration. The restored military vehicle provides comfortable viewing with heaters and blankets for cooler days.

What is Included

• 2-hour guided tour in authentic WWII amphibious vehicle
• English-speaking guide
• Land and water travel to three lakes
• Heaters and blankets provided
• Scheduled stops at scenic viewpoints
• Bathroom breaks as needed
• Wheelchair accessible vehicle

Good to Know

The tour lasts 2 hours with visits to Lake Ōkāreka, Lake Tikitapu, and Lake Tarawera. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in. Dress warmly and bring a waterproof layer as weather can change on the water.

The vehicle accommodates wheelchairs, but notify staff in advance for smooth boarding. You can bring snacks but no hot food is permitted on the vehicle. Children must be supervised at all times, and you'll need to respect the schedule during short lake stops.

For more adventures in the region, consider exploring the Rotorua geothermal attractions or taking a Mount Tarawera helicopter tour for aerial views of the volcanic landscape you'll see from the lakes.