Lake Rotorua is a 49-mile, 10-meter deep lake in the Bay of Plenty region and the second largest lake on the North Island. Named Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe (aka ‘the large lake of Kahumatamomoe’), the now tranquil lake has a violent history with massive volcanic eruptions around 200,000 years ago and continuing geothermal activity in and around the lake today. The high sulfur content of the water results in a magical green-blue coloration and is the setting for the famous love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. The island of Mokoia sits in the center of the lake and is a sanctuary to endangered birds and wildlife.
Rotorua District, Bay of Plenty Region, North Island