The Rotorua Te Arawa lakes are used for events throughout the year. Some events require full or partial lake closures. Event guidelines and safety on lakes are covered under the Navigation Safety on the Rotorua Lakes. For more information call the Lakes Maritime Team on 0800 884 880 or view the Bay of Plenty Regional Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017.
To book an event requiring full or partial lake closure please fill out the Aquatic Event Application Form.
To book an event where lake closure is not required please fill out the Lake and Harbour Usage Form.
Applications require a map defining the lake area required for the event. To download a map to attach to your application please click on the lake name or area.
Maps: Lake Ōkāreka, Lake Rotorua, Beaumont Road, Rotorua Lakefront, Hannahs Bay, Hamurana, Lake Rotomā, Hamurana, Matahi Spit, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu, Blue Lake / Tikitapu, Lake Ōkataina and Lake Tarawera.
Lake Ōkataina - Open with special controls in place
Important Notice from Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust: Protecting Lake Ōkataina from Invasive Species
To safeguard Lake Ōkataina from the invasive Corbicula Fluminea (Asian clam), it is mandatory for all boats to provide proof that they have been washed at the Te Ngae wash station prior to entering the lake. Proof of wash must be presented via the QR code issued at the wash station. Please note, we will be checking that you have proof of your wash upon arrival.
Lake Access Schedule:
- Monday, 30 September: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, 1 October: 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday, 2 October: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday, 3 October: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday, 4 October to Sun 6 October: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- 7 October onwards:
- Monday - Thursday 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Statement issued by Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust and supported by Ministry of Primary Industries, Fish & Game, Rotorua Lakes Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
There are no health warnings.
2025 MAR 8- Wander Women Adventure Race, Soaked in Adventure
EVENT: Wander Women Adventure Race
WHO: Soaked in Adventure
This is a land based event involving treking and mountain biking, however,
one part of the race involves walking out to a buoy in Ngongoahi Bay to
collect a checkpoint. This lake usage is for that particular part of the event.
WHERE: Ngongoahi Bay, Lake Rotoiti
DATE: 8 March 2025
Lake usage ONLY. NO LAKE CLOSURE REQUIRED
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
There are no health warnings.
2025 FEB 7-9. CRNZ Tikitapu 2 Canoe Sprint Regatta
Friday 7 - Sunday 9 February 2025
Event / Who
Tikitapu 2 Sprint Regatta, Canoe Racing NZ
Lake Closure
Friday 0700 hrs - Sunday 1900 hrs
Area Closed / Open
Map showing closed areas and open areas during event (JPG, 200kb)
Event Timeframe
Friday
Set Up Day 0700-1800 hrs
Saturday
Event Day 1 0800-1700 hrs
Sunday
Event Day 2 0800-1700 hrs
Pack Down 1500-1900 hrs
CONFIRMED BOOKING
2025 FEB 22-23. NZWSRA 100 Miler / Series 4
Sat 22 - Sun 23 February 2025
Event / Who
Sat: 100 Miler Water Ski Race, NZ Waterski Racing Assn
Sun: Series 4, NZ Waterski Racing Assn
Lake Closure
Full lake will be closed both days
Times
0700 - 1730 hours BOTH DAYS
CONFIRMED BOOKING
2025 MAR 22-28. TWPT Secondary Schools Waka Ama Nationals
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
DETAILS TBC
2025 APR 5 XTERRA, Barefoot Sport NZ
Sat 05 April 2025
Event/Who:
XTERRA (off road Triathlon) - Barefoot Sport NZ Ltd
Time / Closure Details
0645 - 1300 hours Sat
Areas Remaining Open (for passive use ONLY)
South Western, North Eastern, and South Eastern Passive areas
Map showing Closed and Open Areas (JPG 2Mb)
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2025 APR 11-13. NZWSRA Oceania Water Ski Champs & Trans Tasman
Friday 11 - Sunday 13 April 2025
Event / Who
Oceania Waterski Racing Championships & Trans Tasman, NZ Water Ski Racing Assn
Lake Closure
Main body of lake will be closed.
Any Passive Areas remaining open TBC
Timetable
0700 - 0830 Fri 11 April SET UP
0830 - 1700 Fri 11- Sun 13 April EVENT
1600 - 1700 Sun 13 April PACK DOWN
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2025 DEC 6-7. CRNZ Tikitapu 1 Regatta
Sat-Sun 6-7 December 2025
Event / Who
Tikitapu 1 Regatta / Canoe Racing NZ
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
2025 DEC 13. Rotorua 2025 Half Ironman
Sat 13 December 2025
Event / Who
Half Ironman - Swim Section / Rotorua. Suffer. (Shane Hooks)
FURTHER DETAILS TBC
PROVISIONAL BOOKING
There are no health warnings.
