Lakes & Rivers in the Bay of Plenty area | Awakeri thermal pools & holiday park

Jet Boating

Get your adrenalin pumping with Kiwijet jet boat tours and 4 times NZ Jet Boating Champion Bill Roberts as your guide. You’ll see the magnificent Ignimbrite walls of the Matahina Dam; you’ll travel up the majestic Matahina Lake and into the Rangitaiki River, and then encounter white water rapids in a scenic sweeping gorge that makes its way to the Aniwhenua Falls. Hold on tight and enjoy!

Water Skiing

Water-skiing is a very popular activity in the Bay of Plenty region – our smooth-topped lakes are ideal for the sport. Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoma, Rotorua and Tarawera are all approximately a 1 hour drive from Awakeri Hot Springs’ holiday park.

Trout Fishing

The Bay of Plenty is also world-renowned for excellent trout fishing. Bring your gear and catch a big one, or the team at Awakeri Hot Springs will be happy to help you organise the hire of fishing equipment (or even sourcing a river guide to show you the best spots!). Bring your catch back to our Whakatane holiday park accommodation and create a delicious meal on one our BBQs.

White-Water Rafting

The nearby Rangitaiki River is a veritable playground for white-water rafters. River Rats is one company that have been professionally rafting the Rangitaiki for over 20 years. You can raft the Rangitaiki with experienced professionals at grades 3-4 or a less challenging Grade 2. No experience is necessary – all you need is a spirit of adventure!

After the wildest white-water ride of your life, you will return to the comfort of Awakeri Hot Springs, where our soothing Awakeri hot mineral pools await…

Kayaking

Join a group on a memorable kayak trip down the tranquil and safe Waiokea River. The river runs languidly through New Zealand’s largest nature reserve. Of course, the stunning lakes in this area are also great for exploring by kayak.

…. Relaxation!

If all this sounds a little exhausting, just find a secluded waterfront spot to enjoy a picnic or get your head into a good book!