World-class Rainbow Trout lake fishing in a stunning natural environment

Lake Tarawera Fishing

Lake Tarawera is widely regarded as one of the best trout fishing lakes in the New Zealand – due to its natural beauty and the number and size of the fish regularly caught.

The lake enjoys a pristine natural environment and majestic backdrop of the dormant volcano – Mount Tarawera. The lake is up to 87m deep with high water clarity, providing an excellent trout habitat. A typical catch is 5-6 pounds (2.5kg – 3kg), and up 10 pound (4.5 kg).

Your skipper and guide, Barry Grouby is a local at Lake Tarawera and has decades of experience catching trophy Trout on the lake.

The angling techniques used are Jigging and Trolling together with the “Drift Method” fishing style, allowing the bait to float naturally and better attract the fish below the surface. Our vessel Tarauta is fitted with the latest Garmin Fish Finder / Plotter electronics.

Combine your fishing experience with a soak in the Tarawera Thermal Springs or a refreshing swim from the jetty.

We welcome both experienced and first time fishers. All lessons and gear will be provided. Children are welcome.

Lake Tarawera Charters

Cruise the clear deep waters of Lake Tarawera with stunning Mount Tarawera as your backdrop. Explore secluded bush clad bays, and enjoy a lakeside picnic. Bathe in natural thermal springs or visit the spectacular Tarawera Falls.

Your skipper will share lake history and stories, including the devastating 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera.

Lake Tarawera

Located 18 kilometres from Rotorua City, Lake Tarawera has a surface area of 41 square kilometers – making it the largest of a series of 17 lakes which surround the Mount Tarawera. The lake boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average depth of 200 ft (60 m), and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout.

Overlooking the lake is Mount Tarawera, a majestic dormant volcano standing 3,645 ft (1,111 m) tall, which famously erupted in 1886, reshaping the landscape. Lake Tarawera features significant geothermal activity, most notably at Te Rātā Bay (Hot Water Beach) and natural thermal springs, rock crevices and streams.

Lake Tarawera is renowned for its pristine natural environment, wetlands and high water clarity, Much of the lakes shoreline is surrounded by native bush and hosts a rich variety of native New Zealand birds. Black swans are a common and iconic sight on the Lake. The swans were introduced to New Zealand the 1860s as ornamental waterfowl.

Lake Tarawera

Located 18 kilometres from Rotorua City, Lake Tarawera has a surface area of 41 square kilometers – making it the largest of a series of 17 lakes which surround the Mount Tarawera. The lake boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average depth of 200 ft (60 m), and is the ideal spawning ground for Rainbow Trout.

Overlooking the lake is Mount Tarawera, a majestic dormant volcano standing 3,645 ft (1,111 m) tall, which famously erupted in 1886, reshaping the landscape. Lake Tarawera features significant geothermal activity, most notably at Te Rātā Bay (Hot Water Beach) and natural thermal springs, rock crevices and streams.

Lake Tarawera is renowned for its pristine natural environment, wetlands and high water clarity, Much of the lakes shoreline is surrounded by native bush and hosts a rich variety of native New Zealand birds. Black swans are a common and iconic sight on the Lake. The swans were introduced to New Zealand the 1860s as ornamental waterfowl.

Skipper & Vessel

Barry Grouby – Fishing Guide & Skipper

Lake Tarawera has been Barry’s home waters since he was old enough to hold a rod. From those early days on Lake Tarawera to winning the Junior Section of the Rotorua International Trout Tournament, the magic of trout fishing has remained a constant activity in Barry’s life.

Barry’s has fished all the Rotorua Lakes, catching thousands of fish over the years. He has an enduring connection to the land, the lakes, and the traditions of local angling. With 10 years of service as a Coastguard skipper, Barry bring a strong commitment to safety, boating knowledge, and local weather understanding to every excursion.

Of all the places he’s fished, Lake Tarawera remains his favourite. Its pristine waters produce some of Rotorua’s best rainbow trout, and there is something truly spiritual about being surrounded by native bush, steaming thermal springs, and the dramatic presence of Mount Tarawera. It’s a landscape that brings both peace and excitement — the perfect setting for world-class trout fishing.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time, we welcome you to join Barry on the waters of Lake Tarawera. Together, you’ll chase trophy trout, enjoy the beauty of our lakes, and share in a tradition that spans generations.

Welcome aboard our vessel “Tarauta”

Tarauta is s 6m Steadcraft watercraft with a 150 HP Outboard, fishing sounder and extended protection awning. It is one of 2 surveyed vessels in charter at Solitaire Lodge and based at our lodge jetty. They operate under NZ Maritime law and have full safety gear available onboard.

Back To Top