Huge amounts of geothermal activity in this area over millions of years have led to a network of lakes called the crater lakes. The eruptions left behind huge craters which were later filled in by water.
Green Lake, or Lake Rotokakahi, lies along the western edge of the caldera. It is known for it's abundance of shellfish. It's named for it's emerald green colour which is due to the shallow sandy bottom. The lake is considered tapu or 'sacred' by the local Maori and no one sets foot in it.
Blue Lake, or Lake Tikitapu is the smallest of the lakes in the caldera. Again it's the colour of the water that gives the lake it's name. The blue colour is produced from the deposits of pumice on the lake bed. In summer, there is quite a bit of activity on this lake include water skiing and triathlon competitions. It is also used for trout fishing. There is a two hour walking track around this lake which passes through both native and exotic forest.
The other two are quite small. Lake Okareka is renowned for its natural beauty and has a very small settlement of about 600 people attached to it while Lake Okataina is the northernmost lake and is completely encircled by native forest. As a result the lake is subject to rising and falling water levels. There is a small beach here and a private lodge which has a jetty attached to it. The area around the lodge is populated by all things - wallabies! They were imported from Australia in the 19th century.
The lakes are steeped in Maori history and you'll hear stories of phantom canoes seen gliding in the mist and lovers who swam the lakes to rendezvous in secret hideaways and other such mysteries.
Rotorua.
