Lake Rotoiti
Hot Pools Water Shuttle
Daily shuttles across Lake Rotoiti to the remote Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools - Manupirua Bay. Return boat ride and pool entry included - from $95 per adult.
Rotorua's hidden gem!
The only way to reach Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools in Manupirua Bay is by water. Our shuttle departs daily - return ride and pool entry included.
From the moment you board at our marina at VR Rotorua Lake Resort, you immediately leave the crowds behind. The 20-minute cruise across the lake is an experience in itself, as our friendly skippers share stories of Lake Rotoiti and the history of the bay.
Once at the pools, eight mineral-rich baths are fed directly from the natural geothermal spring, each sitting right at the water's edge. Since every pool runs at a different temperature, there's always a perfect spot to soak. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the fresh lake, brave the slide, or take the short bush walk up to the panoramic lookout.
A café and picnic area are onsite when you're ready. Then, before you know it, you're cruising back warm, relaxed, and glad you made the trip.
Book the Water Shuttle
Secure your spot online in minutes. Daily departures Monday to Sunday.
Hot Pools Water Shuttle
Cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the remote Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools in Manupirua Bay. Return boat ride and pool entry included. Departing Monday to Sunday from Rotoiti Water Shuttles Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort, Mourea.
Check availability & Book now2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday to Sunday, all year round. Peak season may have multiple departures. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.
Need a different time?
Subject to availability, we can arrange shuttles outside our standard schedule. A minimum of 8 paying adults is required for a custom departure. Get in touch and we'll do our best to make it work.
Contact us to arrange →Rotoiti Water Shuttle Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort
366 State Highway 33, Mourea, 3074.
Get directions →Looking for something private?
For private group bookings or exclusive charters, visit our sister company Pure Cruise.
Visit Pure Cruise →Simple, transparent fares
Return water shuttle and pool entry included - no hidden costs.
What's included
Infants under 5 travel free but must be included in your booking as seating is limited. A 15% surcharge applies on public holidays. Minimum 4 paying adults to operate.
Good to know before you go
How many people can you take?
+
Can I bring alcohol?
+
What should I bring?
+
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen
- A drink bottle
- Suitable footwear for the bush walk
- Cash or Eftpos for the onsite café
Can I be dropped off and picked up later?
+
Can I bring food?
+
Can I go at a different time?
+
Why is my booking showing as pending?
+
Are public holidays more expensive?
+
What is your cancellation policy?
+
If you cancel: Non-refundable but transferable to a future date (one transfer only). Within 24 hours or no-shows: full fare charged, no rescheduling.
Where exactly do you depart from?
+
Do infants need to be in the booking?
+
Can I be picked up from a different location?
+
Yes, in quieter periods we can arrange a pick-up from an alternative jetty. This is subject to the shuttle schedule and ensuring it doesn't impact other guests' experience.
Pick-ups from jetties at the western end of the lake are complimentary. Jetties at the northern and eastern ends of the lake will incur a transfer fee. Please contact us to see if this is a possibility - info@rotoitiwatershuttles.co.nz
Three vessels, one lake
Comfortable covered pontoon with panoramic 360-degree views and spacious couch seating. Ideal for families and those with limited mobility. Used for daily water shuttles.
A 40ft pontoon with two passenger decks, covered seating, and excellent outdoor viewing areas. Used for larger groups and peak season shuttles. Available for private charter via Pure Cruise.
A hand-built floating work of art inspired by 1960s Airstream trailers. Fold-out sides extend over the water. Available for private charter via Pure Cruise.
Locals who love this lake
Rotoiti Water Shuttles is your dedicated water shuttle service on Lake Rotoiti, providing public access to the beautiful and secluded Manupirua Hot Pools.
For over a century, these tranquil, healing waters were accessible only to those with a boat. However, we changed that. Today, our experienced local skippers are passionate about the lake and love sharing this corner of Aotearoa with visitors and locals alike.
We operate in affiliation with Pure Cruise, a well-established boat charter provider on Lake Rotoiti. As a result, for private charter options including the iconic Airstream Project, you can explore the Pure Cruise website.
Visit Pure Cruise →
Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools
Meet Cath and Rhys - the incredible duo who have been managing the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools since 2012. Because the pools are accessible only by water, this haven remains beautifully unspoiled.
Eight mineral-rich hot pools sit on the lake's edge, surrounded by native bush and birdlife. Since each pool is a different temperature, there's always a perfect soak waiting for you. Additionally, you can cool off in the lake, shoot down the slide, or explore the beach where geothermal heat warms the sand underfoot.
Rated one of New Zealand's best hot pools - and once you visit, it's easy to see why!
Visit Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools →Loved by every guest
5 stars on both Google and TripAdvisor.
"My partner and I had an unforgettable day. We cruised across the lake with Torrey as our captain, who shared fascinating insights about the history and culture of the area. Arriving at the geothermal hot springs felt magical - such a unique and peaceful spot that you can only reach by boat."
"What a fantastic experience! Matt gave us a great commentary of the area from start to finish. The scenery is stunning and the Rotoiti Hot Pools were gorgeous and really well maintained. We even did the awesome bush walk up to the lookout! Highly recommend - we'll be back!"
"Two and a half hours was the perfect length of time to visit the hot pools and enjoy the cruise to and from VR Rotorua Resort. The very retro boat was an added bonus."
Ready to soak it all in?
Daily departures from Rotoiti Water Shuttles Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort. Book online in minutes.
Check availability & Book NowWe'd love to hear from you
Whether you have a question about the shuttle, want to arrange a custom departure, or just need some help planning your visit - send us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Monday to Sunday, all year round
Get in touch
Got questions or need a custom departure time? We're happy to help.
info@rotoitiwatershuttles.co.nz @rotoitiwatershuttles on InstagramBook now
Check live availability and secure your spot in minutes.
Book via Rezdy → Private charters via Pure Cruise →