Lake Rotoiti • Rotorua, New Zealand

Lake Rotoiti
Hot Pools Water Shuttle

Daily shuttles across Lake Rotoiti to the remote Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools in Manupirua Bay. Return boat ride and pool entry included - from $95 per adult.

Check availability & book Learn more
8 Geothermal pools
2.5hrs Full experience
$95 Per adult
Hot Pools Water Shuttle

Rotorua's best-kept secret

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 Rotoiti Water Shuttles Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort, you're away from the crowds. The 20-minute boat ride to the southern shore is an experience in itself, with friendly skippers sharing stories of the lake and its history.

At the pools, eight mineral-rich baths fed from the geothermal spring right at the water's edge. Each pool is a different temperature, so there's always a perfect spot. Cool off with a swim in the lake, brave the slide, or take the short bush walk up to the panoramic lookout.

There's a café and picnic area onsite before you cruise back warm and relaxed.

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20-minute scenic boat ride each wayDeparting from Rotoiti Water Shuttle Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort, Mourea
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8 geothermal pools, all temperaturesNatural mineral spring water, surrounded by native bush
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Bush walk to a lake viewpointShort but rewarding - sweeping panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti
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Lake swimming, slide & onsite caféSnacks, ice cream, hot chips, pies or a cold beverage before the return journey
Lake Rotoiti hot pools Hot pools in winter Lake Rotoiti scenery
Ready to go?

Book the Water Shuttle

Secure your spot online in minutes. Daily departures Monday to Sunday.

Hot Pools Water Shuttle
Daily departures

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.

2.5 hrsFull experience
$95Per adult
$55Per child
FreeUnder 5s
Check availability & Book now
Departure times

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Monday to Sunday, all year round. Peak season may have multiple departures. Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Departure point

Rotoiti Water Shuttle Marina - VR Rotorua Lake Resort

366 State Highway 33, Mourea, 3074. Get directions →

Private charters | Group bookings

Looking for something private?

For private group bookings or exclusive charters, visit our sister company Pure Cruise.

Visit Pure Cruise →
Pricing

Simple, transparent fares

Return water shuttle and pool entry included - no hidden costs.

Adult 16 years and over
$95
Child 5 - 15 years
$55
Infant Under 5 years
Free

What's included

  • Return water shuttle with an experienced local skipper
  • Hot pool entry to all 8 geothermal pools
  • Approximately 1.5 hours at the pools
  • Use of onsite changing facilities
  • Access to lake swimming, slide, and beach area
  • Optional bush walk to panoramic viewpoint
    • Check availability

    ****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.

    Frequently asked questions

    Good to know before you go

    How many people can you take?

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    As group numbers increase, we move to larger vessels. Our biggest boat carries up to 45 passengers comfortably.

    Can I bring alcohol?

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    BYO alcohol is not permitted. A licensed bar is available on board select vessels, and the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools has its own licensed café onsite.

    What should I bring?

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    • 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?

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    For safety reasons we don't offer drop-off and later pick-up. Manupirua Hot Pools is a remote, water-access-only location and our vessel carries all safety equipment. During multiple shuttles the vessel may leave briefly (around 30 minutes), but all guests must remain within the facility.

    Can I bring food?

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    Yes - though food cannot be consumed during the boat ride. You're welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it at the tables and picnic area at the hot pools.

    Why is my booking showing as pending?

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    The water shuttle requires a minimum of 4 paying adults to operate. Your reservation is initially marked as pending while we link your group with others. You'll receive a confirmation email once minimum numbers are met. If the trip can't be confirmed, you can pay the difference to secure the charter, reschedule, or receive a full refund.

    Are public holidays more expensive?

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    Yes - a 15% surcharge applies on public holidays to cover additional staff costs and operational requirements.

    What is your cancellation policy?

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    If we cancel: Full refund or option to rebook. Cancellations due to weather are made at the skipper's discretion - check your email on departure day.

    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?

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    VR Rotorua Lake Resort, 366 State Highway 33, Mourea. By prior arrangement we can also pick up from the Okere Falls Jetty or select private jetties on the western side of Lake Rotoiti.

    Do infants need to be in the booking?

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    Yes - even though under-5s travel free, they must be included in your booking as seating is limited. You'll find this option in the online booking form.
    Our fleet

    Three vessels, one lake

    The Lake Lounge
    Up to 18 passengers
    The Lake Lounge

    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.

    Rotoiti Explorer
    Up to 45 passengers
    Rotoiti Explorer

    A 40ft pontoon with two passenger decks, covered seating, and excellent outdoor viewing areas. Used for larger groups and peak season shuttles.

    The Airstream Project
    Up to 18 passengers
    The Airstream Project

    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.

    About us

    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. We changed that. 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. For private charter options including the iconic Airstream Project, explore the Pure Cruise website.

    Visit Pure Cruise →
    Rotoiti Water Shuttles team
    Cath and Rhys at the hot pools
    The destination

    Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools

    Meet Cath and Rhys - the incredible duo who've been managing the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools since 2012. Accessible only by boat or air, this haven remains beautifully unspoiled.

    Eight mineral-rich hot pools sit on the lake's edge, surrounded by native bush and birdlife. Each pool is a different temperature. 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 it's easy to see why.

    Visit Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools →

    Ready to soak it all in?

    Daily departures from Mourea. Book online in minutes.

    Check availability & book now

    Find us

    VR Rotorua Lake Resort
    366 State Highway 33
    Mourea, 3074
    Rotorua, New Zealand

    Get directions →

    Get in touch

    Got questions or need a custom departure time? We're happy to help.

    info@rotoitiwatershuttles.co.nz @rotoitiwatershuttles on Instagram

    Book now

    Check live availability and secure your spot in minutes.

    Book via Rezdy → Private charters via Pure Cruise →