Fishing is the largest outdoor participation sport in New Zealand and at Lake Rotoma, anglers can thank the quality of the water, the depth of the lake and the attention given to keeping the lake well stocked, for the abundance of trout.
A deep, expansive lake with crystal clear water, Lake Rotoma is considered the cleanest lake in the Rotorua region.
Created as the result of a major volcanic eruption, Lake Rotoma is over 240 feet deep in places, making it an ideal breeding ground for the three main types of trout in this area; rainbow, brown and tiger trout.
The lake's population of rainbow trout is supplemented with bi-annual releases of fingerlings in autumn and spring.
In addition to this is the hatchery breeding of Tiger trout; a cross between the Brown and Brook trout, which are exclusively released into Lake Rotoma.
This makes for great fishing all year round and offers every opportunity to catch that trophy fish.
Lake Rotoma is the most eastern of a chain of three lakes that include Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoehu and is located halfway between Rotorua city and the town of Whakatane on New Zealand's East Coast.
This makes it the ideal place to stay for those who appreciate the best of both worlds; the pristine, lush beauty of a fresh-water lake and the sea-side excitement of nearby Whakatane, its beautiful beaches, sea fishing, sea kayaking, diving, whale-watching and swimming with dolphins.
But don't think that you have to head to the sea to find a beach as Rotoma has a multitude of sheltered, white sand beaches that are perfect for rest and recreation.
Lake Rotoma's Matahi Spit Reserve is popular in summer for waterskiing, boating, windsurfing, jet skiing and windsurfing.
This combined with the Matahi Lagoon and the reserve's extensive wildlife area attracts families in their droves to Lake Rotoma, making it one of the most family friendly lakes in the Rotorua Lake District region.
Rotoma's clean water is ideal for swimming and every year in February on Waitangi Day, the lake hosts the Kiwanis Lake Rotoma Swim.
Open to all comers of all ages, the event also includes New Zealand Open Water Championship races so is a popular event for many of New Zealand's top swimmers.
The Rotorua Lakes District is famous for its geothermal activity and a visit to Lake Rotoma is not complete without a swim in the Waitangi Soda Springs.
Recently upgraded, these natural hot springs take the shape of two pools; one large, shallow pool drains via a concrete race into a lower pool.
Here you can enjoy the hot water while streams of cooler water pass by.
A popular lake activity is simply enjoying an outdoor picnic.
You can pick up picnic supplies and takeaways from the Lake Rotoma Trading Post and head to Matahi Lagoon.
Or if you'd like to work up an appetite before your picnic, the Bridle Track is an easy 30 to 40 minute walk that follows the lake-edge through native bush to Whangaroa Bay.
This is a lovely area to relax and enjoy a picnic before heading back to the track start on Mangawehe Road.
Rotoma is a very special place; with its exceptionally clean water, superb fishing, wide open expanses and family-friendly boating and picnic areas, Lake Rotoma is great location for the perfect family holiday.