Kuratau: Lakes, Trout and Esplanade Reserves

Kuratau combines its lakeside setting on Lake Taupō with a second lake shaped by trout fishing. The town lies on a shallow bay on the western shore of Lake Taupō; behind the lakeside settlement is Lake Kuratau. Kuratau is surrounded by lush, gently rolling farmland. Lake Kuratau was created as part of a hydroelectric project by flooding a forest. Kuratau thus brings together lakes, rural landscapes and a distinctive history of how it was formed.

Lakeshore and reserves

The shore of Lake Kuratau is surrounded by a continuous ring of community reserves. Kuratau Esplanade Reserve includes a narrow strip of lakeshore as well as cliffs and higher ground along the cliff edge. At the northern and southern ends, Kuratau Esplanade Reserve provides walking access to the lakeshore. Pihanga Road Community Reserve provides access from Pihanga Road to the lakeshore and Kuratau Esplanade Reserve. Kuratau River Esplanade Reserve also includes a popular walking track. Check current track and access conditions locally.

Fishing at Lake Kuratau

Lake Kuratau is the smallest of the fishable lakes in the Taupō Fishery and has a high population of smaller trout. You can fish from both the shore and a boat. For shore fishing, the exact location matters: options are limited away from the boat ramp, but there are good shore-fishing opportunities near the ramp, even without a boat. If you plan to fish without a boat, keep this difference in mind when planning. Lake Kuratau is also suitable for children and less experienced anglers.

Market and local wine

Over Labour Weekend in October, Kuratau and nearby Omori jointly hold their annual weekend market. It offers fresh regional produce, wooden furniture and wooden toys. The event is a specific seasonal occasion where regional produce and handcrafted wooden goods come together. If you would like to visit the market, keep Labour Weekend in October in mind when planning.

Another local spot for food and drink is Floating Rock Vineyard and Cafe in Kuratau, where local wine is served among the vines. If you plan to visit, check the latest opening information beforehand.

Regional perspective: Taupo District

In Taupo District, Tongariro National Park complements the focus on lakes and landscapes with a distinctive cultural and natural setting. The park is a short drive from Kuratau. It is one of New Zealand’s three World Heritage Sites; its dual World Heritage status recognises its significant Māori cultural and spiritual associations. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is also within the park’s dual World Heritage area. Pureora Forest Park is a similarly short drive from Kuratau, and ski areas in the mountains are also within a short drive.

This lets you weigh up whether to focus your trip mainly on the lakes, fishing opportunities and reserves, or also include the cultural and scenic destinations of the wider region.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Mokai, Turangi, Wairakei, Mangakino, Taupo, Tokaanu, Kinloch, Waihaha.

For the broader travel overview: Taupo District.