Lakes

Rotorua and Taupō Hospitals service the Lakes District. Rotorua Hospital ICU provides intensive and high dependency care to a variety of medical and surgical specialties including gastrointestinal, ENT, orthopaedic and vascular surgeries, trauma services, general and respiratory medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatric services.

The unit actively participates in research and trials to provide an optimum level of care.

The Lakes Region

Lakes is located in the central North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Rotorua is located approximately 230 kilometres (143 miles) southeast of Auckland, while Taupo is located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Rotorua.


Lakes is known for its geothermal attractions. Rotorua and Taupo offer many outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, as well as cultural experiences that showcase the region's Māori heritage. The region is also home to several scenic lakes, including Lake Taupo, which is the largest lake in New Zealand and a popular destination for fishing and water activities.

Health New Zealand | Lakes

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Lakes serves a population of just over 110,000 and covers 9,570 square kilometres. It stretches from Mourea, north of Rotorua, to Mangakino in the west down to Tūrangi in the south and across to Kaingaroa village in the east. The major centres of population are Rotorua and Taupō and the main smaller communities are Mangakino and Turangi.

The principal iwi (Māori tribal groups) in the Lakes district are Te Arawa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. A significant number of Māori living here affiliate to iwi outside the district.

There are two territorial local authorities within Te Whatu Ora Lakes boundaries – Rotorua Lakes and Taupō.

Local Information

Getting around

  • Baybus operates buses in Rotorua. There are a variety of bus options in Taupō. 

  • Rotorua and Taupō are laid out to encourage the use of bicycles or cars. 

  • Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also available as well as rental vehicles.

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