Lake Tarawera
The Rotorua region isn't that far from Taupo, maybe a one hour drive. It's also a volcanic region, and has many lakes much smaller than Taupo, each with different characters. Of them, Lake Tarawera is my pick, probably my favourite lake outside the Taupo region. Even though I don't know it very well, it has that same volcanic magic to it, maybe even more intensely. The bluer than blue deep crisp pure water. The often sinister-looking volcano that is it's backdrop. It has large hot water springs that Taupo does not, and a much more recent eruption history. Most of the shoreline is forested. And it has a reputation for big trout in superb condition.
Winter 2004, my first good look at the lake from on the water. A kayak club trip, camping at Te Rata Bay, also known as hot water beach. The springs are mostly underwater, the heat output is huge.
And in squally, sun-and-rain weather the next day, the fishing was good near our camp. We shared the two trout I caught, red flesh and delicious.
