Lake Tikitapu: A family favourite

Lake Tikitapu is a major drawcard for the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park. Photo / Supplied

Once engulfed in ash and mud from the Mt Tarawera eruption, the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is now picturesque, with a range of activities for all ages.

Susan and Jack Timmer have owned the park for 20 years and aim to make it a great holiday experience for their guests.

"We try and create a relaxing environment where guests can enjoy a little remoteness from city life and still feel that they are close enough to enjoy both worlds," Jack says.

The park is opposite Lake Tikitapu (the Blue Lake), 8km from Rotorua, with 6ha of grounds.

Jack says during the busy summer period, the park is transformed into a hive of activity as hundreds of Kiwi families come to the Blue Lake to enjoy holidays.

"Throughout January, the lake is busy with ski boats, canoes and inflatables with people of all ages enjoying the awe-inspiring scenic setting." He says the park caters for all ages and is a safe environment for children to wander about with friends in the evenings.

"Customers often comment on the fact that the park 'has a good feel about it'," he says.

People can swim, kayak, waterski, jetski, trout fish or just relax.

Jack says there is a popular walk around Blue Lake with longer walks in the neighbouring forest, as well as excellent mountain biking tracks.

For rainy days, there is a recreation room, a TV lounge and wireless internet. Rotorua geothermal attractions are also close by. Guests must book early for the Christmas-New Year period when 600 to 700 people flock in for camping, or to stay in a cabin or motel unit.

CAMPERS' INFO

Getting there: The Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is 10 minutes' drive from central Rotorua. Take Te Ngae Rd, at the roundabout turn right into Tarawera Rd. Follow this road until you reach the Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu).

Campground fees: Motel units: $108-$259 per night. Cabins: $69-$139 per night. Campsites: $37-$43 per night for two adults.

Amenities: Barbecue area, communal kitchen, boat cleaning, fish cleaning, shop, spa pool, toilets and showers, laundry.