Kuratau on Lake Taupō

Kuratau is situated on a shallow bay on the western shore of Lake Taupō. Behind the lakeside settlement lies Lake Kuratau, a destination for anglers and anyone who wants to combine time by the water with walks or exploring the surrounding area. The gently rolling farmland also shapes the character of the place. When looking for holiday accommodation, consider whether fishing, the lakeside landscape or Kuratau’s local attractions will be the main focus of your stay.

Fishing on Lake Kuratau

Lake Kuratau is the smallest of the fishable lakes in the Taupō fishing area and has a high population of smaller trout. Fishing is possible from both the shore and a boat. The lake is suitable for children and less experienced anglers. This makes it a practical option for families who would like to spend time fishing together during a holiday on Lake Taupō.

When choosing between shore and boat fishing, it is worth looking closely at the different options: away from the boat ramp, shore-fishing spots are limited. Near the boat ramp, however, there are good opportunities for shore fishing, even if you are not using a boat. If shore fishing is important to your trip, this distinction is a useful consideration when exploring Kuratau.

Lakeside reserves and tracks

A continuous ring of community reserves surrounds the Kuratau lakeshore. Kuratau Esplanade Reserve comprises a narrow strip along the shore, as well as cliffs and higher ground along the cliff edge. There is pedestrian access to the lakeshore at both its northern and southern ends. Pihanga Road Community Reserve provides access from Pihanga Road to the lakeshore and Kuratau Esplanade Reserve.

Another place to visit is Kuratau River Esplanade Reserve, which has a popular walking track. The reserves differ in their described landscapes and access: lakeshore, cliffs and elevated land characterise Kuratau Esplanade Reserve, while the walking track offers a distinct opportunity to get outdoors at River Esplanade Reserve. When planning, you can choose between time by the lake and a walk in the reserve without treating these different places as a single track.

Lake, farmland and surroundings

Kuratau is surrounded by lush, gently rolling farmland. Together with the shallow bay, this creates a landscape that is more than just a view of the lake: both the water and cultivated land are part of the area’s character. Lake Kuratau was created as part of a hydroelectric project by flooding a forest—a defining story about the lake’s origins.

Destinations further afield may also be relevant to your trip. Tongariro National Park is a short drive from Kuratau, and Pureora Forest Park is a similarly short distance away. Ski areas in the mountains are also a short drive away. So if you are considering Kuratau as a holiday destination, you can include these places in your plans as well as time on Lake Taupō.

Weekend market and wine

The annual weekend market is held jointly with nearby Omori during Labour Weekend in October. It offers fresh local produce, as well as wooden furniture and toys. This gives the market its own character: alongside food, you will also find handmade wooden items. If you have a particular weekend in mind for your stay, the October event is a useful date to plan around.

Another local spot is Floating Rock Vineyard and Cafe in Kuratau, where local wine is served among the vines. The market and café represent different aspects of the local offerings: one features local produce and woodwork, while the other serves wine in a vineyard setting. Both add local experiences to your time by the lake.

Kuratau as a holiday destination

Kuratau combines fishing, lakeside reserves, a walking track, a farmed landscape and local attractions. When searching for holiday accommodation, you can start by deciding what matters most: do you want Lake Kuratau primarily for fishing, would you like to explore the reserves and walking track, or are you also interested in local offerings such as the market and wine? If you plan to fish without a boat, bear in mind that opportunities away from the boat ramp are limited. This will help you describe the kind of stay you want in Kuratau more specifically, without treating all lakeside areas or experiences as the same.

More places: Mangakino, Iwitahi, Oruanui, Turangi, Taupo, Kinloch, Tokaanu and Waihaha.

For the main travel overview: Taupo District.