Ohau Channel connects Lake Rotorua to Lake Rotoiti. The channel is used for swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing. Fly fishing gear is the only gear permitted on the channel and all fishers must have a valid permit. River Rats Raft & Kayak have organized an Ohau Channel Clean up that finishes on the boat ramp at SH33 for the past couple of years during conservation week.

The lakes formed when large volcanos in the Taupo Volcanic Zone erupted and collapsed over hundreds of thousands of years ago. The area remains one of the most active geothermal regions in the world. Lake Rotorua drains into the Ohau Channel, which flows to Lake Rotoiti and into the Bay of Plenty. A diversion wall has been created to stop water this natural flow, diverting it through the Kaituna River, in order to improve water quality in Lake Rotoiti.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Ohau Channel at SH33 and 8,000 other beaches.