Eating and Drinking
Te Rata is self-catering. You'll need to bring your own food and cook meals using the BBQ and cooking rings provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need as well as environmentally-friendly detergents and basic condiments such as salt and pepper. Remember, once you're there, it's either a boat ride or a four hour walk back to The Landing, so make sure you're thorough - and bring all the supplies you'll need.
Have a go at cooking in the geothermal hot water and sand of Hot Water Beach! Try some recipes in the Totally Tarawera cookbook - designed especially for cooking this way. This is available in Te Rata kitchen or emailed to you on request if you would like it before you come.
The best place to stop for groceries on your way to Te Rata, would be the Countdown or Pak N' Save supermarkets, located near the centre of Rotorua. Closer to the lake, at the turn off to the Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera (Te Ngae roundabout) is the Redwood Centre. It has a good range food stores including any pharmacy requirements.
Practically perfect in every way. Exceptional hospitality from David and the Totally Tarawera team. Stunning location and accommodation. All the privacy you need but also company nearby at the DOC site if you want it. The use of the canoe was fabulous and the opportunity to cook my dinner at the geothermal beach was a once in a lifetime. Loved walking the trail and the incredible privacy of Lake Rotomahana. Some kids at the DOC site were a little noisy one morning but the chance to enjoy a fabulous sing a-long with our neighbours at night well and truly made up for it. A great choice for relaxing or an action-packed weekend.
"19 March 2019
We enjoyed our stay, the Totally Tarawera staff made our experience with their care and cheerful service!!
"27 March 2019
We absolutely loved our stay at Te Rata, it was the perfect mix of luxury and still being outdoors in nature. This was a weekend to remember for us as we got engaged at Te Rata on the morning we left, it holds a very special place in our hearts now.
"28 June 2019
This is a hideaway that makes you really appreciate NZ for what it really is, provides an environment where you can really relax and get away from it all, but more importantly it provides the space, the tranquillity and the time away from the rat race to really learn and think about you, your life, your relationships, and what is actually important. But it is glamping and it is up to you to have the right attitude to make it a fun experience.
"15 May 2019