Lake Rotoroa (also Hamilton Lake) is on the southwest side of downtown Hamilton and is one of the many shallow lakes scattered around the Waikato. There is a walking track and loop road, Lake Domain Drive, all around the lake, with two larger parkland areas on the eastern and western sides. There is also a rose garden, playground and cafe on the southeast side near the main entrance off Ruakiwi Road. You can access the lake by car from Killarney Road or Lake Crescent on the west side.
It takes 50 minutes to stroll all the way around the lake, as many locals do. But there is plenty of room on both sides to find a quiet spot for a picnic with shelter provided by some mature trees.
The Lake Domain is also the home of Balloons over Waikato, which takes place in March.
