Some of Rotorua’s lakes have hit record levels following exceptionally heavy rain in the catchment over the New Year – but some haven’t quite reached last summer’s records.

Lake Rotoma’s water level (pictured at a more normal height) is the highest it has been for at least 10 years. Lakes Okataina and Rotomahana are at the highest level recorded since the 1970s.

Rerewhakaaitu is the highest since the 1960s, however Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti were even higher in January 2011, according to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s data. Lake Okareka is currently at 354.1 metres - 10cm lower than it was in July last year.

Most rainfall data is well above ‘normal’ levels, some by as much as 380 per cent, and levels measured at Ohinekoao at Herepuru Rd is 550 per cent above normal.

Regional Council engineering manager Colin Meadowcroft says heavy rainfall from late December to early January significantly raised water levels in the district. Lake levels were pre-emptively lowered following MetService Weather Warnings in late December.

“The Okere Gates have been fully open and stop-logs have been removed since December 30 to maximise outflows from lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti and to reduce lake levels as quickly as possible.”

He said the high lake levels could pose some problems for boaties using ramp facilities, and residents may notice some drainage problems due to the high water levels.

“Unfortunately there is little more that the council can do until lake levels lower naturally,” he said.

Picture credit: @EssJayNZ – Flickr.com