Rotorua Lakes, Bay of Plenty, NZ | XL

For the trout fisher who knows which lake to be on when the westerly gets up. The one who learned to swim at the Blue Lake. The Rotorua local who can name all eleven without thinking about it.

Eleven lakes in one piece - Rotorua with Mokoia Island sitting out in the middle of it, Rotoiti running east towards Rotomā and Rotoehu, Ōkataina tucked in behind, and Tarawera and Rotomahana lying below the mountain with Tikitapu, Ōkareka, Rerewhakaaitu and Okaro scattered through the caldera country between them. The land climbs away from the water in ten steps, and the lakes drop through four beneath it. Laser-cut from premium European Birch in our Auckland studio, and hand-painted layer by layer.

How they're made

It starts with the lakes themselves - bathymetric data recording the actual depth of each lake bed, contour by contour. The wood is laser-cut to those exact contours, painted in graduated tones from shallow turquoise to deep blue, and assembled entirely by hand by our team in Auckland. Every map is made this way - slowly, carefully, until the lake beds come to life.

Product details

Area: The Rotorua Lakes, Bay of Plenty
Size: XL - 80 × 80cm
Total layers: 15
Topography: 1060m, 960m, 860m, 760m, 660m, 560m, 460m, 360m, 260m, 160m, lake surface, -20m, -40m, -60m, -80m
Materials: Birch Plywood, MDF, water-based paint, timber oil
Frame: Built into the map - comes strung and ready to hang

Handcrafted to order

Your map is made in our Auckland studio once you place your order - we don't keep stock on the shelf. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, and we'll keep you updated as yours is made.

Our current capacity is up to 15 maps per week - if you're ordering for a gifting deadline, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Personalise it (+$50)

Want to mark a family bach, a favourite fishing spot, or somewhere that means something? Select "Personalised" above and leave a note at checkout telling us where to mark. We'll take care of the rest.

Learn more about personalisations →

Common questions

What if I'm not happy with my map?
We offer a full guarantee on craftsmanship. If you're not happy when your map arrives - or any time in the next 3 years - let us know and we'll make it right. Our small team takes real pride in the build quality of everything we send out.

How long will it take to make?
Every map is made to order in our Auckland studio. Allow 2 weeks from your order date, plus shipping. If you need it by a specific date, get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Can I personalise it?
Yes - select "Personalised (+$50)" above and leave a note at checkout telling us what to mark. A bay, a bach, a fishing spot, or anywhere that matters. We'll take care of the rest. See examples →

Will it survive shipping?
Yes - every map is packed carefully in our studio and shipped in protective packaging. Free shipping to NZ & Australia; if anything arrives damaged in transit we'll replace it free.

What if my area isn't on the map?
Get in touch - we may be able to create it. Email us or fill in our enquiry form with your request and we'll let you know what's possible.