Lake Tikitapu is south-east of Rotorua over a saddle and surrounded by native forest covered hills.

[3]: 52  The lake is closely related to the Ōkāreka Embayment on the western margins of the Ōkataina Caldera and it is possible that the Te Rere rhyolite eruption of 25,171 ± 964 years BP[4] was also relevant to its formation.

[6] The available facilities at Lake Tikitapu include BBQ's and picnic tables, children's playgrounds, ski lanes and boat ramps and public toilets, making it a popular choice for families.

The name Tikitapu refers to a sacred greenstone, or pounamu, necklace that is believed to have been worn by a daughter of a high ranking chief.

[9] New Zealand flatwater canoeist, Lisa Carrington, has competed in events numerous times at Blue Lake regattas.

Kataore's initial loveable nature had changed as he grew up, and he became a mischievous taniwha who preyed on lone travellers.

Reretoi and his men managed to draw Kataore out of his cave and noose his neck, attack and slay him with tewhatewha and kotiate.