Okere Falls

Travel Guide

Okere Falls Scenic Reserve which includes rapids, forest scenes and a river or creek
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve showing rapids and a river or creek
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve showing a river or creek and forest scenes
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve featuring forest scenes, rapids and a river or creek
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve which includes rapids and a river or creek
Go white-water rafting, hike along the river, go fishing for trout or take it easy with a lakeside picnic in this water-rich neighbor town of famous Rotorua.

Okere Falls hugs the shores of Lake Rotoiti and the town was named after its nearest waterfalls. The lake’s waters spill out into the Okere Inlet, flow into the Kaituna River and plunge down several waterfalls. Kaituna is a Māori name referring to the abundance of food in the river, but that’s not the only reason why people flock here.

Take a deep breath and prepare yourself for an adrenaline rush. White-water rafting over the Okere Falls and the nearby Tutea Falls is an amazing experience and is also exhilarating to watch from the shore. Expect to plunge 23 feet (7 meters) down into a mass of foaming water while you hold on for life. Tutea Falls is among the highest commercially rafted falls in the world, but experienced local guides help make it safe.

Witness the spectacle without getting wet from the Okere Falls Track, a scenic rainforest pathway that takes you along the river, past four waterfalls, into a hidden cave and finally down to a fishing basin.

At the first viewing area, peer down at the Okere Falls and the remains of the old hydroelectric power station, which ran here from 1901 to 1939.

From the Tutea Falls viewing platform, walk down the stone Hinemoa’s Steps which were carved out in 1907. Ponder the fact that, in early wars, Māori women and children would climb down into this cave with ropes, a precarious journey. At the bottom, peer into Tutea’s Cave, named after a local Māori chief. Turn your back to see the rafters plunge down the thundering waterfall.

Continue to the end of the Okere Falls Track to reach the Trout Pool. If you already bought a fishing licence, drop a line in and catch your own dinner. Alternatively, just stand quietly near the water for a chance to see the fish swim in the shallows.

Okere Falls is 20 minutes to the northeast of the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, which has all the visitor facilities you may need. Okere Falls itself has lakeside camping grounds, a great place to be at sunset.

Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is €86 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
€86
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
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Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

Rydges Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is €113 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€113
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Would definitely stay again
"From check-in to check-out, our stay was excellent. Friendly staff, large, clean and comfortable rooms. Great location and excellent breakfast. We have no hesitation in recommending it."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Prince's Gate Hotel
Prince's Gate Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1057 Arawa Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is €117 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€117
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Property was quiet, spacious, and conveniently located in a safe part of a walkable town. Facility was a little tired"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

Prince's Gate Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
4 out of 5
1420 Hamurana Road, RD4, Rotorua, Mourea
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Mourea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (527 reviews)
"The beds are extremely hard but that was pretty much the only complaint"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Quest Rotorua Central
Quest Rotorua Central
4 out of 5
1192 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Perfect location, walking distance to Eat St. lots of places for shopping, there is so much to do inRotorua. We arrived o. A sunday evening, due to a delayed flight. When arriving to hotel doors were locked and not a single person walking the street. Had to wait to get keys to our room . Once we ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
Kings On Peace
Kings On Peace
4 out of 5
4A Peace Street, Fenton Park, Rotorua
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (206 reviews)
"Great apartment with excellent shower and kitchen."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2025

Kings On Peace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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