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 €83 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€83
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very nice and clean hotel. Staff are great at accommodating us to store our rental bikes. Bar and breakfast are wonderful!!!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Prince's Gate Hotel
Prince's Gate Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1057 Arawa Street, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is €123 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
€123
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice old pub with period features in the rooms and common areas. Friendly staff at reception and in the restaurant. Only issue is no lift if you are not as mobile as you used to be but staff helped with luggage but staff helped with that. Overall an enjoyable couple of days"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Prince's Gate Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is €87 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
€87
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"No staff on Reception. They should have a bell to summon staff to front desk rather than having guests calling out to see if any staff can hear and /or come to receive guests to check in and or to assist with enquires."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Arawa Park 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! (509 reviews)
"The place we rented was a 2 bedroom home. The unit was very clean and nice. The resort is on the lake and on a large piece of property. Beautiful scenery and sunsets. Restaurant on property was good. All the staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 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! (997 reviews)
"Nice property in a pleasant area of Rotorua."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Quest Rotorua Central
18th Avenue Thermal Motel
18th Avenue Thermal Motel
3.5 out of 5
50 Eighteenth Avenue, Tauranga
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Tenpin Tauranga are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (219 reviews)
"Fine enough for our short stay. The bathroom floor area needs a tidy up."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

18th Avenue Thermal Motel
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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