Lake Okareka

Rotorua

Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole
Lake Okareka which includes a lake or waterhole
Lake Okareka which includes boating and a lake or waterhole
Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole and touring
Lake Okareka featuring a lake or waterhole

Despite its pretty views and charming, leafy walks, this picturesque lake manages to remain relatively crowd-free and peaceful.

Lake Okareka’s deep, blue waters are bordered by wooded, undulating hills. Walk through forests and relax on the shore while you fish for juicy trout.

This lake is known to the area’s Maori population as the “Lake of Sweet Food” as tribes once grew sweet potatoes in the area’s lush, sloping fields. Today, the lake, which is out of sight from the main tourist routes, remains little-visited by outsiders though a sizeable permanent population is present on the western shore. Enjoy the quietude and sense of serenity at this under-the-radar destination.

Lace up your boots for a hike around the forest-covered edges of the lake. Amble along in the shade of indigenous ferns and trees, stopping occasionally to marvel at spectacular views of the water. Along the trails are secluded coves as well as big open fields that stretch out into the distance from the southern shoreline. Consider packing a picnic and stopping to pause and eat at whatever scenic spot appeals to you most.

Fishing fans can cast off into the pristine waters here. Find several prime fishing bays along the western shore. Among the most fruitful fishing spots is Boyes Beach at the lake’s northwest end. The waters here are well-stocked with rainbow trout so it shouldn’t be too long before a fish tugs at your line. Fishing from a boat is also popular here, particularly in the northern area of the lake.

Lake Okareka is a 20-minute drive southeast of Rotorua. Parking is available at Boyes Beach on the northwestern side of the lake. Accommodation is available around Okareka should you want to stay a few nights and explore the lake and surrounding area even further.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Lake Okareka Hotel Deals

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
3 out of 5
723 Tarawera Rd, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The price is ¥8,368 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
¥8,368
¥9,747 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Rotorua. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and a business center. Popular attractions Lake Tikitapu and Lake Okareka ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Lovely location"

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2025

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
Chalet Near The Lake - Lake Okareka Sleeps 12
Chalet Near The Lake - Lake Okareka Sleeps 12
Lake Okareka
Stay at this vacation home in Rotorua. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tikitapu are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
Chalet
"It is what the ad says. Good communication from the property manager i recommend booking in the summer it will be absolutely beautiful."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Chalet Near The Lake - Lake Okareka Sleeps 12
Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is ¥9,436 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥9,436
¥10,851 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Kids stay and eat for free"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Arawa Park Hotel
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
JetPark Hotel Rotorua
4 out of 5
237 Fenton Street, Corner Victoria Street, Rotorua
The price is ¥13,168 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥13,168
¥15,338 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Central, clean, warm, good parking, nice spa. Kids loved having their own tv."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

JetPark Hotel Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥10,782 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥10,782
¥12,399 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,008 reviews)
"Good size room. Maybe a curfew for the pool in the morning. After 9am?"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Rydges Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
4.5 out of 5
1270 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua
The price is ¥14,529 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥14,529
¥16,708 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Our stay was really nice, we loved it! Everything was great except for breakfast! We had high expectations for how great everything else was but breakfast was the let down for us"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Millennium Hotel Rotorua
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.

Other neighborhoods around Lake Okareka

Four of a kind

Owhata

If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing.

Owhata
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Lynmore

While Lynmore might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa.

Lynmore
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Ngapuna

While Ngapuna isn't home to many top sights, Polynesian Spa and Tamaki Maori Village are some notable places to visit nearby.

Ngapuna
When the roses are
Flowering its absolutely beautiful

Fenton Park

While Fenton Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village and Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Fenton Park
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Whakarewarewa

The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area.

Whakarewarewa
Hot hot hot springs #rotorua #newzealand #spooky

Fenton Street

4/5(90 area reviews)

Some popular features of Fenton Street include its spas and lake views. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Rotorua Central Mall or Polynesian Spa are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Fenton Street

Lake Okareka