Okere Falls

Travel Guide
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve which includes rapids, a river or creek and forest scenes
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve featuring a river or creek and rapids
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve which includes a river or creek and forest scenes
Okere Falls Scenic Reserve showing a river or creek, rapids and forests
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 P6,191 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
P6,191
P7,120 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2025
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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Arawa Park Hotel
Arawa Park Hotel
4 out of 5
272 Fenton St, Rotorua
The price is P5,110 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
P5,110
P5,877 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 22 - Jan 23, 2025
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! (1,002 reviews)
"My son got sick and the staff were very accommodating and helpful with warming up food at off service hours, and we had our flight cancelled and rebooked for late afternoon, we got a late check out option given the option to leave at the time we needed. I will rate it as an outstanding service!!"

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2024

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Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
4.5 out of 5
9-11 Tutanekai St, P O Box 348, Rotorua
The price is P6,793 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
P6,793
P7,812 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2025
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy 6 spa tubs, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
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"Impressed with their onsite pools, close walk to everything."

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2024

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
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.
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, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (978 reviews)
"Stay was nice. Free parking is limited in the area. Room had nice amenities to cook a small meal."

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2024

Quest Rotorua Central
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 ...
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18th Avenue Thermal Motel
18th Avenue Thermal Motel
3.5 out of 5
50 Eighteenth Avenue, Tauranga
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7.6/10 Good! (213 reviews)
"Nice clean 2 bedroom units. Lovely & quiet."

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2024

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