Last updated October 2026
Okere Falls is a small rural settlement on the western shore of Lake Rotoiti, 21 kilometres from Rotorua on State Highway 33. It serves as the main access point for white-water rafting on the Kaituna River, which exits the lake here and drops over Tutea Falls. The area also offers easy walking access to the river gorge and scenic views of the lake inlet.
Official Locality Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 860, up 5% since 2018
- Land area
- 173.20 km²
- Location
- 21.4 km north-east of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Pongakawa, Hamurana, Paengaroa, Pikowai, Mourea, Rotoiti Forest, Lake Rotomā
- Ward or local board
- Te Ipu Wai Auraki General Ward (Rotorua District Council)
- Getting there
- State Highway 33 toward Tauranga, with Trout Pool Road leading to the falls track car park
- Schools
- Whangamarino School
- Nearby landmarks
- Tutea Falls, Ōkere Falls Track, Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve, Kaituna River
Who Lives in Okere Falls
About 860 residents in 290 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
In Okere Falls
Places and businesses inside the official Okere Falls boundary.
Places
About Okere Falls
Okere Falls lies at the point where the Kaituna River leaves Lake Rotoiti through the narrow Okere Inlet. The settlement provides the primary road access to one of New Zealand’s most dramatic commercially rafted river sections.
The surrounding Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve protects native bush and significant Māori cultural sites along the river. The reserve is managed by the Department of Conservation in partnership with the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve Board.
Visitors reach the area easily by car from Rotorua in about 20–25 minutes. The combination of the river’s power, the waterfall drop, and the short walking track makes the location popular with both adventure seekers and those wanting scenic views without participating in rafting.
The Kaituna River and Tutea Falls
The Kaituna River flows north from Lake Rotoiti through a narrow gorge containing a series of rapids and waterfalls. Tutea Falls is the largest single drop at 7 metres and holds the record as the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
Several licensed operators run Grade 5 rafting trips that include the Tutea Falls plunge. The river’s intensity and the falls create one of New Zealand’s most recognised white-water experiences.
Ōkere Falls Track
The Ōkere Falls Track starts from the Trout Pool Road car park off SH33. This short, easy DOC-managed walk descends through native bush to viewing platforms overlooking the gorge, Tutea Falls, and rafts in action.
The track is suitable for most fitness levels and also offers opportunities to see glow worms at night. It remains free to use and provides safe vantage points above the powerful water.
Lake Rotoiti at Okere Falls
The Okere Inlet forms the sheltered western arm of Lake Rotoiti. The lake supports rainbow trout fishing, kayaking, and boating, with the broader open water lying further east toward Mourea and the Lake Rotoiti township.
Ongoing management through the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme helps maintain water quality in the lake.
Cycling the Kaikōkopu Trail to Ōkere Falls
Ōkere Falls is the finishing point of the Kaikōkopu cycle trail from Paengaroa, part of the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand Cycle Trail networks and a ride through native bush, kiwifruit orchards and farmland with lake and sea views.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council gives the return trip from Paengaroa to Ōkere Falls as about 62 km, roughly four hours, or about 12 km (around 30 minutes) from Ridge Road Reserve.
About 10 km of the trail is gravel. To skip the uphill return, the council suggests fitter riders start at Paengaroa and arrange a car to pick them up at the Ōkere Falls Store.
Part of the trail crosses Department of Conservation land, so horses are not allowed; the name comes from the original name of a land block in Roydon Downs Reserve and from a native fish of the region’s waterways. The council’s page mentions a planned future extension to Rotorua.
Near Okere Falls
Just outside Okere Falls, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official details on the Ōkere Falls Track, reserve access, and safety information.
Wikipedia — Okere Falls: Geographic and demographic overview citing official statistics sources.
NewZealand.com: Tourism overview of Okere Falls and nearby activities on Lake Rotoiti.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Paengaroa to Lake Rotoiti cycleway: route, distances and trail status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Okere Falls?
On SH33, 21 kilometres from Rotorua toward Tauranga, on the western shore of Lake Rotoiti at the Kaituna River outlet.
What is Tutea Falls?
A 7-metre waterfall on the Kaituna River recognised as the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
Can I see the falls without rafting?
Yes. The free Ōkere Falls Track from the Trout Pool Road car park provides viewing platforms above the gorge and Tutea Falls.
Is the track suitable for families?
The short, easy DOC track is suitable for most fitness levels and includes family-friendly features such as glow worms at night.
What activities are available on Lake Rotoiti here?
The Okere Inlet supports kayaking, fishing for rainbow trout, and boating, with calmer waters than the open lake further east.
How long does it take to drive from Rotorua?
Approximately 20–25 minutes via SH33.
Are there commercial rafting operators?
Multiple licensed operators run Grade 5 trips on the Kaituna River that include the Tutea Falls drop.
Is the area culturally significant?
The Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve holds significant Māori cultural and spiritual value and is managed in partnership with local iwi and the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve Board.
Can I cycle to Ōkere Falls?
Yes. The Kaikōkopu cycle trail from Paengaroa ends at Ōkere Falls: about 62 km return from Paengaroa, or about 12 km from Ridge Road Reserve.
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Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Okere Falls is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.