Last updated October 2026
Mourea is a small rural settlement on State Highway 33, positioned on a thin strip of land between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Rotorua toward Tauranga.
Despite its small size, Mourea sits in a striking natural setting where the Ohau Channel connects the two lakes and runs through the settlement. This makes it a practical base for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and birdwatching on one of the region’s productive waterways. The area forms part of ongoing lake restoration efforts under the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
Official Suburb Facts
- Land area
- 0.92 km² (92 ha)
- Location
- 12.3 km north-east of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Okere Falls, Tikitere
- Getting there
- State Highway 33, the main route between Rotorua and Tauranga
- Nearby landmarks
- Ohau Channel, Taupiri Marae, Waiatuhi Marae, Waipuna Delta
Schools in Mourea
There is no school inside the Mourea boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Mourea
Show all 5 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Mourea
by 7.30am on collection day, or the night before
Source: Rotorua Lakes Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Mourea
Places and businesses inside the official Mourea boundary.
Places
About Mourea
Mourea is classified by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement within the Rotorua Lakes District.
Mourea is classified by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement within the Rotorua Lakes District. It lies on a narrow isthmus between Lake Rotorua to the south and Lake Rotoiti to the north, with the Ohau Channel flowing directly through the community.
The settlement’s low population density reflects its rural character, with residential areas spread along the SH33 corridor and around the lake margins and wetlands.
The community includes three marae: Taupiri Marae (Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Paruaharanui), Waiatuhi Marae (Ngāti Rongomai and Ngāti Pikiao hapū) and the Te Takinga pa site. These marae serve as important cultural and community centres for local iwi and hapū.
Mourea is represented by the Lake Rotoiti Community Association, which advocates for residents and ratepayers along the SH33 corridor including the Okawa Bay and Mourea areas.
The settlement’s position on the main route between Rotorua and Tauranga provides easy access while maintaining a quiet lakeside character distinct from the more tourist-oriented parts of Rotorua city. Public facilities include recently upgraded toilets at the Waipuna Delta, and the area sees occasional road maintenance due to its location on a busy state highway corridor.
The Ohau Channel
The Ohau Channel is the short waterway that connects Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and flows through Mourea.
The Ohau Channel is the short waterway that connects Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and flows through Mourea. It ranks among the most productive trout fishing locations in the Rotorua district, with rainbow trout moving between the lakes.
The channel supports year-round angling as well as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. A short wetland walk alongside the channel offers a peaceful circuit through riparian vegetation suitable for birdwatching.
The surrounding lakes form part of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council aimed at improving water quality. Lake Rotoiti has benefited from targeted restoration measures, including sewerage schemes that divert wastewater to reduce nutrient inputs.
Near Mourea
Just outside Mourea, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Mourea: Geographic, demographic and marae information drawn from Stats NZ data.
Lake Rotoiti Community Association: Local community information and history for the Mourea and Okawa Bay area.
Rotorua Lakes Council: District services, projects and news affecting Mourea and surrounding lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mourea?
On State Highway 33 approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Rotorua, on the narrow strip of land between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti where the Ohau Channel connects the two lakes.
What is the Ohau Channel?
The waterway running through Mourea that links Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. It supports trout fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and a short wetland walk for birdwatching.
Does Mourea have marae?
Yes. The settlement includes Taupiri Marae, Waiatuhi Marae and the Te Takinga pa site, serving Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Rongomai hapū.
Is Mourea part of lake restoration efforts?
Yes. The area participates in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which includes sewerage schemes to improve water quality in Lake Rotoiti and connected waterways.
How far is Mourea from Rotorua city?
Approximately 18 kilometres, a drive of 15–20 minutes along SH33 toward Tauranga.
Who represents the Mourea community?
The Lake Rotoiti Community Association advocates for residents and ratepayers in Mourea and the broader Lake Rotoiti area.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Mourea is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.