Lake Ōkāreka (also spelled Lake Okareka) is a small lakeside settlement on the shores of Lake Ōkāreka, east of Rotorua in the cluster of smaller lakes between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera. The settlement had an estimated population of approximately 480 as of June 2024 and is the 28th largest Rotorua suburb by total residential housing stock — a relatively high ranking for a small rural settlement, reflecting the significant number of lakeside properties around the lake. Lake Ōkāreka is one of four smaller lakes that sit in the bush-and-lake landscape between Rotorua and the Tarawera area, each with its own distinct character.
Practical Information
| Location | East of Rotorua, in the eastern lakes district between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera |
| Area | Approximately 1.46 km² (settlement area) |
| Population | Approximately 480 (June 2024 estimate) |
| Housing stock ranking | 28th largest Rotorua suburb by residential housing stock |
| Lake circumference | 9.7 km |
| Lake elevation | 353.6 m above sea level (approximately 60 m above Lake Tarawera) |
Lake Ōkāreka
Lake Ōkāreka is one of four small lakes lying between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera in the eastern Rotorua district — alongside Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), and Lake Ōkaro. The lake has a circumference of 9.7 kilometres and sits at 353.6 metres elevation — approximately 60 metres above neighbouring Lake Tarawera, creating the stepped lake landscape characteristic of this part of the district.
The lake is used for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and the surrounding land is a mix of private residential properties and reserve areas. Unlike some of the more tightly controlled lakes in the district (Lake Rotokakahi, for instance, is closed to the public for cultural reasons), Lake Ōkāreka is accessible for general recreation.
The Settlement
The Lake Ōkāreka settlement consists primarily of lakeside homes, baches (New Zealand holiday homes), and permanent residences that have developed around the lake’s shores since the late 19th century — when European settlers began acquiring lakeside sections and building houses on Ōkāreka. The greater part of the basin in which the lake sits has now become residential and reserve land. The 28th-ranked position in Rotorua’s suburb list by housing stock, despite a small permanent population, reflects the significant proportion of holiday accommodation properties that add to the housing count without contributing permanent residents.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Lake Ōkāreka — geographic and historical overview of the lake and settlement.
Rotorua NZ — Lake Ōkāreka — official visitor information on the lake and its recreational options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ōkāreka?
East of Rotorua in the eastern lakes district — one of four small lakes between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera, sitting at 353.6 metres elevation and approximately 60 metres above Lake Tarawera.
What is Lake Ōkāreka like?
A small, clear lake with a 9.7 km circumference, surrounded by a mix of private residential properties and reserve areas. It is used for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
How big is the settlement at Lake Ōkāreka?
A small community of approximately 480 permanent residents (June 2024 estimate), with additional holiday bach properties contributing to its relatively high ranking (28th) in Rotorua’s suburb list by housing stock.
Is Lake Ōkāreka accessible to visitors?
Yes — unlike some of the more restricted lakes in the district (such as the culturally closed Lake Rotokakahi), Lake Ōkāreka is accessible for general recreation. Reserve areas provide public access to parts of the lake shore.
What other lakes are near Lake Ōkāreka?
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Lake Ōkaro, and Lake Tarawera are all within the eastern Rotorua lake district. The Tikitapu-Ōkāreka area is connected by walking tracks through native bush.
Lake Ōkāreka is in the eastern lake district. See the Blue Lake (Tikitapu) guide for the nearby walking circuit, and the Lake Tarawera settlement guide for the larger lake to the east.
