Last updated October 2026
Lake Ōkāreka 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.
Lake Ōkāreka is one of four small lakes in the eastern Rotorua district, alongside Lake Rotokākahi, Lake Tikitapu and Lake Ōkataina. The settlement consists primarily of lakeside homes and holiday properties surrounded by native bush and reserve land.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 620, down 4% since 2018
- Land area
- 27.08 km²
- Location
- 10.2 km south-east of central Rotorua
- Council
- Rotorua District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Lake Tarawera, Ōwhata, Lake Ōkataina, Whakarewarewa, Lynmore, Tumunui
Practical Information
| Nearby landmarks | Boyes Beach, Ōkāreka walkway, Silver Beach |
Who Lives in Lake Okareka
About 620 residents in 240 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Lake Okareka
There is no school inside the Lake Okareka boundary, but these schools have enrolment zones that cover some or all of it.
Zoned for Lake Okareka
Show all 6 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 Lake Okareka
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.
Handy Facilities
Source: Rotorua Lakes Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
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 Lake Okareka
Places and businesses inside the official Lake Okareka boundary.
Places
Show 1 more place
About Lake Ōkāreka
Lake Ōkāreka is one of four small lakes lying between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera in the Bay of Plenty Region.
Lake Ōkāreka is one of four small lakes lying between Lake Rotorua and Lake Tarawera in the Bay of Plenty Region. The others are Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake), Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), and Lake Ōkataina.
The lake has a circumference of 9.7 km, a surface area of 3.3 km², an average depth of 20 m and a maximum depth of 34 m. It sits at a surface elevation of 353.6 m above sea level, approximately 60 m above neighbouring Lake Tarawera.
The lake is used extensively for recreation such as boating, swimming, kayaking and rainbow trout fishing. The surrounding land is a mix of private residential properties and reserve areas.
Rotorua Lakes Council maintains reserves including Boyes Beach, which offers swimming spots, picnic areas, barbecues and a children’s playground. Two camping areas are available, and the Ōkāreka walkway provides public access along the shore.
Settlement around the lake began in the late 19th century when European settlers acquired lakeside sections and built houses. The greater part of the basin has now become residential and reserve land. The lake has reasonably clear water but faces nutrient pressures from surrounding land use; a catchment management plan addresses water quality.
Ōkāreka means “the lake of sweet food” and was visited and described by Sir George Grey in 1849–1850. The area was traditionally used by Māori for cultivations, fishing and hunting.
Ōkāreka Walkway and Reserves
The Ōkāreka walkway starts from a council reserve on Acacia Road and runs roughly 2.5 km around the shore to the outlet.
The Ōkāreka walkway starts from a council reserve on Acacia Road and runs roughly 2.5 km around the shore to the outlet. The track passes through native trees and shrub, farmland, beach and wetland areas over a timber boardwalk. It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible until Silver Beach (about 2 km) and takes approximately 1.5 hours return.
Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the walkway. Boyes Beach reserve provides additional facilities including public toilets, paid showers and overnight parking for motorhomes (maximum two consecutive nights per calendar month, fees apply).
Near Lake Okareka
Just outside Lake Okareka, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
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Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Lake Ōkāreka: Detailed geographic, historical and demographic information on the lake and township.
Rotorua Lakes Council — Lake Ōkāreka & Boyes Beach: Official details on reserves, camping, walkway and facilities.
Department of Conservation — Lake Ōkāreka Campsite: Information on the DOC campsite and lake recreation.
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, at 353.6 m elevation and approximately 60 m above Lake Tarawera.
What activities are available at Lake Ōkāreka?
Swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and walking on the Ōkāreka walkway through native bush and reserves. Boyes Beach offers picnic facilities and a playground.
Is Lake Ōkāreka accessible to the public?
Yes. Public reserves and the walkway provide access. Dogs are allowed on reserves with seasonal restrictions (not permitted 9am–7pm from 15 December to 1 March).
What other lakes are nearby?
Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake), Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Ōkataina lie in the same eastern Rotorua lake district.
Are there camping options at Lake Ōkāreka?
Yes. Two camping areas are available, including a DOC campsite and Boyes Beach (motorhomes and campervans only, maximum two nights, fees apply, no tents or reservations).
Is the water quality suitable for swimming?
The lake has reasonably clear water and is used for recreation, though nutrient levels are monitored under a catchment management plan.
When did settlement begin around the lake?
European settlement began in the late 19th century with the acquisition of lakeside sections and construction of houses.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Rotorua only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Lake Okareka is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.