Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve is a DOC-managed reserve on the shores of Lake Ōkāreka, 9 kilometres south-east of Rotorua. The lake is quieter and less visited than nearby Blue Lake (Tikitapu), and the reserve has a community walking track along the lakeside, a longer loop option, a birdwatching hide, and a DOC campsite directly on the lake shore. For visitors wanting a less crowded lake experience with a walk and the option to stay overnight, Ōkāreka is one of the better options in the Rotorua lakes district.
Practical Information
| Location | 9km south-east of Rotorua via SH30, Tarawera Road, Ōkāreka Loop Rd, then Millar Road |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Community Track | 2km; easy; ~1 hour one way; links Boyes Beach to the DOC campsite |
| Loop Track | ~9km; 2–2.5 hours; includes birdwatching hide and boardwalk over wetland |
| Ōkāreka Mistletoe Walk | Short walk to view native mistletoe; easy |
| DOC Campsite | Basic lakeside campsite on the reserve; check doc.govt.nz for current fees and booking |
| Entry | Free for day walking |
The Lakeside Track
The community walking track at Ōkāreka is an easy 2-kilometre path connecting Boyes Beach (at one end of the lake) with the DOC campsite at the other. The track follows the lake shore through regenerating native bush, with a well-formed path and a boardwalk section crossing a wetland edge — a good spot for watching wading birds and waterfowl that use the reed margins. A birdwatching hide on the loop track provides a sheltered observation point over this wetland.
The full loop around the lake extends to approximately 9 kilometres and takes two to two and a half hours. This longer route combines the community track with the less-developed sections on the opposite side of the lake and offers a more complete view of the reserve’s varied terrain — lake shore, native bush, and open farmland boundaries.
DOC Campsite at Lake Ōkāreka
The DOC conservation campsite sits directly on the lake shore, accessible from the end of Millar Road. It is a basic facility — toilets are available — and the setting directly on the lake edge is the main attraction. The campsite fills on summer weekends; booking in advance through the DOC website is recommended in peak season. The combination of the lakeside location, the walking tracks directly from camp, and the quieter nature of this lake compared to the more visited reserves nearby makes Ōkāreka a good base for a night or two.
Native Mistletoe
The Ōkāreka Mistletoe Walk is a short track within the reserve leading to stands of native mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala) — a parasitic plant with brilliant red flowers that blooms in summer (typically November–January). Native mistletoe is declining nationally as introduced possums browse the flowers and fruit, making surviving populations at managed reserves like Ōkāreka significant. DOC carries out possum control work in the reserve to protect the mistletoe population.
“Okareka was a surprise — quieter than Blue Lake, good walking track with the boardwalk section over the wetland, and a really nice DOC campsite right on the water. Saw good birdlife at the hide.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
DOC — Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve — official track information, campsite details, and current access conditions.
Lake Okareka Community — Walking Tracks — local community walking track information and the Eastern Walkway route details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve?
9km south-east of Rotorua. From the city, take SH30 toward Whakatāne, turn right onto Tarawera Road at the roundabout, then left onto Ōkāreka Loop Road, left at the Ōkāreka settlement onto Millar Road, and follow to the reserve.
Is there a fee to visit Lake Ōkāreka?
Day walking on the reserve is free. The DOC campsite has a fee — check the DOC website for current rates and booking.
How long are the walking tracks?
The community track is 2km (about 1 hour one way). The full loop is approximately 9km, taking 2–2.5 hours.
Can I camp at Lake Ōkāreka?
Yes — there is a DOC conservation campsite directly on the lake shore at the end of Millar Road. Facilities are basic (toilets). Booking through doc.govt.nz is recommended in summer.
When does the native mistletoe flower?
Native mistletoe at Ōkāreka typically flowers from November through January. The Mistletoe Walk leads to stands of Peraxilla tetrapetala within the reserve.
Is swimming available at Lake Ōkāreka?
The lake is suitable for swimming at the beach areas, though the reserve’s focus is on walking and camping rather than designated swimming facilities.
Lake Ōkāreka is one of the quieter reserve lakes in the Rotorua district. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor options, and the Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) guide for the more developed reserve nearby.
