The Lake Okareka Walkway is an easy 5.5-kilometre return walk along the forested shores of Lake Ōkāreka, 12 kilometres south-east of Rotorua. The track runs from the lake’s western end to Silver Beach at the midpoint, and then continues to the lake’s outlet — following the shoreline through bush on a mix of boardwalk and fine gravel path. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on the walkway, which keeps it quiet. The round trip takes around 1–1.5 hours.
Practical Information
| Distance | 5.5 km return (to outlet and back) |
| Time | 1–1.5 hours return |
| Grade | Easy — flat to the midpoint; some uphill and stairs in the final section |
| Trail type | Walking only — no bicycles or dogs |
| Surface | Boardwalk and fine gravel |
| Start | Lake Ōkāreka reserve carpark, 12km south-east of Rotorua |
| Cost | Free |
| Reserve | Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve |
The Walk
The walkway begins at the western end of Lake Ōkāreka and heads east along the southern shoreline through regenerating native bush. The first two kilometres to Silver Beach are flat and easy — the boardwalk sections cross wetland areas where sedge and flax grow at the water’s edge, and there are glimpses of the lake through the trees. Silver Beach itself is a small sandy cove with direct lake access, a natural rest point on the walk.
Beyond Silver Beach, the track becomes more varied — there is some uphill ground and a section of stairs as the path climbs above the lake’s outlet at the eastern end. The outlet is where Lake Ōkāreka drains into the stream system connecting it to the wider lake network of the Rotorua district. The return walk retraces the route back to the car park.
Lake Ōkāreka
Lake Ōkāreka is one of the smaller lakes in the Rotorua district’s network of volcanic crater lakes. Its water has high clarity and a deep blue-green colour typical of the region’s geothermally influenced lakes. The lake is used for swimming, kayaking, and sailing, with the settlement of Okareka on its northern shore home to a small permanent community. The walkway follows the less-developed southern shore through scenic reserve land, which accounts for its undeveloped, bush-covered character.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua NZ – Lake Ōkāreka Walkway — visitor information including distance, grade, and directions to the track start.
AllTrails – Lake Okareka Walkway — walker reviews, photos, and GPS map of the route.
Lake Okareka Community – Walking Tracks — local community information on the walkway and other lake access points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Lake Okareka Walkway?
5.5 kilometres return (from the car park to the lake outlet and back), taking around 1–1.5 hours at an easy pace.
Can I bring my dog to the Lake Okareka Walkway?
No — dogs are not permitted on the walkway. Bicycles are also not allowed.
Is it a loop or out-and-back?
It is a return (out-and-back) walk — the same path both ways, rather than a circuit of the full lake.
Where does the walk start?
At the Lake Ōkāreka reserve car park on the western end of the lake, approximately 12km south-east of Rotorua.
Is the walk suitable for young children?
Yes — the first section to Silver Beach is flat and easy. The stairs near the outlet end require a bit more effort but are manageable for most children.
Can you swim at Lake Okareka?
Yes — Silver Beach on the walkway route and the beach near the car park are both used for swimming. The lake is clear and suitable for swimming.
The Lake Okareka Walkway is one of Rotorua’s easy lake walks. See the walking tracks in Rotorua hub for more options, or the nearby Blue Lake Track for another easy lakeside loop in the same area.
