Last updated October 2026
Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve is a Department of Conservation reserve on the northern shores of Lake Ōkāreka, approximately 15 minutes’ drive south-east of Rotorua. The reserve offers easy lakeside walking tracks maintained by the local community, a short mistletoe viewing walk, a birdwatching hide, and a basic DOC campsite right on the lake edge.
Lake Ōkāreka is quieter than nearby Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and provides a relaxed setting for day visits or overnight stays. Visitors can combine short walks with swimming or fishing from the shore. The reserve protects regenerating native forest and wetland areas that support local birdlife.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Oct–Mar by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve
Monday 26 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (321 per 100 mL from 112 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- 15 minutes south-east of Rotorua via SH30, Tarawera Road, Ōkāreka Loop Road and Millar Road
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation (DOC)
- Walks
- Community Track: 2 km easy track, about 1 hour one way; links Boyes Beach to the DOC campsite · Loop option: Approximately 9–10 km circuit, 2–2.5 hours · Ōkāreka Mistletoe Walk: Short easy walk to view native mistletoe
- DOC Campsite
- Basic lakeside campsite with toilets; fees apply and booking recommended in summer via doc.govt.nz
- Entry
- Free for day use; swimming and fishing permitted from the shore
- Dogs
- Not allowed. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted. (Rotorua Lakes Council)
About Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve
The reserve lies on the northern shore of Lake Ōkāreka and protects a mix of regenerating native forest, wetlands and lakeside margins. It is managed by the Department of Conservation and forms part of the wider network of Rotorua lakes reserves that offer public access to the district’s volcanic landscape and waterways.
The setting is notably quieter than the more developed Tikitapu Scenic Reserve nearby. The lakeshore environment supports waterfowl and wading birds, with a purpose-built hide providing sheltered viewing over wetland edges. Native forest regeneration is supported by ongoing pest control, including possum management that protects vulnerable plant species.
Day visitors can enjoy easy walking directly from the roadside or combine a track with time at the water’s edge. The reserve’s proximity to Rotorua makes it suitable for half-day outings or as a base for longer stays when camping is available.
The Lakeside and Loop Tracks
The main community track is a flat, well-formed 2 km path that runs between Boyes Beach and the DOC campsite. It passes through native bush and includes short boardwalk sections over wetland margins, making it suitable for families and those seeking an accessible lakeside stroll. The track was built and is maintained by the local community.
A longer circuit option around the lake covers approximately 9–10 km and takes 2–2.5 hours. This route combines the community track with less-developed sections on the far side of the lake, offering views of shoreline, bush and farmland boundaries. Dogs are not permitted on the tracks within the DOC-managed reserve.
DOC Campsite at Lake Ōkāreka
The conservation campsite is located directly on the lake shore at the end of Millar Road. Facilities are basic and include toilets; there is no powered sites or elaborate infrastructure. The lakeside location allows campers to swim or fish from the shore and to access the walking tracks directly from camp.
The site can become busy on summer weekends, so advance booking through the DOC website is recommended during peak season. Note that Boyes Beach, at the other end of the community track, is managed by Rotorua Lakes Council and does not permit tent camping.
Camping at Boyes Beach Reserve
Besides the Department of Conservation campsite, Lake Ōkāreka has a council-run camping area at Boyes Beach Reserve. Rotorua Lakes Council lists it as a paid site with a manager, and it has more facilities than any of the council’s other overnight parking sites.
Boyes Beach is for campervans and motorhomes, and the council allows both self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles in the designated area. Tents are not allowed. You can stay a maximum of two consecutive nights in a calendar month. There are no bookings: spaces are first come, first served.
The nightly fee is $20 per adult and $10 per child, and children under five stay free. You can pay by internet banking (the details are at the site), with Penny (formerly KiwiCash), or by Eftpos to the manager.
Facilities include public toilets, paid showers ($2), a phone charging unit ($1 an hour), dishwashing facilities, a barbecue, picnic tables and a children’s playground. Fires and fireworks are not allowed.
Dogs are allowed at Boyes Beach for most of the year, but from 15 December to 1 March they are banned from the reserve between 9am and 7pm. Outside those hours, dogs must be under control at all times, on or off the leash.
To empty your tanks, the council lists free dump points open 24 hours at the wastewater treatment plant on Te Ngae Road and at Gull Ngongotaha. Rotorua Lakes Council’s freedom camping page has the current fees and rules, so check it before you go.
Native Mistletoe Walk
The short Ōkāreka Mistletoe Walk leads visitors to stands of the threatened native mistletoe Peraxilla tetrapetala. The plant produces brilliant red flowers during the summer months.
A long-running community and DOC restoration project has helped increase mistletoe numbers in the area through sustained possum control. The walk is family-friendly and provides an opportunity to see a species that has declined across much of its former range.
Swimming, Fishing and Other Activities
Swimming is possible from the lakeshore and beach areas within the reserve. The lake is also used for fishing, with trout present in the waters. Kayaking and other non-motorised water activities are popular from the campsite area. The reserve’s primary focus remains walking and low-impact recreation rather than developed facilities.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve: official information on tracks, the campsite and current conditions.
Department of Conservation – Lake Ōkāreka Campsite: details on camping facilities, fees and booking.
Department of Conservation – Ōkāreka Mistletoe Walk: information on the short mistletoe viewing track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve?
It lies on the northern shore of Lake Ōkāreka, about 15 minutes’ drive south-east of Rotorua. Access is via SH30, Tarawera Road, Ōkāreka Loop Road and Millar Road.
Is there a fee to visit Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve?
Day walking and access are free. The DOC campsite charges fees; check the DOC website for current rates and to book in advance during summer.
How long are the walking tracks?
The community track is 2 km (about 1 hour one way). A full circuit around the lake is approximately 9–10 km and takes 2–2.5 hours.
Can I camp at Lake Ōkāreka?
Yes, there is a basic DOC conservation campsite on the lake shore at the end of Millar Road. Toilets are provided; advance booking is recommended in peak season.
When does the native mistletoe flower?
Native mistletoe typically flowers in summer. The short Mistletoe Walk provides access to viewing areas within the reserve.
Is swimming available at Lake Ōkāreka?
Swimming is possible from the lakeshore and beach areas. The reserve does not have dedicated swimming facilities but the water is accessible for recreation.
Are dogs allowed in the reserve?
Dogs are not permitted on the tracks within the DOC-managed Lake Ōkāreka Scenic Reserve.
What facilities are at the DOC campsite?
The campsite offers basic facilities including toilets. There is no power or elaborate infrastructure; water from the lake must be treated before drinking.
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