Mourea is a small rural settlement on State Highway 33, positioned on a thin strip of land between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Rotorua toward Tauranga. The settlement covers 6.53 square kilometres and had a population of 423 in the 2023 census — approximately 430 as of June 2025. Despite its small size, Mourea sits in a striking natural setting: the Ohau Channel, which connects the two lakes, runs through the settlement, making it a practical base for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and birdwatching on one of the region’s most productive waterways.
Practical Information
| Location | On SH33 between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, ~18 km northeast of Rotorua |
| Area | 6.53 km² |
| Population | 423 (2023 census); ~430 (June 2025 estimate) |
| Character | Small rural settlement; lakes and wetland setting |
| Key feature | Ohau Channel — connects Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti; short wetland walk nearby |
The Ohau Channel
The Ohau Channel is the waterway connecting Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, running through the Mourea settlement. It is one of the most productive trout fishing waterways in the Rotorua district — rainbow trout move between the lakes via the channel, and it is actively fished year-round. The channel is also used for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and a short wetland walk alongside the Ohau Channel provides a peaceful birdwatching circuit through the riparian vegetation.
The broader lake environment around Mourea is part of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme — an ongoing effort to improve water quality in the Rotorua district’s lakes. Lake Rotoiti, which borders Mourea to the north, has been a particular focus of restoration efforts including the installation of a sewage diversion scheme to reduce nutrient loads to the lake.
The Settlement
Mourea’s low population density (approximately 66 people per km²) reflects its rural character — the settlement is spread across a relatively large land area with the waterway and lake margins taking up significant space. The small residential community is served by the Lake Rotoiti Community Association, an active local body that represents both the Mourea and Lake Rotoiti township areas along the SH33 corridor.
The settlement’s position on SH33 — the main route between Rotorua and Tauranga — means it is accessible and regularly passed by traffic heading between the two cities. Mourea itself has a quiet, lake-community character quite different from the tourist-focused areas of Rotorua city.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Mourea — geographic and demographic overview of the settlement.
Lake Rotoiti Community Association — Mourea — community information on Mourea and the Okawa Bay / Mourea area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mourea?
On SH33, approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Rotorua between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. The settlement is at the point where the two lakes are connected by the Ohau Channel.
What is the Ohau Channel?
The waterway connecting Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti, running through Mourea. It is actively fished for rainbow trout and is used for paddleboarding and kayaking. A short wetland walk runs alongside it.
How large is Mourea?
6.53 km² with a population of approximately 430 — a very low density rural settlement spread around the lake margins and SH33 corridor.
Is Mourea close to Lake Rotoiti?
Yes — the settlement borders the western end of Lake Rotoiti, and the Ohau Channel runs through the settlement. Lake Rotoiti township is further along SH33 to the northeast.
How far is Mourea from Rotorua?
Approximately 18 kilometres — around 15–20 minutes by car on SH33 toward Tauranga.
Mourea is on SH33 between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. See the Lake Rotoiti Scenic Reserve guide for the walking tracks and lake recreation to the northeast, and the Okere Falls guide for the Kaituna River rafting settlement further along SH33.
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