Last updated July 2026
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, with an estimated 430 residents as of June 2025. Despite its small size, Mourea sits in a striking natural setting where the Ohau Channel connects the two lakes and runs through the settlement. This makes it a practical base for fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and birdwatching on one of the region’s productive waterways. The area forms part of ongoing lake restoration efforts under the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme.
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) |
| Density | 66 people per km² |
| Character | Small rural settlement; lakes and wetland setting with marae |
| Key feature | Ohau Channel connecting the lakes; fishing, paddling and short wetland walks |
About Mourea
Mourea is classified by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement within the Rotorua Lakes District. It lies on a narrow isthmus between Lake Rotorua to the south and Lake Rotoiti to the north, with the Ohau Channel flowing directly through the community. The settlement’s low population density reflects its rural character, with residential areas spread along the SH33 corridor and around the lake margins and wetlands.
The community includes three marae: Taupiri Marae (Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Paruaharanui), Waiatuhi Marae (Ngāti Rongomai and Ngāti Pikiao hapū) and the Te Takinga pa site. These marae serve as important cultural and community centres for local iwi and hapū. Mourea is represented by the Lake Rotoiti Community Association, which advocates for residents and ratepayers along the SH33 corridor including the Okawa Bay and Mourea areas.
The settlement’s position on the main route between Rotorua and Tauranga provides easy access while maintaining a quiet lakeside character distinct from the more tourist-oriented parts of Rotorua city. Public facilities include recently upgraded toilets at the Waipuna Delta, and the area sees occasional road maintenance due to its location on a busy state highway corridor.
The Ohau Channel
The Ohau Channel is the short waterway that connects Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti and flows through Mourea. It ranks among the most productive trout fishing locations in the Rotorua district, with rainbow trout moving between the lakes. The channel supports year-round angling as well as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. A short wetland walk alongside the channel offers a peaceful circuit through riparian vegetation suitable for birdwatching.
The surrounding lakes form part of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council aimed at improving water quality. Lake Rotoiti has benefited from targeted restoration measures, including sewerage schemes that divert wastewater to reduce nutrient inputs.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Mourea: Geographic, demographic and marae information drawn from Stats NZ data.
Lake Rotoiti Community Association: Local community information and history for the Mourea and Okawa Bay area.
Rotorua Lakes Council: District services, projects and news affecting Mourea and surrounding lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mourea?
On State Highway 33 approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Rotorua, on the narrow strip of land between Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti where the Ohau Channel connects the two lakes.
What is the Ohau Channel?
The waterway running through Mourea that links Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti. It supports trout fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking and a short wetland walk for birdwatching.
How large is Mourea?
6.53 km² with a population of 423 at the 2023 census and an estimated 430 residents as of June 2025, giving a low density of 66 people per km².
Does Mourea have marae?
Yes. The settlement includes Taupiri Marae, Waiatuhi Marae and the Te Takinga pa site, serving Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Rongomai hapū.
Is Mourea part of lake restoration efforts?
Yes. The area participates in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme, which includes sewerage schemes to improve water quality in Lake Rotoiti and connected waterways.
How far is Mourea from Rotorua city?
Approximately 18 kilometres, a drive of 15–20 minutes along SH33 toward Tauranga.
Who represents the Mourea community?
The Lake Rotoiti Community Association advocates for residents and ratepayers in Mourea and the broader Lake Rotoiti area.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
