Okere Falls

Okere Falls, Rotorua Overview

On the shores of Lake Rotoiti in North Island, New Zealand, is the little town of Okere Falls, well known amongst the rafters and kayakers for its rapid water flow. Ingrained with Maori history, beautiful lakesides and waterfalls, Okere Falls claims to have the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, at 7 metres. Alongside the rafting experience, this place has a popular fishing spot – the Trout Pool. It is also home to the Okere Falls Store, which hosts the annual beer fest in October.

Set on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and about 21 kilometres north of the city of Rotorua in New Zealand is the town of Okere Falls. A part of the Kaituna River, this little town is well known in the circle of kayakers and rafters for its high-frequency water flow, with the rapids and waterfalls here being a popular spot for adventure sports. Okere Falls has claimed that it has the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world at 7 metres. This attracts many rafting and kayaking lovers to pump up the adrenaline.
If you plan to see the Tutea Cave, you should be careful while walking on the steps as they remain moist and slippery.

Activities and Events at Okere Falls

Okere Falls is located in between the cities of Rotorua and Tauranga and is, therefore, the perfect spot for visitors to relax. The Okere Falls Store near Lake Rotoiti offers the visitors with steaming cups of coffee and live music performances, and plays host to an annual beer festival in October.

The Backstory

The town is the homeland of the local Maori iwi, Ngati Pikiao who are said to be the ‘guardians’ of the Kaituna River. Besides the raft and kayak adventures, the Trout Pool is another hotspot of this area where the visitors can take up fishing in the waters of the pool. Along the pathway to the Trout Pool are Hinemoa’s steps, which were cut out of the rock beside the waterfall and a few steps below is the Tutea's Cave, named after one of the local chiefs. These caves are said to have been hiding places for the local women and children in times of battles and at present are off-limits to the public.

How To Reach Okere Falls

Driving from Rotorua to Tauranga, take Highway 30 and drive till the Trout Pool Road. A little along this road is the parking space to the Okere Falls.