Okere Falls: River, Waterfalls and History

At Okere Falls, lakeshore, river and steep gorges come together: the settlement lies on the shore of Lake Rotoiti, at the inlet to the Kaituna River. In the Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve, the Kaituna River flows through narrow, steep gorges and eventually empties into the tranquil Trout Pool. This landscape shapes the character of the destination, with a marked contrast between roaring waterfalls and the pool’s still waters.

Discover the River Landscape on Foot

The Okere Falls Track is a well-maintained, 1.2 km-long bushwalking track. Along the way, there are viewpoints over the Kaituna River and its waterfalls. The route offers a way to experience the river landscape on foot and take in different stretches of the water along the way. If you want to explore the area’s nature, you can make this track a focus of your stay.

The history of hydropower is also part of the local landscape. The Ōkere Falls Power Station was built between 1899 and 1901 and was the first hydroelectric project undertaken by New Zealand’s central government. One of the riverside turbines was preserved in 1995 and installed beside the track. The steps that once led to the power station now provide access to a viewing platform. Here, the area’s technological past meets views of the river.

Hinemoa’s Steps add to these historical traces: the steps were carved into the rock face beside the waterfall in 1907 and lead to the Tutea Caves and the roaring waterfalls. Those interested in the area’s history and the striking forms of the river landscape will find a different route here than on the bushwalking track. The two places offer different highlights: one focuses on the track and viewpoints, the other on steps carved into the rock and caves.

Waterfalls and Māori History

The first 11 km stretch of this section of the Kaituna River is often called “The Okere River” and is a place of significant Māori history. This is an important cultural dimension of the river landscape, alongside its natural features and waterfall experiences.

One especially impressive stretch of waterfalls is Tutea Falls: at 7 m high, it is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. Rotorua Rafting takes guests down the Kaituna River and over Tutea Falls. This makes rafting very different from exploring on foot: the focus here is on travelling down the river and crossing the waterfall. When planning your holiday, you can choose between different kinds of experiences, such as a walking track, viewpoints and a guided river trip.

Local Highlights and Getting Around

Enjoying Ancient Maori Teas is part of the visitor experience at Ōkere Zip. The Okere Falls Store, in turn, is associated with events such as the October Beer Fest. These names represent different local highlights: tea as part of the Ōkere Zip experience, and events associated with the store.

For directions, the road layout provides a clear landmark: Trout Pool Road continues from Ōkere Falls Road. In Okere Falls, Ōkere Falls Road can be reached by turning north off State Highway 33. When looking for a holiday home, you can use your personal travel interests as a guide.These highlights describe the destination and help you plan a holiday that suits you.

If you are considering other places, you can also find Reporoa, Waikite Valley, Atiamuri, Mourea, Lake Tarawera, Hamurana and Rotorua here.

For the broader travel overview: Rotorua District.