Okere Falls: River Landscape and History

Okere Falls combines a striking river landscape with a remarkably tangible history of technology. The settlement lies on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, at the river’s outlet into the Kaituna River. In Ōkere Falls Scenic Reserve, the river plunges through narrow, steep gorges before flowing into the tranquil Trout Pool. Roaring waterfalls and calmer waters come together in a landscape that is easy to explore on foot or from the river.

Gorge, River and Trails

The Okere Falls Track is a well-maintained, 1.2 km bushwalking trail with lookout points over the Kaituna River and its waterfalls. If you’d like to experience the river landscape on foot, this is a specific route with views of the water and falls. The steps that once led to Ōkere Falls Power Station now provide access to a viewing platform.

The contrast between the roaring water in the gorges and the tranquil Trout Pool shapes this stretch of the Kaituna. Tutea Falls is another of the area’s notable waterfalls: at 7 m high, it is the highest waterfall in the world to be commercially rafted.

Hydroelectric and Māori History

Ōkere Falls Power Station was built between 1899 and 1901 and was the first hydroelectric project undertaken by the New Zealand central government. One of the riverside turbines was preserved in 1995 and placed beside the trail. Together with the former power station steps, which now lead to the viewing platform, these details bring the site’s history of technology to life.

Hinemoa’s Steps also connect a specific place with history: they were carved into the rock face beside the waterfall in 1907 and lead to the Tutea Caves and the roaring waterfalls. The first 11 km stretch of this part of the Kaituna River is often called “The Okere River” and is a place of significant Māori history. The power station, the river’s name and the steps carved into the rock face offer different points of connection if you’d like to discover more than just the views of the water during your visit.

Experiences on and beside the Water

On a rafting trip with Rotorua Rafting, you’ll travel down the Kaituna River and over Tutea Falls. This puts you right in the heart of the river experience, while the Okere Falls Track combines views of the river and waterfalls with a bushwalk. The two options offer different experiences: walking the trail or travelling through the river section.

At Ōkere Zip, enjoying Ancient Maori Teas is part of the visitor experience. The Okere Falls Store is associated with events such as the October Beer Fest. If you’d like to include an event like this in your trip plans, check the dates before you travel.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

For road navigation, Ōkere Falls Road is accessible in Ōkere Falls via a turn-off to the north from State Highway 33; from there, Trout Pool Road continues.

When looking for hotels, you could first consider what you’d like to define your stay: the viewpoints and bushwalking trail, the history of the power station and steps, or an activity on the Kaituna. These different priorities can help you decide what kind of stay you want before choosing your accommodation.

In the wider Rotorua District destination

As another regional highlight, Te Puia in the wider Rotorua District destination is a Māori cultural and geothermal destination in the heart of Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. All visits there are guided during the day; check the current visitor arrangements before your visit. Lake Rotorua offers another perspective on the region: it is the largest lake in the Rotorua District and New Zealand’s most productive trout fishery. Geologically, it is a volcanic caldera formed from the crater of a large volcano.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mourea, Lake Tarawera, Waikite Valley, Atiamuri, Rotorua, Hamurana, Reporoa.

Back to the wider travel overview: Rotorua District.