Okere Falls

Okere Falls is a small settlement and set of waterfalls and rapids on the Kaituna River in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region. The location is known for river recreation, angling and short walking tracks alongside the water.

The river features at Okere Falls comprise a sequence of drops and white-water stretches rather than a single large plunge, and the reserve and picnic areas provide the main vantage points. The scale of the site is local rather than a major scenic attraction but it is popular with kayakers and fishers.

The area has long been used by local communities for fishing and river access and later developed for recreational use in the 20th century. Facilities are modest and seasonal.

The settlement and river features lie on the Kaituna River between the Rotorua lake system and downstream lowlands, about 15 km northeast of the city of Rotorua.

• Outdoor activities: The falls and rapids lie on the Kaituna River and the settlement at Okere Falls is a local hub for trout fishing and recreational white-water boating.
• Nearest city: Okere Falls is located roughly 15 km northeast of Rotorua, making it a short drive from a regional centre with visitor services.

What to See #

• Reserve and viewing tracks: The village reserve and short riverside tracks provide viewpoints over the rapids and the falls and are the main locations for visitors to view the river features.
• Rapids and falls: The series of drops and rapids on the Kaituna River at the settlement form the focus for boating, angling and riverside recreation activities.