Okere Falls Waterfall
Small village centered around scenic waterfalls
Riverside settlement on the Kaituna River near Rotorua; visitors come for white‑water kayaking, jet‑boat rides, trout fishing and waterfall viewpoints at nearby rapids.
Okere Falls at a Glance#
About 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.
How to Get to Okere Falls#
Okere Falls is about a 25-30 minute drive from Rotorua. Take State Highway 33 north from Rotorua, then follow local roads to the Kaituna River and the township; signage for the falls and local tracks is well marked from the main route.
Tips for Visiting Okere Falls#
- The river around the falls is popular with kayakers-watch for currents and take local advice before entering the water.
- Visit after periods of rain for the most dramatic flow; in summer the falls are gentler but the surrounding bush is green and pleasant.
- Combine the stop with local trout fishing spots-anglers prize the pools downstream.
Best Time to Visit Okere Falls#
Best after seasonal rains (spring and early summer) when the falls run fullest.
Weather & Climate near Okere Falls#
Okere Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1746 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 12° - 23° | 18° | 109 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 13° - 23° | 18° | 115 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 150 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 133 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 15° | 10° | 154 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 13° | 6° | 177 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 3° - 12° | 5° | 160 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 13° | 6° | 200 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 6° - 15° | 10° | 146 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 132 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 124 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 146 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
