Lake Ōkāreka Walkway
Lake Ōkāreka is popular with water skiers, swimmers, boaties and walkers.
Lake Ōkāreka is one of the smaller Rotorua lakes and is situated among picturesque hills, native forest and wetland reserves.
The walkway starts from a Council lakeside reserve on Acacia Road, and continues for approximately 2.5km around the shore to the outlet. The first part of the walkway takes you through native trees and shrubs before entering into a wetlands area that is home to a range of aquatic birds such as swan, geese, pukeko, coot and scaup. A timber boardwalk has been constructed alongside a hide for bird-watching.
The walkway and composting toilets are pushchair and wheelchair accessible as far as Silver Beach, around 2km from the start. From here, the walkway continues to a higher level before descending to the lake outlet.
The return walk takes about an hour and a half, and showcases native vegetation, farmland, beach, lake and wetland scenery, expansive views and wildlife.
Bicycles and dogs are not permitted on the walkway.
Getting there:
Lake Ōkāreka is located 9km southeast of Rotorua. Follow Tarawera Road to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and take a left onto Ōkāreka Loop Road. Once you reach the lake, turn right onto Acacia Road. The walkway starts from a lakeside reserve on Acacia Road and continues for approximately 2.5km around the shore to the outlet.