Title: Visit Lake Okareka: Best of Lake Okareka, Rotorua Travel 2026 | Expedia Tourism - Expedia.ca

[Hotels in Lake Okareka](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Okareka-Rotorua-Hotels.0-n6135546-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Rotorua](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Rotorua.d6048125.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Rotorua](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Rotorua.d6048125.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Lake Okareka Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Lake-Okareka.d6135546.Car-Rental-Guide)[Lake Okareka Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Okareka.d6135546.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Lake Okareka

## Rotorua

![Lake Okareka which includes a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135546/afe9a80f-43c5-4b49-ba98-bd3b14be0fd4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Okareka featuring a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135546/436ef40f-d28a-4b36-b287-363e601e1117.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Okareka featuring boating and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135546/c28c3325-eb87-4936-a5f4-c0eac29b5846.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Okareka which includes a lake or waterhole and touring](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135546/6a511d25-c44c-4dda-bc52-766189063898.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Lake Okareka showing a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6135546/ca28ef10-ecd7-488a-b1be-80c30231af8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Lake Okareka

Things to do

Hotels

Where to stay

[Rotorua travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua.dx6048125)

#### Despite its pretty views and charming, leafy walks, this picturesque lake manages to remain relatively crowd-free and peaceful.

Lake Okareka’s deep, blue waters are bordered by wooded, undulating hills. Walk through forests and relax on the shore while you fish for juicy trout.

This lake is known to the area’s Maori population as the “Lake of Sweet Food” as tribes once grew sweet potatoes in the area’s lush, sloping fields. Today, the lake, which is out of sight from the main tourist routes, remains little-visited by outsiders though a sizeable permanent population is present on the western shore. Enjoy the quietude and sense of serenity at this under-the-radar destination.

Lace up your boots for a hike around the forest-covered edges of the lake. Amble along in the shade of indigenous ferns and trees, stopping occasionally to marvel at spectacular views of the water. Along the trails are secluded coves as well as big open fields that stretch out into the distance from the southern shoreline. Consider packing a picnic and stopping to pause and eat at whatever scenic spot appeals to you most.

Fishing fans can cast off into the pristine waters here. Find several prime fishing bays along the western shore. Among the most fruitful fishing spots is Boyes Beach at the lake’s northwest end. The waters here are well-stocked with rainbow trout so it shouldn’t be too long before a fish tugs at your line. Fishing from a boat is also popular here, particularly in the northern area of the lake.

Lake Okareka is a 20-minute drive southeast of Rotorua. Parking is available at Boyes Beach on the northwestern side of the lake. Accommodation is available around Okareka should you want to stay a few nights and explore the lake and surrounding area even further.

---

### Popular places to visit

![Skyline Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170998/76ce5618-94a0-4158-9cd5-2f338b022b4c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Skyline Rotorua

5/5(7 reviews)

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

[](https://expedia.ca/Skyline-Rotorua-Fairy-Springs.d6170998.Vacation-Attraction)

![Polynesian Spa which includes a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108090/3fdedc2c-cbab-4061-ab5c-3f9f8a29a73e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Polynesian Spa

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

[](https://expedia.ca/Polynesian-Spa-Rotorua.d6108090.Vacation-Attraction)

![Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest featuring forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6126700/b7db01ba-feb9-4b2c-b691-1aa1261f7c9a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

4.5/5(12 reviews)

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

[](https://expedia.ca/Redwoods-Whakarewarewa-Forest-Whakarewarewa.d6126700.Vacation-Attraction)

![Rotorua featuring night scenes and markets](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635754896551/a157f57e-fa78-46ea-828f-8c88fb250f81.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Eat Street

4.5/5(11 reviews)

During your trip to Rotorua, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Eat Street. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Eat-Street-Rotorua.d553248635754896551.Vacation-Attraction)

![Rotorua featuring a river or creek, rainforest and indigenous culture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526967428/72378831-de70-4036-a30e-fee1e8118bbb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mitai Maori Village

4/5(12 reviews)

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

[](https://expedia.ca/Mitai-Maori-Village-Fairy-Springs.d553248621526967428.Vacation-Attraction)

![This show was awesome! After the initiation you are welcomed into the village and go threw different stations learning about the culture and then you get a performance show and dinner. Definitely recommend and reservations book way out, so book early! And tip: ask for Mark to be your driver... Seriously I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048125/db969533-3267-4563-b042-8d58fe787fa7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Tamaki Maori Village

4.5/5(10 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Tamaki Maori Village during your trip to Rotorua. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Tamaki-Maori-Village-Rotorua.d6219581.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1306413/5be4b3bc-1bd0-4a9a-bf23-02649fa99ab3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas

CA $74

per adult

**94%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/hells-gate-mud-bath-spas.a1306413.activity-details)

![Te Ra Guided Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/476910/f768ea21-f58a-4b6d-a019-9d5c57664580.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Te Ra Guided Experience

CA $82

per adult

**90%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/te-ra-guided-experience.a476910.activity-details)

![The Hell's Gate Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1306392/3a7fab41-7aa4-4467-9f82-fa8c78c83357.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### The Hell's Gate Experience

CA $94

per adult

**98%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/the-hells-gate-experience.a1306392.activity-details)

![Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4582044/44caf6ed-ea2c-46ea-b92f-cb6c3af591a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Rafting Rotorua: Kaituna River White Water Experience

CA $114

per adult

**94%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/rafting-rotorua-kaituna-river-white-water-experience.a4582044.activity-details)

![National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2219664/e5b98170-9c59-4e7c-b162-46059df9c3f3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Guided Tour

CA $63

per adult

**88%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/national-kiwi-hatchery-kiwi-encounter-guided-tour.a2219664.activity-details)

![Marama: Geyser Light Trail](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50594577/0e280d0d-fc26-44c3-9382-bdb21cf4a384.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Marama: Geyser Light Trail

CA $40

per adult

**100%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/marama-geyser-light-trail.a50594577.activity-details)

[See all activities in Rotorua](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Rotorua.d6048125.Travel-Guide-Activities)

---

## Lake Okareka Hotel Deals

![Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16310000/16307600/16307544/2f64128f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

723 Tarawera Rd Rotorua Bay of Plenty

CA $85

CA $98 total

Apr 1 - Apr 2

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this holiday park in Rotorua. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and a business center. Popular attractions Lake Tikitapu and Lake Okareka are located ...

8.8/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)

We really enjoyed our experience thanks.

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F04%2F2026&endDate=02%2F04%2F2026&selected=16307544&PinnedHotelID=16307544&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Chalet Near The Lake - Lake Okareka Sleeps 12](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27320000/27319800/27319712/93740593_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Chalet Near The Lake - Lake Okareka Sleeps 12

 Lake Okareka Bay of Plenty

Stay at this vacation home in Rotorua. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Okareka and Lake Tikitapu are located ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (99 reviews)

The home was conveniently close to the wedding venue we needed at Langfords and a lovely view of the countryside, being very quiet and relaxing. The driveway is steep and would be more suited to 2 vehicles (not 4 as we had)The house is spread over 3 levels with the kitchen area being in the second ...

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

[Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=06%2F04%2F2026&endDate=07%2F04%2F2026&selected=27319712&PinnedHotelID=27319712&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=06%2F04%2F2026&endDate=07%2F04%2F2026&selected=27319712&PinnedHotelID=27319712&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Rydges Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/330000/329600/329597/874de647_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Rydges Rotorua

10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Rotorua Bay of Plenty

CA $106

CA $122 total

Mar 31 - Apr 1

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,125 reviews)

The hotel was great, nice heated pool and hot tubs, close to everything.

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&selected=329597&PinnedHotelID=329597&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Millennium Hotel Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/14900/14866/185850e0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

1270 Hinemaru Street Rotorua 

CA $165

CA $190 total

Apr 1 - Apr 2

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)

Check in was fast, staff were friendly and helpful, room was and all areas were clean and comfortable. Was walking distance to town. Would stay again.

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F04%2F2026&endDate=02%2F04%2F2026&selected=14866&PinnedHotelID=14866&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Pullman Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42410000/42400500/42400473/11fed01c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Pullman Rotorua

1135 Arawa St Rotorua 

CA $212

CA $244 total

Apr 15 - Apr 16

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...

8.6/10 Excellent! (500 reviews)

Nice property and friendly Staff. Unfortunately no pool and no reasonable breakfast. Breakfast room is overcrowded at all times, QR codes for ordering not working.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F04%2F2026&endDate=16%2F04%2F2026&selected=42400473&PinnedHotelID=42400473&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Sudima Lake Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/520000/519300/519220/4bd9d9b3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sudima Lake Rotorua

1000 Eruera Street Rotorua 

CA $140

CA $161 total

Apr 20 - Apr 21

includes taxes & fees

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rotorua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...

7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)

Sulfur smell not pleasing would not go there again

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F04%2F2026&endDate=21%2F04%2F2026&selected=519220&PinnedHotelID=519220&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

[See all 658 properties in Lake Okareka](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=24%2F03%2F2026&endDate=25%2F03%2F2026&regionId=6135546)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check Lake Okareka hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-03-23&endDate=2026-03-24)[Mar 23 - Mar 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-03-23&endDate=2026-03-24)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25)[Mar 24 - Mar 25](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-03-24&endDate=2026-03-25)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 27 - Mar 29](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=27%2F03%2F2026&endDate=29%2F03%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)

---

### Other neighbourhoods around Lake Okareka

![Four of a kind ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048125/b4c99a5b-c5da-447e-9c9a-3bbe608790d9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Owhata

 If you're spending some time in Owhata, Lake Rotorua and Haiku Pathway are top sights worth seeing. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Owhata.dx553248635976395211)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Lynmore

 While Lynmore might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Polynesian Spa. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Lynmore.dx553248635976385583)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Holdens Bay

 While visiting Holdens Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Rotorua and Te Amorangi Museum. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Holdens-Bay.dx553248635976384308)

![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Ngapuna

 While Ngapuna isn't home to many top sights, Polynesian Spa and Government Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Ngapuna.dx692988067775586304)

![When the roses are
Flowering its absolutely beautiful](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048125/d01e66d3-bb86-4d05-892a-753a0a999da4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Fenton Park

 While Fenton Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village and Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Fenton-Park.dx692988084226846720)

![Aerial: Scenic Blue and green lakes, Rotorua, New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635926198461/998a326f-1cba-49f0-a34b-bfd24fd3887b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Whakarewarewa

 The panoramic lake views and luxurious spas are just a few highlights of Whakarewarewa. Make a stop by Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village or Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while you're exploring the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Whakarewarewa.dx553248635926198461)

---

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# Lake Okareka

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