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 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)

## 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)

![Amazing sight, the hot springs in this traditional Maori village. Very smelly!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048125/bc2eb169-4914-4622-a226-4cdc9acf1768.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village

5/5(7 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Rotorua with a trip to Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Stroll along the lakeside or visit the spas in this relaxing area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Whakarewarewa-The-Living-Maori-Village-Rotorua.d553248621532610766.Vacation-Attraction)

### Things to do

![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 $39

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/marama-geyser-light-trail.a50594577.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 $92

per adult

**100%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/the-hells-gate-experience.a1306392.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 $61

per adult

**88%** of travellers recommend

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

![Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50515416/f85b263e-007b-45f3-8e6b-bd72c40085b2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

CA $155

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/te-po-indigenous-evening-experience.a50515416.activity-details)

![Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4583264/48fcc274-51f8-49c1-9f9c-a23e8096911a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Pavilion Hot Pool Bathing (12+ yrs)

CA $40

per adult

**84%** of travellers recommend

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/rotorua-polynesian-spa-pavilion-hot-pool-bathing-12-yrs.a4583264.activity-details)

![Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47908711/41148e8b-508a-433e-b43d-11aef57e2453.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Rotorua: Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

CA $116

per adult

[](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/rotorua-redwoods-altitude-high-ropes-adventure.a47908711.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/17000000/16310000/16307600/16307544/2a1e231e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

723 Tarawera Rd Rotorua Bay of Plenty

CA $92

CA $106 total

Feb 8 - Feb 9

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! (43 reviews)

Yes

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%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/d7406784_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 ...

9/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)

House was pretty good- obviously not a luxury stay but was more than comfortable for 6 of us, and having a dishwasher and washing machine was really helpful. Definitely keep in mind that this is quite far from Rotorua itself- we mostly hung around the house and went to the lake, which was lovely. ...

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

[Get rates](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=21%2F02%2F2026&selected=27319712&PinnedHotelID=27319712&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=21%2F02%2F2026&selected=27319712&PinnedHotelID=27319712&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Rydges Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/330000/329600/329597/3829bdf6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Rydges Rotorua

10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Rotorua Bay of Plenty

CA $142

CA $163 total

Feb 11 - Feb 12

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! (1,102 reviews)

Great stay, let us check in early, facilities were great. Everything we needed for a 24 hour stay.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026&selected=329597&PinnedHotelID=329597&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Millennium Hotel Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/14900/14866/7f861d9c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

1270 Hinemaru Street Rotorua 

CA $235

CA $270 total

Feb 9 - Feb 10

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 ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)

The staff were wonderful, the room was comfortable and access to the Club Lounge on the 5th floor for breakfast and evening snacks were delightful. It was walking distance to the town, so it was easy to explore.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=14866&PinnedHotelID=14866&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Sudima Lake Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/520000/519300/519220/a61f4e6a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sudima Lake Rotorua

1000 Eruera Street Rotorua 

CA $185

CA $212 total

Feb 8 - Feb 9

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! (994 reviews)

This is a good place to stay in Rotorua! Rooms are clean, and comfortable! Staff is friendly! Nice option having a bar on site.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=519220&PinnedHotelID=519220&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

![Pullman Rotorua](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/43000000/42410000/42400500/42400473/5d5e5903_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Pullman Rotorua

1135 Arawa St Rotorua 

CA $242

CA $278 total

Mar 3 - Mar 4

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! (482 reviews)

Everything was awesome

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

[](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=03%2F03%2F2026&endDate=04%2F03%2F2026&selected=42400473&PinnedHotelID=42400473&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6135546)

[See all 660 properties in Lake Okareka](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=07%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%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=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)[Feb 6 - Feb 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[Feb 7 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 6 - Feb 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6135546&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%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)

### Hannahs Bay

 While Hannahs Bay might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Polynesian Spa and Tamaki Maori Village. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Rotorua-Hannahs-Bay.dx553248635976385394)

![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 Tamaki Maori Village 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 Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. 

[](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 Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve while you're exploring the area. 

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

---

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# Lake Okareka

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