Family at Lake Okareka Campsite
Image: Nick Lambert | ©
Lake Okareka Campsite
Located in Lake Okareka Scenic Reserve in the Bay of Plenty region
Introduction
Scenic lakeside campsite 15 min from Rotorua; swim or fish in the lake.Image gallery
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![Morning mist over Lake Okareka.]( "Morning mist over Lake Okareka.")
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![Cooking shelter at Lake Okareka Campsite]( "Cooking shelter at Lake Okareka Campsite")
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![One of the toilet blocks at Lake Okareka Campsite.]( "One of the toilet blocks at Lake Okareka Campsite.")
One of the toilet blocks at Lake Okareka Campsite
One of the toilet blocks at Lake Okareka Campsite
...Image: Elizabeth Marenzi | DOC
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![Sunset at Lake Okareka.]( "Sunset at Lake Okareka.")
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![Lake Okareka picnic table.]( "Lake Okareka picnic table.")
Lake Okareka picnic table
Lake Okareka picnic table
...Image: Nicole Portner Photography ©
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![Lake Okareka jetty.]( "Lake Okareka jetty.")
Lake Okareka jetty
Lake Okareka jetty
...Image: Nicole Portner Photography ©
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![Lake Okareka.]( "Lake Okareka.")
Lake Okareka
Lake Okareka
...Image: Nicole Portner Photography ©
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![Campers by Lake Okareka.]( "Campers by Lake Okareka.")
Campsite overview
Access
- Boat
- Campervan
- Car
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from stream
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Fishing
- Swimming
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Dog access
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Check, Clean, Dry
Clean all gear when moving between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests.
About this campsite
Getting there
Head east out of Rotorua on SH 30 towards Whakatane for approx 1.7 km. Take a right turn onto Tarawera Rd at the large roundabout, then left onto Okareka Loop Rd. When you reach the settlement of Okareka turn left onto Millar Rd. The turn-off to the Okareka campsite is on the right where the seal ends (access to the campsite is sealed).
Location
Latitude: -38.16203748, Longitude: 176.36073025
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Passes
The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between the Friday before Christmas and the end of Waitangi weekend. In 2020/2021, this is 18 December 2020 to 9 February 2021.
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Activities
Swim or fish in the lake.
Know before you go
- Water from the lake must must be boiled before drinking.
- There is limited room at the campsite.
- Site not suitable for vehicles over 6 metres in length.
- Fires are not permitted at any time.
Dogs are not allowed in areas administered by DOC in the Rotorua area.
Contacts
| Rotorua Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 349 7400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | rotorua@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
99 Sala Street Rotorua 3010 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 1146 Rotorua 3040 |
| Full office details | |
| Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 351 7324 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | rotoruavisitor@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
1167 Fenton St Rotorua |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 3007 Rotorua |
| Full office details | |