Okere Retreat - Lake Rotoiti Getaway

Tucked away on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, with panoramic views over Te Weta Bay, Okere Retreat offers a traditional Kiwi bach experience in the heart of Okere Falls. Built in the early 1970s, this snug, peaceful three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage is perfect for families or small groups seeking rustic comfort, privacy, and unbeatable lake access.

While the bathrooms have been updated, the rest of the house retains many of its original 1970s characteristics. These include orange Formica kitchen benchtops, original lino in various shades of brown, and exposed rafters upstairs. It’s a cheerful and unpretentious reminder of a less hectic era.

The warm and inviting open-plan living and dining area opens onto a large, sun-drenched deck, fringed by native rainforest teeming with birdlife. This space is ideal for alfresco dining or simply unwinding with a good book. The small, fully equipped kitchen makes holiday cooking a breeze, while broadband, WiFi, and Sky TV provide modern comforts.

The bach is set up to comfortably accommodate six guests, although up to eight can be hosted at a pinch. Bedrooms are small but comfortable. One features a queen bed, another a double bed, and the third includes a queen bed with a small adjoining room housing two single beds, an ideal setup for children or friends. The two bathrooms include an ensuite for added comfort and convenience.

Your own private jetty and sheltered boat bay are just a short stroll down a bush-lined track from the house. Guests can swim, launch the kayaks stored in the boatshed, or moor up to two boats right at the water’s edge, protected from the main lake. This makes the property perfect for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with two public boat ramps just a short drive away.

Adventure awaits right on your doorstep. The famous Okere Falls walking track and the Kaituna River—popular for white-water rafting, ziplining, and trout fishing—are just minutes away. Out on the lake, and accessible only by boat (your own or via local tour operators), are the popular Manupirua Springs hot pools, perfect for warming up after a day of picnicking or watersports. A 20-minute drive takes you to Rotorua’s geothermal attractions, Redwood Forest biking trails and treetop walks, the Polynesian Spa, and more.

Whether you’re boating, fishing, exploring, unwinding with a drink at the Okere Falls Store, or simply relaxing lakeside, Okere Retreat is your perfect Lake Rotoiti hideaway.
A new filtration and ozone water treatment system has been installed at the cottage, ensuring plenty of water for showers during dry summer months. It also means all tap water is safe to cook with and drink.

Summer is trout fly season. These are tiny and don’t bite, but they’re attracted to light and so are almost impossible to keep outside. They have a life cycle of less than a day and are easy to wipe up or brush away.

Please note a bond may be charged at certain times of the year. One of our team members will contact you if this is required for your booking.