I loved this walk, it’s easy, on a great track with so much to see. I walked alongside the Kaituna River to view the famous Okere and Tutea Falls and finished off walking through stunning New Zealand native bush before arriving at the Kaituna Trout Pool.
As you can see in the photos above, there is no problem finding a carpark. This is a great place to stop for a picnic and to stretch your legs, there is plenty of grassy places. The toilets are just a minute’s walk inside the bush.
The walk to Okere Falls to the lookout is so easy, five minutes is all it takes from the track. Walk up to Turbine Junction and turn to your right you will be at Okere Lookout before you know it.
Back on the main track and walk another 500m, take the turn off to the right, follow your nose to Hinemoa’s Steps and onto Tutea’s Cave.
Be very careful the steps can be extremely slippery. You can also walk down some wooden steps to an overlook and look back to Tutea’s Falls.
Back on the track again, a 15 minute walk will see you a track on your left. This track will take you to the bottom carpark.
Go to your right and onto the viewing platform. We arrived just in time to see two boys take the plunge.
Look to the left, take the steps down to the river, stick your toe in the water and see how warm the water is!
Continue along the track to the trout pool. This will take around 5 minutes. Keep looking to your right, you will see a good view of the trout pool falls from the track.
Follow the track to the carpark. We decided to walk back to the start of the walk along Trout Pool Road for a change of scenery and to get back out into the sun and warm up. But you can double back the same way if you want.
The walk to Okere Falls can vary depending on where you start. There are various trails and viewpoints in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, so the length of the walk you choose can vary.
A typical walk and the one I did to the main viewing area near Okere Falls may be relatively short, perhaps around 15-30 minutes.
However, there are longer hiking trails in the surrounding area for those who want a more extensive outdoor experience.
People visit Okere Falls for several reasons:
Swimming in Okere Falls may be possible in some parts of the Okere River, but it's essential to exercise caution. Personally I wouldn't risk it.
The river has strong currents and is known for its whitewater rapids, which can be dangerous for swimmers.
If you plan to swim, make sure to assess the conditions carefully, take safety precautions, and consider the advice of local authorities or guides.
The height of Okere Falls is approximately 7 meters (about 23 feet). While its height may not be as dramatic as some other waterfalls, its charm lies in its setting within the lush New Zealand landscape and the cultural significance it holds for the Māori people.
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