| Just 25 minutes drive from the centre of Rotorua on | | | | Kaituna River is sacred to local Maori and show |
| Trout Pool Road is Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. With | | | | respect by beginning each trip with a karakia (prayer). |
| lush New Zealand native forest, trees abundant with | | | | With Kaitiaki Adventures, you'll be treated to an |
| native birds, crystal-clear waterfalls surrounded by | | | | unforgettable day of culture, adrenalin and history. |
| emerald-green ferns and the clean, flowing waters of | | | | For walkers, Okere Falls means marvellous bushwalks |
| the Kaituna River, the reserve is stunning in its | | | | leading to the falls themselves plus the site of |
| beauty. | | | | Rotorua's first hydro-electric power station, the |
| To local Maori, Okere Falls Reserve has significant | | | | Tutea Caves and Hinemoa's Steps. There are scenic |
| historical, cultural and spiritual value. The Kaituna (Kai | | | | lookouts over the river and smaller waterfalls plus |
| meaning food, tuna meaning eel) was and still is a | | | | many information panels along the way describing the |
| significant food source for the Ngati Pikiao, the | | | | natural environment and human stories of the |
| traditional owners and caretakers of the river. | | | | reserve. From the main lookout platform, you can |
| Abundant in trout, whitebait, koura (fresh-water | | | | view rafters and kayaykers taking the 7 metre |
| crayfish) and eels, the reserve's fairytale setting | | | | plunge down the Okere Falls. |
| belies the many violent battles that were fought | | | | For the fishing enthusiast, the Kaituna River and |
| along the Kaituna to protect this important food | | | | Trout Pool are popular fly fishing spots where trout |
| source. Behind the reserve's waterfalls are caves | | | | are often seen swimming against the river current. |
| where women and children hid from invading tribes, in | | | | Okere Falls even has something for foodies. The |
| fear of their lives. Now home to millions of glow | | | | Okere Falls Store is more than just a store, it's also |
| worms, the caves are magical grottos delighting | | | | an upmarket deli stocked with delicious organic and |
| young and old. | | | | freshly made food and a German beer garden. Each |
| To thrill seekers, Okere Falls means whitewater | | | | year the store holds a week long German Beer |
| excitement. The Kaituna River boasts the highest | | | | Festival starting in October at Labour weekend. This |
| commercially rafted waterfall (7 metres) in the world. | | | | popular local event features loads of beer, bratwurst |
| With another three waterfalls among the 14 rapids, | | | | and live music from a German style ompa band. |
| this is truly an exhilarating white water ride. | | | | No matter what your perspective; historic, cultural, |
| Adrenalin specialists, Kaitiaki Adventures, are local | | | | spiritual, sporting or gastronomic, there's one absolute |
| white water rafting and sledging operators. Kaitiaki | | | | certainty and that is you'll find Okere Falls is a very |
| means guardianship and with Kaitiaki, your safety is | | | | special place to visit, one of incredible beauty and |
| of prime importance. Kaitiaki also respect that the | | | | tranquility. |