Okareka Escape - Lake Views & Lakeside Walk

Photo gallery for Okareka Escape - Lake Views & Lakeside Walk

A bedroom with a bed, a dresser, a door, and a view of the outdoors.
A spacious living area with a red sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a dining table with chairs. A kitchen is visible in the background.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a lake surrounded by grassy areas and trees.
A living room with two red sofas, a coffee table, and a wall-mounted clock.
A room with a bed, a wooden dresser, a red clock, a white door, a kitchen area with a microwave, and a vase with red flowers.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
  • Place, Lake Okareka
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Polynesian Spa
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

Okareka Escape - Lake Views & Lakeside Walk

Summary:

A cute, sunny one-bedroom apartment for two with lovely views over Lake Ōkareka, right next to the lakeside boardwalk - a quiet, self-contained escape.



📍 Next door » Ōkareka Walkway (5.5km lakeside boardwalk)

📍 5 min » Blue Lake (Tikitapu)

📍 13 min » Redwoods Forest

📍 15-16 min » Te Puia & the city centre

📍 17-18 min » Airport & Polynesian Spa



✅ Lovely lake views & a sunny deck with a BBQ

✅ Self-contained apartment for two

✅ Book with Waterfront Escape for a bigger group

✅ 250 Mbps WIFI



The Space:

A cute, warm and sunny self-contained apartment overlooking Lake Ōkareka - a lovely, quiet spot for two. The open-plan living area has a kitchenette, dining space and living room that flow out onto a small deck, where you can take in the lake views, relax and fire up the BBQ. The bedroom has a comfy queen bed and its own private full bathroom. It's simple and comfortable, and right next to the Ōkareka Walkway for an easy lakeside stroll.



HIGHLIGHTS

⭐️ Lovely views over Lake Ōkareka from the living area and deck

⭐️ Sunny, self-contained one-bedroom apartment for two

⭐️ Right next to the Ōkareka Walkway - a 5.5km lakeside boardwalk

⭐️ Small deck with a BBQ to enjoy the outlook

⭐️ Queen bedroom with its own private bathroom

⭐️ Can be booked together with Waterfront Escape next door for larger groups

⭐️ Just 5 minutes to Blue Lake and 13 to the Redwoods

⭐️ Free parking on the premises



- BEDROOMS -

Bedroom: Queen bed, with its own private full bathroom

Sleeps 2 in total. All bedding and linen supplied.



- BATHROOMS -

One full bathroom, off the bedroom.



- LIVING AREA -

An open-plan living, dining and kitchenette area opening onto a small deck with lake views and a BBQ. The kitchenette has an induction hotplate and a plug-in bench-top oven (there's no built-in oven), which is handy for a simple self-catered stay.



- PARKING -

Free parking on the premises. Please note the main house (Waterfront Escape) may also be let, so we ask guests to be considerate with parking.



Guest Access:

You'll have the self-contained apartment to yourselves - the bedroom, the private bathroom, the open-plan living area with its kitchenette, and the small deck with its BBQ and lake views. There's free parking on the premises. The apartment shares the property with the main house (Waterfront Escape), which can be booked together with the apartment if you have a larger group.



The Neighborhood:

Okareka Escape sits in the peaceful lakeside community of Lake Ōkareka, one of Rotorua's prettiest small lakes. You're right next to the Ōkareka Walkway, with its scenic 5.5km boardwalk around the edge of the lake - lovely for a morning stroll. The apartment doesn't have direct lake access, but the views are gorgeous. Blue Lake (Tikitapu) is about 5 minutes away and the Redwoods around 13, while central Rotorua - about 16 to 20 minutes by car - has the supermarkets, restaurants, shops and geothermal attractions.



Getting Around:

A car is recommended out here, with free parking on the premises. By car, Blue Lake is about 5 minutes away, the Redwoods around 13, Te Puia and the city centre 15 to 16, and Rotorua Airport and Polynesian Spa about 17 to 18. Skyline and the other big attractions on the far side of the city are roughly 24 minutes.



Other Things to Note:

The apartment doesn't have direct lake access, but enjoys lovely lake views and is right next to the Ōkareka Walkway. The kitchenette has an induction hotplate and a plug-in bench-top oven rather than a built-in oven. It shares the property with the main house (Waterfront Escape), which may also be let - so please be considerate with parking - and the two can be booked together for a bigger group.



Interaction with Guests:

If you need anything at all during your stay, just send us a message 💬 - happy to help 😊

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
To help keep our homes and neighbours safe, we may require the lead guest to provide a government-issued photo ID before check-in. In line with Air...

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9010222
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Rotorua

Lake Okareka, a neighbourhood in Rotorua, is home to this apartment. Rotorua Golf Club and Government Gardens Golf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Rotorua Arts Village and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. Waimangu Cauldron and Lakes Performing Arts Centre are also worth visiting.
Map
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty

What's nearby

  • Lake Okareka - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - 13 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Polynesian Spa - 21 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Skyline Rotorua - 31 min drive - 21.6 km
  • Mitai Maori Village - 31 min drive - 22.0 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ciabatta Bakery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's Hamburgers - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Eastwood - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪geyser cafe - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Okareka Escape | Cute Apartment with Lake Views pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Okareka Escape - Lake Views & Lakeside Walk?

As of 3 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Okareka Escape - Lake Views & Lakeside Walk on 4 August 2026 start from NZ$469, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Okareka Escape | Cute Apartment with Lake Views?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Okareka Escape | Cute Apartment with Lake Views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Okareka Escape | Cute Apartment with Lake Views?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Okareka Escape | Cute Apartment with Lake Views located?

Located in Lake Okareka, this apartment building is steps from Lake Okareka and within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi. Buried Village and Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Bart E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay, the place was clean and tidy, the shower however could have more water pressure, beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ruth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Small apartment is exactly the right size! Everything you need for a comfortable stay. Close to Rotaruoa but so peaceful beside a beautiful lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charlie J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot

So lovely place and highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Warwick G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Okareka place to stay

Sunny warm well presented with nice view of the lake
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Graham C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Neat modern in a great spot
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for two

Lovely spot for a couple.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A rejuvenating retreat

Well priced for mid-range accommodation. Close to Rotorua centre by car. Particularly enjoyed the boardwalk around the Lakeside. Would stay there again
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

andrew w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
had everything one could want (and including the weather, so extra lucky to fnd you). Only hastle was neghbour had to help us with the alarm (wouldn't stop no matter what one did) I think the code numbers were setting, stopping, resetting it, endless, no way to tell where it's up to.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Troy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway

A cosy stay. Peaceful out of the way neighbourhood. Serene views and a gorgeous walking trail by the lake. A fantastic getaway
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Aaron T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Hi, great spot! Could you please give the drain a clean in the shower.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2022
Hi Aaron, thanks for your feedback. That will be checked today! Glad you enjoyed your stay. Thanks
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location and great amenities

This was a truly lovely apartment, perfect for a couple, with everything we needed for a four-night stay. Great location - on the lake, not far from town, and not far from the wedding venue where we were attending a family wedding. Very quiet but tons of bird activity thanks to the sanctuary right next door. It was perfect to have a washer to do a bit of laundry and a toaster oven / air fryer for making breakfast. Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Claire K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Tidy

A clean, reasonably well equipped if dated property. Great location. Easy communication with property manager & easy access to the unit.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margaret H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot

Very nice apartment and the location was beautiful. Rotorua is just another big town (with a few odd smells!) but the lakes nearby are lovely. Okareka was stunning and we enjoyed the boardwalk. It’s only a short drive into Rotarua. Easy!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Colin H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Below par in a great location.

Comfortable but run down. No powerpoint in bathroom. In general very tired but good location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Katrina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Trail run accommodation

This was a fantastic place to stay in terms of location, amenities particularly enabling us to cook ect. The one BIG let down was the bed, so bad I couldn’t sleep and I was there for a trail running event! Otherwise fantastic place
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
The best aspect of our stay was the lake trail. For nature lovers Lake Okareka was beautiful, a birder's delight.Though the property description is accurate, having a washer machine without a dryer is a problem. There is a clothesline but no clips or pins. Also we were there while it was raining, so we spent a couple of hours at the local laundry mat drying our clothes after being on vacation for a week.Instant coffee is the only coffee provided. No plunger, coffee press or machine provided. We travel with ground beans and love coffee.The furniture is old and cheap and there very little art work on the walls.The "lakeview" is obscured by the garage. The apartment is an extension of the main house.Overall it was clean and peaceful. Location was nice being 10 minutes out of town.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Simon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious & comfortable, but needs an update

Good: Very quiet Spacious Comfortable living and sleeping. Clean Has all the basic needs in the kitchen Not so good: Could do with updating, including extra power points and bedside lamps. Further away from Rotorua than we anticipated. Attached to another rental property, which resulted in an unfortunate dispute about parking on one occasion (until the property manager put them straight).
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Zara L.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Weird and noisy

A head board not attached to the bed, a full-time residence of VERY noisy people attached to the unit, strangers showing up at the front door demanding to know how long we were staying for. Bugs splattered to doors... VERY average experience for the price. Would NOT recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kirsten D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot

While the apartment is well set out it needs some TLC and a refresh. The decor is very tired and the curtain rail above the door fell down a few times. Some more wall art would make it homier too. It's not clear from the photos just how close the neighbours are, and we could hear them talking as if they were in the next room. It would be great to have more than 1 teaspoon available and more than 1 large water glass too. Just a few little things that would have made our stay more pleasant.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Tony M.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Invisible Host

I messaged the host the day before about check in procedure. No reply. Arrived to check in but nobody there and no details about how to access the lock box. Called the host’s number on VRBO but the number was unavailable. Pondered long and hard about my next move. The cleaners arrived to clean the main house at 3.10 and were very helpful. They had no idea we were checking in. They called their cleaning boss more than once and eventually found the code for the lock box so we could enter the property. Without their valuable help we would have had to find alternative accommodation and claimed a refund from VRBO. Lack of communication with the host was a major concern and the cleaner’s assistance saved the day.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wohnung nah zum Ser

Die Aussicht auf den See ist gewaltig. Die Einrichtung ist etwas älter, aber die Zimmer gross und es ist alles vorhanden, was man für Selbstversorger Ferien benötigt. Ein richtig gemütlicher Ort, etwas abseits von Rotorura an einem kleinen Ser gelegen.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glenda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Excellent. Just another mirror near a hot point would made it even better.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Janine H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family weekend

Amazing location for a big family group … kayaks were great , wonderful for kids sadly couldn’t use jetty for the boat as to shallow interior of house little bit shabby and in need of some Maintenance but mostly clean and tidy , some problems with Ants in kitchen area
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alice T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious, cozy and relaxing

We found the unit well equipped for 2 people. It was attractive and comfortable. Nice and warm with stunning views. Really weak shower water pressure, but everything else was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Carie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly positioned

Love that linen and towel are provided. The position of the Bach is perfect. Love being right by the lake walkway.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

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