Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living
Summary:
Enjoy all that a Waterfront holiday home at Lake Okareka can offer, perfect for large families wanting a private lawn to lake aspect. The living area opens onto a huge deck which is great for firing up the weber BBQ, relaxing and looking out over the lake. This property also neighbours a special wetlands boardwalk, so there's a heap of activities right on the doorstep. Private Jetty however please note that sudden drops in lake levels can limit larger boats.
The Space:
Waterfront Escape is a spacious 5-bedroom house offering stunning lake views. The open-plan living area downstairs features a full kitchen, lounge, and dining area that opens onto a large deck, perfect for entertaining. A second lounge area provides a cozy retreat and can be closed off for privacy. The ground floor also includes three bedrooms (one with an ensuite), a main bathroom, laundry facilities, and a double garage.
Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts an ensuite bathroom and a private deck with lake views. A fifth bedroom offers two single beds and two trundle beds for additional guests. The property features a front deck leading to the lawn and a private jetty for lake access. Boat launching is available nearby. Note: this is a well-loved home and has some signs of wear and tear, adding to its relaxed charm.
Guest Access:
You'll have access to the entire house, including the five bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, and outdoor spaces like the garden, patio, and BBQ area. Enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, a fireplace, and lake views. Please note that the one bedroom unit is available for separate rental.
The Neighborhood:
Nestled in the tranquil lakeside community of Lake Ōkareka, our holiday home offers a serene escape just a short 15-minute drive from the heart of Rotorua. The pristine waters of Lake Ōkareka are perfect for fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this stunning location, while still being close to the vibrant attractions and dining options of Rotorua.
Getting Around:
For those arriving by car, Waterfront Escape offers free parking on the premises and free street parking. The property is located at Lake Ōkareka so please note that public transport options are limited. Taxis are available, but can be expensive. The nearest major transit hub or airport, Rotorua Airport (ROT), is approximately a 20-minute drive away. Driving directions are available upon request.
Interaction with Guests:
We're available by phone, message or email during your stay. If you need personal assistance, we can stop in so just let us know.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Quiet hours between 10pm and 7am please
No Events or Parties
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Rotorua
Lake Okareka, a neighbourhood in Rotorua, is home to this holiday home. Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Skyline Rotorua and Rotorua Arts Village. Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre and Waimangu Cauldron are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - 9 min drive - 7.1 km
Polynesian Spa - 15 min drive - 12.4 km
Eat Street - 16 min drive - 13.1 km
Skyline Rotorua - 21 min drive - 17.7 km
Getting around
Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 28 min drive
Restaurants
Ciabatta Bakery - 13 min drive
Pataka Kai - 17 min drive
Kebab Kitchen (Lynmore) - 13 min drive
Wendy's Hamburgers - 13 min drive
Eastwood - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living?
As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living on 25 Jun 2026 start from £159, 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 Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Waterfront Escape | Lake Okareka Waterfront Living located?
Located in Lake Okareka, this holiday home 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
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Perfect spot for our family to stay for a long weekend. The view was amazing, and I loved how the house was actually big enough to cater for the amount of guests able to sleep there. The hosts were incredible accomodating with adding people for a few extra nights. Highly recommend!
Lovely location. The house was in good condition, bedding comfortable etc. The large deck was great for a large group of people. Just a few minor things - in the kitchen there needs more drinking glasses and teatowels. Also, the knives were blunt. BBQ could have been bigger to deal with cooking a lot of food at once. Minor details on an otherwise good spot.
We had a pleasant stay, the house was clean and comfortable - great for large families or group of friends. Would recommend to others heading to the area.
We loved our stay at Waterfront Escape. It was tidy and spacious, and quiet. It was the perfect place to unwind and recharge our batteries. The view over the lake from the property is beautiful.
Our accommodation met our every need, plenty of room for 6 adults, 5 children staying there. The kids enjoyed the canoeing, kayaking on the lake and plenty of outside area for an Easter hunt. Would recommend the property for family/friends get-togethers
Lovely situation, quiet and peaceful, the kids loved the canoes and parents appreciated the wetsuits and life jackets. Plenty of room for all 12 of us. Plenty of linen and consumables replenished when we asked. Heating options excellent, and very handy to Rotorua facilities. The nearby walk lovely.The property does need some maintenance though, the dishwasher broke, the problem was attended to promptly but we were unfortunately left with out one for the entire week. Upstairs shower needs replacing / repair, some lights not working, door handles coming off, deck very slippery when wet, and access to deck limited but faulty door.
We had an incredible stay at this waterfront property in Rotorua! The location was absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views right on the water. The home was easy to access and perfectly equipped with everything we needed for our group of seven.One of the highlights was the kayaks, which allowed us to explore the lake up close, paddle through the amazing lily pads, and even spot sheep grazing across the water—a truly unique experience! The showers were fantastic as well, adding a touch of luxury to our stay.This property exceeded our expectations, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a serene, well-equipped getaway in Rotorua.
This home had plenty of beds and bathrooms for our group of 10. It was easily accessed and we were well located for all the activities that we had planned to do in the area. The home was right on the lake and had a beautiful view from the back of the house and patio.
Donna C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Nan G.
26 Jan 2025
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
Pretty Spot, but property is very tired.
Kitchen is not very well equipped. Property was sufficient, but not up to the standards we're used to. Plenty of room. Communication not the best. View is lovely. Property needs some attention.
Overall very enjoyable and only hitch no gas for the BBQ, but felt maintenance had been let slip, lights in one bathroom didn't work, clothes dryer door latch broken, main doors to deck unable to be used, outdoor chair broken, coffee milk-frother agitator missing, broken tile in laundry floor, all minor other than the deck doors and could/should have been repaired before our stay.
Adrian B.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Andrew C.
10 Mar 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Not up to the mark expected.
Nice location, beautiful outlook, plenty of indoor space and grassed area towards the lake. Good supply of Air Con units around the house and the furniture was all reasonably good. Good storage in the garage and plenty of driveway space for up to three cars.
However, the place really needs a deep clean and some general maintenance, seems pretty neglected in a lot of ways.
The adjoining rental is a bit weird with a direct access hollow core door opening onto the internal landing of the master bedroom, easy to hear conversations !
We had a rat in the kitchen eating food overnight, even saw it scuttle under the stove. Management company were informed but seemed not too concerned ? – they have traps under some of the furniture apparently !
Forget bringing a boat. The lake access isn’t deep enough for anything heavier than a jet ski, this would be a struggle though, and muddy. If the adjoining accommodation is being occupied there is effectively nowhere to keep the boat, the driveway is too steep and a sharp transition onto the road.
Unfortunately, with borders closed for the last 2 years there has been plenty of price gouging for peak holiday periods, owners may need to re-think this if they want good occupancy going forward.
So overall, okay place, but overpriced for what is delivered.
With over 12 years renting great places in the lakes district, I wasn't too impressed with this one, but it could be improved.
Andrew C.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2022
Thanks for your feedback Andrew. Glad to hear you enjoyed your stay. We engaged a pest controller immediately after your stay to catch your unwelcome guest. The unit is separated by a large storage room which neither tenant has access to. They have their own parking in front of their entry and you have the main driveway and double garage for parking. If you are bringing a boat, we do issue a caution about the lake levels in the listing as it does drop with significant periods of no rain fall. With that said, we have just had an enormous amount of rain and the lake levels are back up again and suitable for most lake boats :-)
The accommodation is fantastic! 3 bathrooms, many beds, spacious and the views are beautiful!
Beds were most comfortable.
A couple of minor things: main living area aircon remote downstairs doesn’t work. Couldn’t use lounge doors to deck, but I imagine that will be repaired soon?
We were there for a wedding and hosted 20 on two separate afternoons and everyone commented on how gorgeous the home and location is. We will stay again, for sure 🥂
We had a nice relaxing stay here. Great view of lake and bird life. House is nice and warm with fire going and also had heat pumps. 2nd stay at this property and enjoyed both times. Great not having to take your own linen and bedding! Had everything we needed. Would definitely go back.
Fantastic arrangement of lake activities, hospitality, kayak and dinghy, and board games for the whole family. Reserve within short walking distance. A spacious place to stay for large family or group.
Teresa S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
About the host
Hosted by InnList
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests