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Lake Okaro

The meaning and origin of the name has been lost over time, but Lake Ōkaro is considered to be of significant taonga to Ngāti Whaoa / Ngāti Tahu.

Lake Ōkaro/Ngakaro is the smallest of the Rotorua lakes under public management. Appreciated for its quiet rural setting, it is surrounded by farms and is also a popular water-skiing spot. The lake has had a significant algae problem due to the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients which have increased over several decades. The nutrient-rich deposits over the catchment from the 1886 Tarawera eruption, have an ongoing effect on the lake's water quality.

Lake Ōkaro At a glance
Lake Okaro

Lake size: 31 ha
Catchment area: 367 ha
Elevation: 419 m
Average depth: 12.5 m
Deepest point: 18 m
Formed: 800 years ago

Drains to Lake Rotomahana via
Haumi Stream

Lake Ōkaro Report Card

 

Action Plan

The Lake Ōkaro Action Plan has been approved by the Rotorua Lakes Te Arawa Strategy Group.

Click here to access the Rotorua Lakes Action Plans.

 

Reports Related to Capping Resource Consent application for Lake Ōkaro