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Nau mai haere mai - Welcome to Okataina

JUST 30 KM’s OUTSIDE ROTORUA
Kia ora and Welcome

To Lakes Lodge Okataina

Situated on the shores of Lake Okataina, and surrounded by native bush, Lakes Lodge Okataina enjoys almost total seclusion, as the only habitation on the edge of the lake.

Each of our rooms offer quality facilities on the grounds of Lakes Lodge. Nestled in the bush, each unit boasts either superb views of the glistening blue lake or a native bush outlook.

Our lodge is also an ideal conference or meeting venue. Our picturesque location, just half an hour from Rotorua, boasts plenty of space for large groups, with team building activities available onsite.

Lake Okataina’s stunning location also makes us the perfect venue for your wedding. You can sing and dance the night away at our secluded venue, with everything from meals and drinks, to accommodation taken care of. Our venue is great for birthday parties, family reunions, Christmas parties and more!

We can take care of all your conferencing requirements including activities.

Since 1986

HAERE MAI KI TE WHAKANGĀ

Stay & relax at Lakes Lodge

INTIMATE

Weddings

PRIVATE

Functions

MEMORABLE

Escapes

PRIVATE

Conferences

Discover

Incredible Surroundings

Tranquility

Feel the raw beauty and tranquillity of Lake Okataina as you fall under it’s captivating spell.

Peace

Escape the constrictions of the city and breathe in the creativity.

Nature

Experience the beauty of our Ngahere

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

Lakes Lodge is owned by Te Komarunui ki te Rangi Limited Partnership which is a full subsidiary of Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust who have occupied Okataina and its many pa sites around its shores.  Ngāti Tarāwhai welcome you to their lands and hope that you enjoy your stay.

Welcome as guests of Ngāti Tarāwhai

Ngāti Tarāwhai were well known as exceptional carvers.  Many canoes were carved by them and later they carved Meeting houses for many marae. Their distinctive style influences many carvers today.

The name Ōkataina means ‘the lake of laughter’, a shortened form of the original name Te Moana-i-kataina-a-Te Rangitakaroro, which means ‘the ocean where Te Rangitakaroro laughed’. The story behind the laughter involves chief Te Rangitakaroro and his warriors, who were resting when one member of his group referred to the lake as an ocean, which was seen as a great joke by the rest of the group. Their laughter echoed around the lake and now remains enshrined in its name