A small lake south of Rotorua, Ōkaro is a taonga (treasure) to the Ngati Whaoa and Ngati Tahu tribes. The reserve can be reached from Waimangu Road to the north or Ōkaro Road to the south.

It's a simple, quiet campsite with plenty of room and good shelter, so it's an easy place to overnight. Space can get a bit tight when it's busy. You'll find composting toilets, picnic tables, electric barbecues on a timer, and a ski lane and boat ramp, all within a designated wildlife area.

The pick of it is the easy 2.5km track that loops the lake edge, with a few short boardwalk sections and good wetland views. A well-liked little spot that people say they'd happily come back to.