EMPOWER, EXPERIENCE, EXPLORE
Lake Ōkāreka Preschool, Rotorua
Early Childhood Education
WHAKAMANA, WHAKAMĀTAU, WHAKATŌMENE
EXPERIENCE LAKE ŌKĀREKA PRESCHOOL
A truly nurturing environment that embraces nature, friendship and learning.
At Lake Ōkāreka Preschool our children are nurtured in an environment that embraces friendship and learning in a tranquil lake side setting. A place where they flourish into considerate and capable life-long-learners ready for the transition to primary school.
We believe the experience we offer is truly unique. With our own vegetable patch, orchard, sensory garden and worm farm we embrace the outdoors everyday.
Our Monday to Friday sessions provide the perfect combination of routine and predictability along with plenty of time and space to explore their own ideas and make break-through discoveries. With no more than 20 children on any given day, our three fully qualified and registered teachers have time to get to know each and every one of them and what makes them tick.
Weekly Playgroup All Welcome
Come and join our playgroup every Tuesday 9.30 am-11.30 am.
This is a great way to experience our Preschool with your child and mix with other families. All ages welcome.
Gold Healthy Heart Award
We are extremely proud and excited to announce that we hold the Pā-Harakeke Tohu Manawa Ora | Gold Healthy Heart Award from the Heart Foundation for the amazing things we do to promote healthy food and physical activity. We are helping our tamariki to have healthy habits and healthy hearts for life.
A Community That Feels Like Family
"We have been so fortunate to have had our children attend Lake Ōkāreka Preschool in their preschool years. From the moment our children joined the playgroup we've been embraced by a warm and supportive community that feels like family.
"The staff, Leslie, Davina, Megan and Megumi, including relief staff and student teachers, have been incredible. Their love and care shines through in everything they do, creating a nurturing environment where our children have thrived. The setting at Lake Ōkāreka is amazing, providing plenty of outdoor space for exploration and creativity, not to mention the afternoon adventures to the lake. This is a truly magical place that we couldn't recommend any more highly."
—Amy Fraser & Nick Fitzgerald
SunSmart Accredited
October 2025
The Cancer society congratulates Lake Ōkāreka Preschool on becoming a SunSmart Accredited School
Logo created by our children
Our logo has been created with artwork from the children using our beautiful surrounding environment as inspiration.
The image incorporates Harakeke (flax), Kereru (a native wood pigeon) and a gorgeous wee Piwakawaka (fantail).
The blue circle represents Lake Ōkāreka. We are very fortunate to be situated in an area so rich with native plant and bird life.
Follow our adventures on Facebook
71 Okareka Loop Road, Lake Ōkareka, Rotorua 3076
Monday to Friday
8.15am-3.30pm
07 362 8606