Ōkere Falls sits on the Kaituna River about 21 kilometres east of Rotorua, where the river drains north from the Ōkere Inlet of Lake Rotoiti toward the Bay of Plenty.

The Māori name translates as "place of drifting," and the river itself — kai tuna — reflects its historical importance as an eeling resource for the Ngāti Pikiao people.

The gorge is best known for Tutea Falls, a seven-metre drop named after a local Māori chief buried nearby, which is recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

Walking tracks through the scenic reserve connect several waterfalls, including Trout Pool Falls, and pass the site of Rotorua's first hydro-electric power station as well as Tutea Caves.

A viewing platform above Tutea Falls offers a direct sightline to kayakers and rafts running the drop below.