Tarawera Falls

Tarawera Falls Location

Hidden away down a dusty gravel road are the Tarawera Falls. The falls are located near Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty Region. After travelling on the gravel road, reaching the falls themselves is an easy 20-minute walk from the car park. Where you weave through native Aotearoa/New Zealand bush and alongside the clear waters of the Tarawera River. The sound of rushing water announces the falls before you see them. Water spills from the rock-face and over boulders with a powerful ferocity.The water can flow from two points on the rock-face depending on how much rain there has been. Lots of rain and water will spill from the top and midpoints of the rock-face. On my visit, the flow came solely from the midpoint. (see below for how to access the Tarawera Falls)

Content

Beyond Tarawera Falls

Cascades Track

If time permits, make sure to explore more of the area. From Tarawera Falls follow the Cascades Track this will take you alongside some spectacular water spots on the Tarawera River. Including a place where the river goes underground. There are also a number of cascades (small waterfalls). The first part of the track is a steady climb from Tarawera Falls and takes about 30 mins to get the larger cascade pictured below.

Water going underground — Water Disappearing

Swimming Hole

There is a lovely clear area of water identified as the swimming hole. However it’s not signposted so to reach it continue on past the Tarawera falls along the Cascade Loop track. When you come to a sign that says No Swimming turn sharp right and follow this track for about 10 minutes. If you are unsure where the track is look for the little metal triangles attached to trees.

Tarawera Falls Access

To visit the falls or other walks in the area you must obtain a permit from the Kawerau Information centre, at a cost of $10. Access is only available on weekends and public holidays. It is then approximately a 30-45 minute drive on mostly unsealed gravel roads to the carpark. From there its about a 20 minute walk alongside the stunningly beautiful Tarawera River to the falls. For more information check out the DOC website.