Tarawera Falls is a 65 meter (213 ft) high waterfall on the Tarawera River. Located in the Bay of Plenty and known for its bright blue waters, lush native bush and stunning falls, this destination is a New Zealand must-visit.
Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic walk or a fresh dip, this guide will provide everything you need to know to plan your visit.
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Tarawera Falls is located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, near the town of Kawerau. The waterfall is part of Te Wahipounamu Conservation Area and the Tarawera River which originates from Lake Tarawera.
HOW TO GET TO TARAWERA FALLS
Tarawera Falls is quite remote, so having your own vehicle is essential. There are multiple towns/cities that surround the falls, with most taking over an hour to drive from but it’s definitely well worth the journey.
If traveling from Whakatane, expect just over an hours drive. From Hamilton, the drive takes approximately two hours and 45 minutes. If you’re coming from Rotorua, it’s a one-hour 30-minute drive, while Tauranga is around one hour and 50 minutes away.
The drive from all directions is on well-paved roads, but the final 20 minutes does change to gravel. This section is accessible by most vehicles but do drive carefully.
Parking tips
There is plenty of parking at the trailhead of Tarawa Falls but you to get access, you will need a permit from the Kawerau i-SITE Visitor Centre. You can no longer obtain the permit online but this permit is required as the falls are located on private forestry land.
Public toilets are also available at the trailhead.
KEY INSIGHTS FOR WALKING TARAWERA FALLS
Distance: 1.6 km | 1 mile
Elevation: 70 meters
Duration: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
The trail begins in shade, immediately immersing you in lush, native New Zealand forest. Well-maintained and clearly marked, the track is mostly flat with a small amount of elevation that leads to an incredible viewpoint of the falls. You’ll find that as you are following the Tarawera River, the path offers several spots to step off and take a refreshing dip—perfect for those warmer days.
It’s an easy, enjoyable track, making it a great option for families. As we made our way along the trail, we saw all ages. The well-defined path ensures a stress-free walk, even for young children.
Like us, it’s also a great option for casual walkers and those simply looking to immerse themselves in nature at a relaxed pace. With minimal elevation gain and plenty of scenic river views along the way, the trail is accessible to all fitness levels.
While swimming is possible in areas along the river, the falls themselves are incredibly powerful, so we would caution getting close or in the water near the base. Also, unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this trail, so plan accordingly if traveling with your pets.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The falls are naturally at their most powerful in winter due to increased rainfall. However, summer is arguably the best time to visit. The warmer weather allows for a more enjoyable walk, and is ideal for swimming.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT TARAWERA FALLS
This is a well-loved trail particularly in the warmer months. During summer, on weekends and holidays, expect it to be a bit busier—mainly for the swimming spots.
If you prefer a more peaceful experience, visit during spring or autumn, early in the morning, or on a weekday to avoid the rush.
IS IT SAFE TO WALK TARAWERA FALLS SOLO
Definitely, Tarawera Falls is a safe walk for those travelling solo. The track is well-defined, and there are always others on the trail.
However, with safety being the first priority—if you plan to swim, stick to designated areas with calm waters, check the conditions beforehand, and make sure others are nearby.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographing Tarawera Falls can be tricky, depending on the time of day.
Since the trail is mostly shaded, you’ll find that you’ll be working with low-light conditions within the forest—but majority of the swimming spots and the falls itself will be bathed in sunlight. Because of this, be prepared to be changing your camera settings and doing a little post editing later.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
Omanawa Falls:
Nestled on the outskirts of Tauranga is Omanawa Falls. The track is newly developed, opening in December of 2023 and has received a well deserved upgrade. Before this new construction, the trail had been closed for years.
There are multiple lookouts on this one hour trail. Wairere Tapu is one of them, if you have a good level of fitness and feeling up to it, you can then continue to Te Harikoa Lookout. This stretch is a bit tougher with the 750 steps split fairly evenly between up and down.
The Tauranga City website has provided a map which visually outlines these trails. However, if you’d like to learn more, check out the full blog on Omawana Falls here.
Mount Maunganui
Renowned for its stunning beach and lively summer atmosphere, Mount Maunganui in New Zealand is a spot you shouldn’t miss.
Referred to as ‘The Mount’ by locals, Mount Maunganui is a white sand beach that stretches 19km along the East Coast. Known for its great swimming conditions, surf-worthy waves and inviting sand, it’s no wonder this beach is a hotspot.
It’s also one of New Zealand’s favourites. With it winning a few awards over the years it is often a epicentre for events and activities.
However, the most prominent icon is the maunga itself—Mount Maunganui. Standing proudly at 232 meters (761 ft) tall, it’s a hub for an assortment of trails. I could go on, but the full post has all the details—take a look at Mount Maunganui here.
Lake Tarawera
Roughly 20 minutes from Rotorua is where you’ll find Lake Tarawera. Known not only for its Māori history, but also for the eruption that took place in 1886, altering its landscape indefinitely.
Lake Tarawera is beautiful at any time of day but having visited at sunrise myself, I can highly recommend. It’s quite magical and also highly likely that there will be little to no one else around, so you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning atmosphere without any distractions.
There’s plenty more to say about this spot—read the full blog on Lake Tarawera here for all the good stuff.
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve shared everything you need to know about visiting Tarawera Falls in New Zealand. From the best time to visit and how crowded it gets to key insights for walking the trail and nearby activities.
Whether you’re planning a peaceful nature walk, a solo adventure, or a refreshing swim, this guide has you covered.
For more of ultimate New Zealand destinations, explore these here alongside all other comprehensive travel guides found on the blog.