Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track
WalkBay of Plenty
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Distance
- 5 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Access: read before you go
Access to the Tarawera Falls carpark is from Kawerau township (off SH30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) via private forestry roads. A permit is required and access is only available for Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness. The forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high. A map and directions are available at the Kawerau Information Centre.
You'll need to get a permit to access Tarawera Falls Carpark. Overnight parking at the Tarawera Falls Carpark is not permitted.
Use of the private forestry roads in the forest is at the discretion of the forestry owners. Check the conditions of your forestry permit.
Access permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzAccess to the Tarawera Falls carpark is from Kawerau township (off SH30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) via private forestry roads. A permit is required and access is only available for Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness. The forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high. A map and directions are available at the Kawerau Information Centre.
You'll need to get a permit to access Tarawera Falls Carpark. Overnight parking at the Tarawera Falls Carpark is not permitted.
Use of the private forestry roads in the forest is at the discretion of the forestry owners. Check the conditions of your forestry permit.
Access permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre.
Kawerau isite Visitor Information CentrePlunket Street, Kawerau 3127Phone: +64 7 323 6300Email: infocentre@kaweraudc.govt.nzOpening hours for Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre
Access permits
You'll need to get a permit to access Tarawera Falls Carpark. Overnight parking at the Tarawera Falls Carpark is not permitted. Use of the private forestry roads in the forest is at the discretion of the forestry owners. Check the conditions of your forestry permit. Access permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre. Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre Plunket Street, Kawerau 3127 Phone: +64 7 323 6300 Email: infocentre@kaweraudc.govt.nz Opening hours for Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 38.17244° S, 176.51778° E
About this place
See the Tarawera River disappearing underground at various sites before it re-emerges through the spectacular Tarawera Falls through narrow fissures in a fractured rhyolite lava cliff.
The route
The track can be walked in either direction and accessed from either end: The description below describes starting from The Outlet. The track begins at the Tarawera Outlet bridge. Cross the bridge and take the right hand track at the junction. The track meanders through the native bush, largely following the river. If you're going to swim beside the track we recommend caution, due to underwater currents and the nature of the river. However, a popular swimming spot is around 1 hour 30 minutes from the Outlet, at a wider and shallower stretch of the river where the water runs more gently. Shortly afterwards, the track divides for a brief distance before both tracks rejoin. The track then zigzags down a steep escarpment to a viewing area at the base of the falls. Where the track skirts the top of Tarawera Falls, it's possible to reach the cliff-face with high drop-offs. Stay behind barriers, keep to the track and keep your children supervised. The Waterfall Road carpark is a short 20 minute walk past the falls. For those wanting to picnic beside the river, there is a beautiful spot just 100 metres back along Waterfall Road from the carpark. Facilities: Toilets are located at Tarawera Outlet and at the Tarawera Falls carpark. There is a viewing area with a seat at the falls.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Fall risk
There is a risk of falling on sections of this track due to cliffs. Keep to the marked track and avoid cliff edges. Keep children within sight and do not let them near edges.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Humphries Bay Campsite
Basic • Bay of Plenty • 7.7 km
Humphries Bay Campsite is a basic camping area located at the northern arm of Lake Tarawera in the Bay of Plenty. The site offers good swimming access and…
Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - non-flush • Toilets
Hot Water Beach Campsite
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Wairua Hut
Bay of Plenty • 11.1 km
Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Rd Campsite
Standard • Bay of Plenty • 11.7 km
This campsite is located on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu in the Bay of Plenty. It offers a good spot for watching water birds, so bringing binoculars is…
Boat launching • Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking
Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road Campsite
Standard • Bay of Plenty • 12.5 km
This campsite is located on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu in the Bay of Plenty. It offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and walking nearby. Campers…
Boat launching • Non-powered/tent sites • Shelter for cooking
Walks nearby
Tarawera Falls Track
Easiest • 20 min one way • 700 m • 1.4 km away
Northern Tarawera Track
Advanced • 3 hr • 6 km • 4.65 km away
Eastern Ōkataina Walkway
Advanced • 3 hr one way • 10.5 km • 9.06 km away
Isthmus Track
Easiest • 20 min • 1.2 km • 10.02 km away
Lake Ōkataina walking tracks
Easy • Various times under 1 hr • 12.72 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).