The Tarawera Falls walk is a scenic and easy trail located on the shores of Lake Tarawera, leading you to the magnificent Tarawera Falls. This pathway winds through native bush on a gravel track to a stunning waterfall that flows from underwater caves—a rare and exceptional feature among waterfalls.
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The Tarawera Falls Walk
The Tarawera Falls walk is perfect for families and day trippers, with the option to extend the journey for those interested in an overnight adventure. You can complete this walk in just a couple of hours, allowing plenty of time for breaks and exploration.
There are two routes to reach the waterfall: 1) from the Tarawera Falls carpark; 2) from the Tarawera Outlet campsite.
Route from Tarawera Falls Carpark
Distance: 700m (round trip)
Duration: 30 mins (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Route from Tarawera Outlet Campsite
Distance: 10km (round trip)
Duration: 4 hrs (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Regardless of the route you choose, the tracks wind through lush New Zealand native bush, and you’ll catch glimpses of the Tarawera River along the way, including a smaller waterfall that streams towards the main fall. This river is fed by Lake Tarawera and flows over a lava flow that erupted from Mt Tarawera around 11,000 years ago. The river’s crystal-clear waters provide incredible photo opportunities. Additionally, you can enjoy a smaller waterfall hidden below the main one.
The Tarawera Falls themselves drop 35 meters from the center of a cliff. During heavy rainfall, you may also see a secondary waterfall cascading 65 meters from the top of the cliff.
Just above the Tarawera Waterfall, the river transitions from a substantial flow to vanishing underground into flooded caves. This water then re-emerges at the cliff’s center as the main waterfall. If you continue past the waterfall viewpoint, you can witness this natural phenomenon firsthand.
Important Information about The Tarawera Falls Walk
- Mobile reception may be unreliable, so ensure you know your route before arriving, particularly if your phone’s GPS fails.
- The nearest shops are in the town of Whakatane, so make sure to bring everything you’ll need for your visit.
- The best time to visit is during summer for optimal weather, although it is the busiest season. Spring and autumn offer quieter trails, but ensure you have adequate daylight for your hike. Winter trails tend to be empty but are also much colder!
What to Bring for the Tarawera Falls Walk
- Sufficient food for your trip
- Warm clothing and a rain jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Water
- Phone or camera for photos
What to Bring for Camping Overnight:
- Cooking and eating utensils
- A sleeping bag
- A tent
- A head torch
- A charger or battery pack—electricity is not available at the campsite
- Everything from the Day Trip list as well
Directions to The Tarawera Falls Track
By Car
Location: Tarawera Falls Carpark, Mount Tarawera, 3073, New Zealand
Estimated driving times to The Tarawera Falls Walk:
- From Rotorua: 1 hr 20 mins
- From Whakatane: 50 mins
- From Taupo: 1 hr 45 mins
- From Tauranga: 1 hr 30 mins
To reach Tarawera Outlet, follow the private forestry roads from Kawerau township (along SH 30 between Rotorua and Whakatāne), and remember that a permit is required. The gate closes at night, and during high fire risk in summer, road access may also be restricted. Permits cost $10, and they can be ordered online or purchased at the Kawerau i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Please make sure not to leave any valuables in your car.
By Boat
You can also begin your walk from the Tarawera Outlet campsite via the Tarawera Outlet track to the waterfalls; however, be aware that this route is longer—approximately 5km one way.
Accommodation Near The Tarawera Falls Track
Though Lake Tarawera is relatively remote, there are several campsites scattered around the lake. The closest is the Tarawera Outlet Campsite, located about 5km from the waterfall.
The Tarawera Outlet Campsite
The Tarawera Outlet Campsite is positioned along the lake’s edge and features 50 powered tent sites, making it a beautiful place to stay while enjoying the lake’s offerings.
Reservations are a must for the campsites.
Available facilities include:
- Boat launching and jetty
- Non-flush toilets
- Shelter for cooking
- Tap water—must be treated before drinking
Camping fees are as follows:
- Adults (18+ years): $15/night
- Children (5-17 years): $7.50/night
- Infants (0-4 years): Free
To make a booking, visit the DOC website.
Additional Activities in the Area
Wairua Stream
Along the banks of Lake Tarawera and its feeder streams are natural hot water pockets. Wairua Stream is one such spot, featuring a small natural hot pool for visitors to enjoy for free—making it a delightful experience. Accessible by boat or the Tarawera trail, it’s definitively worth a visit for hot pool enthusiasts.
Tarawera Hot Water Beach
Tarawera Hot Water Beach is another unique location where natural thermal waters occur. In certain spots, the water heats the sand, so when you step off your boat onto the beach, you may be surprised by the scalding hot sand. Here, you can construct your own natural hot pool by digging in the sand and relax while enjoying the scenery. If it gets too warm, just hop into the lake for a refreshing dip. Additionally, a larger natural rock pool at the end of the beach usually has hot water flowing into it for you to enjoy.
The beach also offers a DOC campsite, making it a great option for a prolonged stay to soak in all that Lake Tarawera has to offer!
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