Last updated July 2026
Te Rere o Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls) is a scenic waterfall and reserve in the Ōmanawa Valley, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Tauranga. The site features three lookout platforms offering views of the 35-metre falls and surrounding valley, along with an immersive forest walkway and cultural elements developed in partnership with local hapū Ngāti Hangarau. Safe access works completed in recent years have opened the reserve to the public after a period of closure due to safety concerns and its tapu status. The area holds deep cultural significance as a place of reflection and healing, and swimming is not permitted. The historic Ōmanawa Falls Power Station, New Zealand’s first underground hydro-electric station, adds heritage value to the location.
Practical Information
| Official name | Te Rere o Ōmanawa – Ōmanawa Falls |
| Address | 1031 Ōmanawa Road, Ōmanawa |
| Opening hours | 8am–7.30pm (summer daylight saving); 8am–5.30pm (winter) |
| Access | Public, via walking tracks and stairs from car park |
| Facilities | Three lookout platforms, interpretive panels, carved tomokanga and pou, ecological loops |
| Restrictions | No swimming, service dogs only, no alcohol, no rock climbing |
| Owner | Tauranga City Council |
| Partners | Ngāti Hangarau, Tourism Bay of Plenty |
About Te Rere o Ōmanawa
Te Rere o Ōmanawa lies in the rohe of Ngāti Hangarau and serves as a place of cultural importance, traditionally associated with insight, reflection, and healing. The reserve now provides safe public access following extensive stabilisation works that included installing over 480 rock bolts and soil nails on cliff faces and adding more than 750 stairs along the route.
The main walkway is an immersive ngahere (forest) path connecting the car park to the lookouts. A section between two lookouts requires moderate to high fitness due to the stairs. Two shorter ecological walking loops branch off the main track, offering additional opportunities to experience the native bush.
Three purpose-built lookout platforms provide panoramic views of the falls and valley, complemented by information panels on the cultural significance of the area and the history of the power station. Carved elements including a tomokanga (gateway) and pou further interpret traditional Māori customs in this setting.
The Omanawa River drops approximately 35 metres at the falls into a deep pool within the gorge. The site is managed to respect its tapu status, with clear guidance that swimming is not permitted.
Walking Tracks and Access
Visitors reach the lookouts via a purpose-built forest walkway from the car park at 1031 Ōmanawa Road. The route incorporates several hundred stairs in places, making parts moderately to highly demanding. Two ecological loops provide shorter options for those seeking less strenuous exploration. The reserve operates with seasonal opening hours to align with daylight.
Access is free and open to the public during operating hours. The site is not classified as a Department of Conservation track; it is a Tauranga City Council reserve developed with input from Ngāti Hangarau and Tourism Bay of Plenty.
History and Cultural Significance
Planning for improved public access began in 2008 with a reserve management plan. Funding was allocated in 2018, a governance group formed in 2019, and the final route confirmed in 2021. Construction started in 2022, resulting in the current safe infrastructure. The project honours the area’s cultural importance while enabling respectful visitation.
Ngāti Hangarau maintains a strong connection to the site. Kaitiaki have previously been present during periods of closure to reinforce safety and tapu protocols. The reserve continues to be managed with cultural guidance at its core.
Ōmanawa Falls Power Station
The Ōmanawa Falls Power Station, completed in 1915, holds national heritage significance as the first underground hydro-electric generating station in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere. It was listed as a Category II historic place by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in 1996. The station is powered by water diverted around the falls and remains an iconic feature of the valley’s industrial and cultural landscape.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the views from the platforms as spectacular and appreciate the cultural information panels and carved elements that add depth to the experience. Many note the fitness required for the stairs but find the walk rewarding once at the lookouts.
People value the respectful atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Ngāti Hangarau history alongside the natural beauty. The seasonal hours and clear rules around activities are frequently mentioned as helpful for planning a visit.
Where to Learn More
Tauranga City Council: Official page with map, access details, opening hours and site rules.
Ōmanawa Falls map (PDF): Downloadable site map showing tracks and lookouts.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga: Information on the historic power station listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Te Rere o Ōmanawa open to the public?
Yes, the site is open following completion of safe access works including cliff reinforcement and new tracks with stairs.
Can I swim at the falls?
No, swimming is prohibited to respect the site’s cultural significance as a place of reflection and healing for Ngāti Hangarau.
What is the walking track like?
The main walkway includes several hundred stairs in sections and requires moderate to high fitness. Two shorter ecological loops are also available.
What are the opening hours?
8am to 7.30pm during summer daylight saving and 8am to 5.30pm in winter.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry is free during opening hours.
Where is the car park?
The address is 1031 Ōmanawa Road, Ōmanawa, with parking available at the start of the walkway.
What cultural features are on site?
Visitors can see a carved tomokanga (gateway), pou, and interpretive panels explaining the area’s significance to Ngāti Hangarau and the power station history.
Is the power station still operating?
The historic station is no longer the primary power source for the area but remains a listed heritage feature visible from the reserve.
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