Last updated November 2026
Whataroa Falls are a stream waterfall deep in Ōtanewainuku Forest, south of Tauranga, reached on a side track off the Rimu Loop Walk. The falls track branches off the loop after about 15 minutes, and DOC gives about 60 minutes one way from there to the falls.
DOC and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council both describe the falls as a popular swimming hole and picnic spot, with cascades and pools to explore before you head back the same way.
The route is well marked but undulating, and both say it suits the “slightly more agile”. The start is the roadside car park on Mountain Road near Ōropi; check DOC before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- Ōtanewainuku Forest car park, Mountain Road, Ōropi (the Rimu Loop starts across the road)
- Distance from the city
- About 21 km south of Tauranga in a straight line
- Walking time
- About 15 min on the Rimu Loop to the turn-off, then about 60 min one way to the falls (DOC)
- Grade
- Rimu Loop Walk: Easy. Falls track: well marked, for the slightly more agile
- Dogs
- No (Bay of Plenty NZ)
- Facilities
- Shelter, toilet and picnic area at the roadside car park
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
About Whataroa Falls
The walk begins on the Rimu Loop, a gently graded track among big rimu trees. The council describes Ōtanewainuku as unlogged forest, with tawa, kāmahi and rewarewa forming the high canopy and large emergent rimu standing above it. Robins and bellbirds are easy to see and hear.
About 15 minutes along the loop, the Whataroa Falls track turns off and winds through the forest for about an hour. It undulates through the forest, and both DOC and the council say it suits the slightly more agile.
The side track reaches the falls, a spot DOC calls a popular swimming hole and picnic place. Take time to explore the stream’s cascades and pools, then return the same way to the Rimu Loop and the road.
DOC notes the track carries on north beyond the falls to the main ridge track towards Otawa Scenic Reserve, a much longer route of about 18.5 km (9 hours) to Upper Papamoa Road, for which it suggests getting a map from the local DOC office.
Kiwi and the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust
The forest is home to North Island brown kiwi. Bay of Plenty NZ says the kiwi population has been protected here since the 1990s, and the council says the volunteer Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust has worked to conserve the forest’s wildlife since 2002, including releases of kiwi and kōkako. Bay of Plenty NZ lists dogs as not allowed on the falls walk.
Swimming at the Falls
The pool at the falls is a known swimming spot. Look at the water and the stream level on the day, and stay out when the stream is up after rain.
Getting There
From Tauranga, take Oropi Road south and turn onto Mountain Road just past Ōropi. You can also reach Mountain Road from No. 2 Road near Te Puke. The car park is beside the road, with a shelter, toilet and picnic area; the Rimu Loop starts on the opposite side of the road. DOC says no mountain biking is permitted.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Otanewainuku walking tracks: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Ōtanewainuku Forest: track times, directions and a track map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk to Whataroa Falls?
About 15 minutes on the Rimu Loop to the turn-off, then about 60 minutes one way to the falls, according to DOC.
How hard is the track?
The Rimu Loop is graded Easy. The falls track is well marked but undulating, and DOC says it suits the slightly more agile.
Can I swim at Whataroa Falls?
DOC describes the falls as a popular swimming hole. Check the stream on the day and stay out after rain.
Where do I park?
At the roadside car park on Mountain Road near Ōropi, which has a shelter, toilet and picnic area.
Can I take my dog?
No. Bay of Plenty NZ lists dogs as not allowed on the Whataroa Falls track, and the forest is kiwi habitat.
Is there more to walk at Ōtanewainuku?
Yes. The council lists the Summit Track, a 90-minute return walk to a 640 m summit tower with wide views.
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