Last updated November 2026
Kaiate Falls, also known as Te Rerekawau Falls, is a scenic reserve featuring a series of cascades and waterfalls on the Kaiate Stream near Tauranga. The falls drop over ignimbrite bluffs in a bush-filled ravine, creating multiple tiers and a lower plunge pool area.
Visitors reach the site via a short drive from central Tauranga to a car park with toilets and picnic space. The walking tracks provide access to viewpoints of the upper and lower falls through native forest. Note that the track is closed after a weather event, and swimming is not recommended due to a permanent health warning.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Oct–Mar by Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Kaiate Falls
Thursday 5 NovemberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (3,635 per 100 mL from 111 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- Kaiate Falls Road, Waitao, Tauranga
- Drive time from Tauranga
- 30 minutes
- Track length
- Not published by the district council
- Time required
- Up to 60 minutes return
- Difficulty
- Moderate, with steep sections and steps
- Wheelchair access
- No
- Toilets
- Yes, at the car park
- Dogs
- Allowed on leash
- Swimming
- Not recommended; permanent health warning in place
About Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls lies in a scenic reserve managed by Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The Kaiate Stream flows through a ravine where it drops over ignimbrite bluffs, forming a series of cascades and waterfalls. The upper section includes a three-tiered series, followed by a lower plunge. The setting combines native bush with the sound of falling water.
The reserve offers a short bush walk suitable for those with moderate fitness. Tracks are well formed with steps and handrails in steeper areas. From the car park area there are views toward Mauao and the Port of Tauranga. Picnic space is available on grass near the parking area.
The site is popular with locals and visitors seeking a nature experience close to Tauranga. Signage at the reserve provides important safety and water quality information that should be followed at all times.
Access and Current Status
The reserve is reached by driving from Welcome Bay Road onto Waitao Road, then turning left into Kaiate Falls Road. A vehicle track leads to the car park approximately 1 km from the turn-off.
The main walking track starts from the car park and leads to the upper falls then continues to the lower falls. A secondary track follows the stream toward the road bridge.
The district council has closed the track after a weather event. Check the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website before planning a visit. When open, appropriate footwear is recommended as sections can become slippery after rain.
Swimming and Water Quality
A permanent health warning is in place at Kaiate Falls due to unsafe levels of E. coli faecal bacteria. Toi Te Ora Public Health advises against swimming or other recreational contact with the water. The warning has been active since at least 2015, with ongoing monitoring by regional authorities. Visitors should respect all signage regarding water quality.
The Walking Tracks
The main track descends through forest to viewpoints of the upper three-tiered cascades before continuing to the lower waterfall. Track junctions are signposted. The route includes steps and some steeper sections. Another short track near the car park follows the stream. Allow up to 60 minutes return.
Where to Learn More
Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Current track status, access details and safety information.
LAWA: Water quality monitoring results and swimming site status.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Catchment information and water quality context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaiate Falls track open?
No. The district council has closed the track after a weather event. Check the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website for the latest updates.
Can I swim at Kaiate Falls?
No, a permanent health warning is in place due to high E. coli levels. Swimming is not recommended.
How long is the walk to Kaiate Falls?
The district council does not publish a length, and its visitor guide, Bay of Plenty NZ, gives up to 60 minutes return. The track runs from the car park to the upper falls and on to the lower falls, with steps and some steeper sections.
Are dogs allowed at Kaiate Falls?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash when the track is open.
Is there parking and toilets?
Yes, there is a car park with toilets and picnic space at the reserve entrance.
What is the difficulty of the track?
The track is moderate with some steep sections and steps. Good footwear is recommended.
Where is Kaiate Falls located?
It is on Kaiate Falls Road in Waitao, a 30-minute drive from Tauranga via Welcome Bay Road.
Are there views from the car park?
Yes, the area offers views of Mauao and the Port of Tauranga.
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Sources and data notes 1
- Water quality track record: Water quality: © LAWA and partner organisations (Bay of Plenty Regional Council), licensed under CC BY 4.0, results to March 2025. Facilities: © OpenStreetMap contributors.