Waterfalls In Tauranga
Beautiful Waterfalls throughout the Tauranga region
Discover the Waterfalls of Tauranga
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If you’re looking for waterfalls near Tauranga, then there are many to choose from. One or two may be just outside of Tauranga, but inside the Bay of Plenty region. Some of these include Kaiate Falls, McLaren Falls, Wairere Falls, and Whataroa Falls. To make your trip even more memorable, be sure to check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Tauranga! We’ve included information on all of them, and will help you decide which one is the most spectacular.
McLaren Falls
If you’re looking for beautiful outdoor scenery in the heart of New Zealand, McLaren Falls in Tauranga is the ideal choice. The waterfall park spans 190 hectares and is located on the outskirts of the city. There are several outdoor recreational activities to enjoy, including a beautiful waterfall track, a botanical garden, and wheelchair-accessible tracks. Many are an easy walk. Plenty of space for a car park.
The road to the site takes you to a collection of boulders trickled by water from the Waiora River. This picturesque setting is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a unique experience. Particularly the glow worms.
While this is a beautiful park year-round, autumnal colours are particularly stunning. Cypress trees are also abundant in in this popular falls park, one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see these unusually shaped trees. They bloom in May and March. You can also explore the park’s animal park. McLaren Falls Park is centrally located to Tauranga. The fall foliage makes it the ideal spot to view autumnal colours.
This is part of a scenic reserve.
Kaiate Falls
One of the more popular waterfalls in Tauranga! The track begins at the carpark and heads down into the bush until you reach the running river. A relatively short walk. The tracks to Kaiate Falls have been developed to protect the natural reserve. At the base of this track you’ll find the waterhole and water fall.
The trail itself is relatively easy to walk, but does require some level of care and a moderate fitness level. Wear appropriate footwear, as the track can be slippery after rain. Be sure to plan on some time to walk along the track, since it can become muddy and slippery. In addition to walking, you might want to pack a lunch and a bottle of water.
Whataroa Falls at Otanewainuku
If you’re looking for a waterfall near Tauranga, consider the Whataroa Falls. Located between Tauranga and Rotorua, it’s only a half-hour drive away.
The Waterfall Track leads you to the falls, which is also a swimming hole. It is a small waterfall in comparison to the others. Along this track, you are surrounded by beautiful forest and native bush, so you’re sure to find some peace and quiet. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of this region!
Omanawa Falls
This track is currently closed. Please visit one of the other waterfalls in Tauranga for now.
There is a project underway to improve the accessibility and safety of Omanawa Falls in Tauranga. Tauranga City Council, in partnership with Ngati Hangarau and Tourism Bay of Plenty, has allocated $978,945 to the project to date. The funding is primarily aimed at improving public safety at the falls. The Omanawa Falls project also proposes to build a track down to the near-bottom of the waterfall as well as viewing platforms for people of all ages.
Raparapahoe Falls
The beautiful three-metre-high Raparapahoe Falls plunges into a pristine pool below. Located near Te Puke, Raparapahoe Falls is a popular nature walk. Those who want a challenge can hike a steep track down to the falls, which offers spectacular views. The trail is also a great way to spend some time in nature, as the stream winds through native punga trees.
Wairere Falls
Wairere Falls, a scenic waterfall located in the Kaimai Ranges. The walk is moderate and requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The track is well-established, but the terrain can be rugged in places. The trail follows a small, bolder-filled river and then veers up towards the waterfall.
The Wairere Track is a historic trail that has a number of historical points of interest. The start of the track begins from the car park.
Although out of all of the waterfalls in Tauranga, this is actually just out of the city.
Wairere Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the North Island. It is located within the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
Enjoy the Wonderful Waterfalls In Tauranga & Bay of Plenty
Visiting the region’s waterfalls can be a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful weather, lush scenery, and plenty of adventure. Many of them offer the perfect swimming spots too!
We hope this guide will help you make the most of your stay in Tauranga! Enjoy the Scenic Reserves and waterfalls throughout the awesome Bay of Plenty.