Last updated July 2026
Tarawera Falls is a striking 65-metre waterfall on the Tarawera River in the Bay of Plenty region, where the river surges out of fissures in a high basalt cliff face surrounded by native bush. The falls are located in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve and offer a dramatic sight as water appears to emerge directly from the rock. Access requires a permit and is restricted to weekends and public holidays only, making it a popular day-trip destination from Taupō. The site features a short track to a viewing area, with signs explaining its cultural and natural significance. Current conditions include possible track rerouting due to structural damage and seasonal forestry or fire-risk closures.
Practical Information
| Location | Tarawera River, Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, Bay of Plenty — accessed from Kawerau via private forestry roads |
| Height | 65 metres |
| Access | Permit required from Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre; weekends and public holidays only |
| Drive from Kawerau | Via unsealed forestry roads (gate closed at night; may close in summer due to fire risk) |
| Walk to falls | Short track from carpark to viewing area (approximately 800 m one way) |
| Facilities | Toilet at carpark; viewing area with seat at falls |
| Entry | $10 permit per vehicle (non-refundable); check current conditions at Kawerau iSite |
| Distance from Taupō | Approximately 135–140 km; 1.5–2 hours driving via Kawerau |
| Dogs | Not permitted on the track or in the DOC-administered area |
About Tarawera Falls
Tarawera Falls stands out because the Tarawera River flows underground through porous volcanic rock before re-emerging through narrow fissures in the cliff face and plunging 65 metres. The cliff marks the end of an ancient rhyolitic lava flow linked to an eruption of Mount Tarawera around 11,000 years ago. Vegetation around the falls has regrown since the 1886 Tarawera eruption and includes pohutukawa, rata, and notable hybrids between the two species.
The falls lie within Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. A short track leaves the carpark and follows the river upstream, crossing a bridge before reaching the viewing area. Signs at the viewpoint provide details on the area’s cultural and natural importance. The surrounding setting combines plantation forestry on the access road with remnant indigenous bush near the falls themselves.
Visitors should note structural damage on the track, which has been rerouted for continued access; extra care is required. Overnight parking is not permitted at the carpark, and the forest gate closes during hours of darkness.
Access and Permits
Access to Tarawera Falls is via private forestry roads and requires a permit. Permits cost $10 per vehicle and are available only from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre on Plunket Street in Kawerau. They are issued exclusively for weekends and public holidays and must be purchased in person. Forestry operations, including logging trucks, may be active, and permits will not be issued during periods of high fire risk or other operational restrictions. Dogs are prohibited on the DOC track and surrounding conservation land.
Kawerau lies off State Highway 30 between Rotorua and Whakatāne. From Taupō the drive to Kawerau takes roughly 1.5–2 hours, after which the forestry road section begins.
The Track and Viewing Experience
The Tarawera Falls Track runs from the carpark upstream along the Tarawera River to the falls viewpoint. The route includes a bridge crossing and leads to a dedicated viewing area with seating. The track continues beyond the falls as the longer Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track, which takes around two hours one way to the lake outlet. Current track conditions include a reroute due to structural damage; visitors should follow all signage and exercise caution.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the falls as spectacular and unusual, with water dramatically emerging from the cliff face. Many appreciate the short, easy walk and peaceful bush setting once at the viewpoint, though they note the need to plan around permit hours and current forestry conditions.
Reviewers highlight the clear pool below the falls and the sense of discovery on a less-crowded site. Some mention the drive through forestry roads as an adventure in itself, while advising others to confirm permit availability and track status before travelling.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Tarawera Falls Track: Official track description, access rules, and current conditions for Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve.
Kawerau iSite – Tarawera Falls Road Access Permits: Permit requirements, costs, opening hours, and forestry access updates.
Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre: Contact details and current opening hours for purchasing permits in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Tarawera Falls?
On the Tarawera River in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, Bay of Plenty, accessed from Kawerau township via private forestry roads. Approximately 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Taupō.
Do I need a permit for Tarawera Falls?
Yes. A $10 permit per vehicle is required and available only from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre. Access is restricted to weekends and public holidays.
How tall are Tarawera Falls?
65 metres. The river emerges from fissures in a high basalt cliff face before falling into the pool below.
How long is the walk to Tarawera Falls?
The track from the carpark to the viewing area is short, roughly 800 metres one way, and takes most visitors 15–30 minutes return.
Are dogs allowed at Tarawera Falls?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Tarawera Falls Track or in the surrounding Department of Conservation areas.
Is swimming possible at Tarawera Falls?
The pool at the base is clear, but swimming is not promoted by official sources. Check current conditions and rules with the permit office and DOC before entering the water.
What should I know about current track conditions?
The track has structural damage and has been rerouted. Take care, follow all signs, and confirm status before visiting. The forest gate closes at night and access may be restricted during high fire risk.
Can I visit Tarawera Falls on a weekday?
No. Permits and road access are issued only for weekends and public holidays due to forestry operations.
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