Tarawera Falls is a 65-metre waterfall on the Tarawera River in the Bay of Plenty — one of New Zealand’s more dramatic and less-visited natural features. The falls emerge from fissures in a large basalt cliff face surrounded by native bush, with the river water appearing to pour directly from the rock. Access is via private forestry roads from the town of Kawerau and requires a permit, available from the Kawerau iSite — the falls are open to the public on weekends and public holidays only. The drive from Kawerau takes approximately 45 minutes on unsealed roads, followed by a 20-minute return walk from the carpark to the falls viewpoint.
Practical Information
| Location | Tarawera River, Bay of Plenty — accessed from Kawerau township via private forestry roads |
| Height | 65 metres |
| Access | Permit required — available from Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre |
| Open days | Weekends and public holidays only |
| Drive from Kawerau | Approximately 45 minutes on unsealed roads |
| Walk to falls | Approximately 20 minutes return from carpark |
| Facilities | Toilet at carpark; viewing area with seat at falls |
| Entry | Permit required — check current permit process at Kawerau iSite |
| Distance from Taupō | Approximately 1.5–2 hours via Kawerau |
The Falls
Tarawera Falls is unusual among New Zealand waterfalls in that the water appears to emerge directly from the cliff face — the Tarawera River flows underground through the porous volcanic plateau above before bursting from fissures in the basalt rock and falling 65 metres into the pool below. The effect is striking: a full river dropping from what appears to be a solid rock wall, surrounded by native bush. The falls form at the boundary of the pumice plateau and the harder basalt below, where the underground river cannot continue.
The pool at the base of the falls is clear and the setting is deeply native bush — the access road and track pass through plantation forestry before reaching a remnant of indigenous vegetation around the falls themselves.
Getting a Permit
Access to Tarawera Falls is via private forestry roads owned by Norske Skog (Tasman) Ltd, and a permit is required to drive through. Permits are available from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre in Kawerau township. The process is straightforward — stop at the iSite, get the permit, then follow the unsealed road to the falls carpark. Access is limited to weekends and public holidays; the falls are not accessible on weekdays.
Kawerau is off State Highway 30 between Rotorua and Whakatāne. From Taupō, allow approximately 1.5–2 hours to reach Kawerau before beginning the forestry road section.
Where to Learn More
DOC – Tarawera Falls Track — official track information and access notes from the Department of Conservation.
Kawerau iSite – Tarawera Falls Access Permits — permit information and Kawerau iSite contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Tarawera Falls?
On the Tarawera River in the Bay of Plenty, accessed from Kawerau township via private forestry roads. Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Taupō.
Do I need a permit for Tarawera Falls?
Yes — a permit is required to access the forestry roads leading to the falls. Permits are available from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre. Access is on weekends and public holidays only.
How tall are Tarawera Falls?
65 metres — the water emerges from fissures in a basalt cliff face and drops into a pool below, making it one of the more dramatic waterfalls in the North Island.
How long is the walk to Tarawera Falls?
Approximately 20 minutes return from the carpark to the falls viewpoint — a short, easy walk through native bush.
Is Tarawera Falls a good swimming spot?
The pool at the base of the falls is clear and attractive, though access conditions vary. Check current rules with the DOC and permit office before planning a swim.
Tarawera Falls is a worthwhile detour on the route between Taupō and the Bay of Plenty. The Taupō walking tracks hub covers more natural attractions within the district.