Kayaking

Adventure Kayaking

The Tarawera River begins at the eastern end of Lake Tarawera and heads east to the coast through some impressive volcanic geology and via the township of Kawerau. The river offers good Grade 2 & 3 rapids and can be run from about 10 kms below the Tarawera Falls down to Kawerau. 

Kayakers have been using the river for years, but the race sections behind Firmin Field and the Waterhouse Street Reserve has drawn the attention of Whitewater Slalom NZ teams which uses the course for training camps, trials and competitions.    These sections of the river have become so popular that Kawerau District Council developed a permanent Whitewater Slalom Course on the Waterhouse Street Reserve stretch of the river.  

A permit is required to enter the forest and access the upper reaches of the river. These can be obtained from the Information Centre located on Plunket Street in the middle of town.