Tarawera Outlet, Falls and River

The Tarawera Falls are the most spectacular falls in the Bay of Plenty.   The Tarawera Rivers plunges 65 metres down a sheer cliff before tumbling down bush-lined rapids.   The river bed around the falls is carved into ancient volcanic rocks and the high cliffs are thought to be the eroded end face of an ancient lava flow that poured from Mt. Tarawera about 11,000 years ago.

The Tarawera Outlet is a pleasant picnic and overnight camping spot. The area is popular with both families and sports people who enjoy kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, boating, tramping, swimming, tubing and water skiing. Hot water beach, a natural underwater hot spring on the shores of Lake Tarawera is easily reached by either boat or kayak from the Tarawera Outlet.

The large popular campsite is accessible by car from Kawerau, on foot or by boat. Facilities include toilets, cooking shelter and a boat ramp. The water supply is from the river and requires boiling before use. Fees apply and are payable to the on-site warden. There are signs about the tracks and an interesting panel on Mount Tarawera’s vegetation succession.

The forest, dominated by Pohutukawa and Rata as well as hybrids of the two, is relatively young due to the devastation caused by the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886.   Native forest birds such as Tui, Tomtits, Fantails and Kereru can often be seen near the tracks around the falls and river areas.   Migrating eels have been seen climbing determinedly over grass, scrub and rock, up the western side of the falls in search of habitat further upstream.

The Tarawera River drains Lake Tarawera to the Bay of Plenty and falls approximately 30m in the 59 km from the lake to the sea.   The upper reaches of the river contain a number of rapids considered to be world class kayaking courses.   Trout fishing along the length of the river from the Tarawera Falls to Kawerau is outstanding with rainbow trout, averaging 1.5 kg, present in high numbers.

Vehicle access to the Tarawera Falls and Outlet is along forest roads which require an access permit.   Directions and permits are available from the Kawerau Information Centre on Plunket Street, Kawerau.

For further information and a brochure on walks in the area click Tarawera Brochure