Walks and Tramping
Stoneham Walk
Start/finish: Information Centre - Plunket Street
Time: Approximately 1 hour
A delightful short walk through Kawerau's gardens and parks. Start at the Kawerau Walkways Sign opposite the Information Centre and walk to the Ruruanga Stream past the Bowling Greens. Cross the footbridge and turn left and walk through the grove of native trees to the Bell Street Bridge. Walk up to the road and cross Bell Street to enter Stoneham Walk, by the memorial to Roy Stoneham. Follow the track on the left hand side of the stream past the Rose Garden, over the picturesque Stone Bridge, past two more bridges and on to the last bridge below Valley Road culvert. You have the options of leaving the park on to Valley Road, and turn right or left to follow streets back to the Information Centre. However, we suggest you cross the last bridge and return to the start on the other side of the stream. The Ruruanga Stream is a junior angler fishery where children under 14 years can fish for Trout. All of the nine bridges over the meandering Ruruanga Stream have been constructed by the Rotary Club of Kawerau over a thirty year period.
Monika Lanham Reserve Walkways
Start/finish: Rotary Entrance on Fenton Mill Road
Time: Various walks from 30 minutes to 1hour in duration
There are various walkways in the Reserve. Click to view the map of the Monika Lanham  Reserve, which sets out the range of tracks available.
There is an eleven year programme in place to restore the indigenous vegetation cover in the Reserve. Vehicles can be taken into the Reserve by prior arrangement with the Kawerau District Council.
Tarawera River Walk
Start/finish: Boyce Park off River Road
Time: Approximately 1 hour
A walk along the river starting at Boyce Park on the corner of River Road and Tamarangi Drive. Walk from the park south behind the College through the reserves to enjoy the views of the Tarawera River; carry on to the Waterhouse Street Bridge. You could continue from here to the Tarawera River and Forest Walk, or just return on the same track to Boyce Park.
Tarawera River and Forest Walk
Start/Finish: Waterhouse Street Bridge at Firmin Field
Time: 1 hour to 2 hours
A walk appealing to nature-lovers, passing through native bush, forest and viewing the Tarawera River. Walk south along the back of Firmin Field and Porritt Drive to enter Tarawera Park, the District's main sporting venue. Wander along the river around the golf course until you reach the Pipe Bridge. Walk across the bridge and enter the Tarawera Forest on the other side of the river. Turn left and walk northwards towards Maori Investments House. A short downhill stepped walk brings you back to Firmin Field.
Tarawera Falls and Lakes Tracks
The Tarawera Outlet is located on the eastern arm of Lake Tarawera, 20 kilometres from Kawerau. Vehicle access to the Tarawera Falls and Outlet is along forest roads, which requires an access permit. Directions and permits are available from the Information Centre located on Plunket Street in the centre of Kawerau.
These 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 Tarawera 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 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. For further information and maps on these walks click Tarawera Brochure
Tarawera Falls Tracks
Start: Waterfall Road Car park
Time: 20 minutes one way - 0.7kms
This part of the track system is easy and well graded. From the car park, head upstream along the Tarawera River, across the footbridge then continue along the river until you arrive at the Falls viewing area. It's a spectacular sight and there are signs to explain the cultural and natural significance of the area. Backtrack to the car park or continue along the walking track to the Tarawera Outlet.
Tarawera Outlet Campsite
This 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 fly fishing locally is excellent too!
Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track
Start: Tarawera Outlet
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes one way - 5 kms
At the outlet, cross the bridge and turn right. The track meanders through the native bush, largely following the river. Caution is advised for those wishing to swim beside this track due to strong currents. However, there is a safe and popular swimming spot about 1 hour from the Outlet, at a wider and shallower stretch of the river where the water runs more gently. Shortly afterwards, the track divides for a brief distance before coming together again and zigzagging down a steep escarpment to the viewing area at the base of the Falls. The Waterfall Road car park is approximately 20 minutes walk past the Falls.
If you have not arranged return transport you will have to go back along the same track to the Outlet.
Tarawera Outlet to Humphries Bay
Start: Tarawera Outlet
Time: 3 hours one way - 7 kms
Cross the bridge at the Outlet and take the left hand track. Once past the jetty, views of the lake become less frequent as the track climbs inland. The track descends into Humphries Bay - a pleasant picnic and overnight camping area. Trampers can then take the Eastern Okataina Walkway northwards to access Otangimoana Bay on Lake Okataina (approximately 20 minutes one way) or onwards to complete the walkway at the Okataina car park (Tauranganui Bay - a further 2 hours and 40 minutes walk).
The reserves around the Tarawera Falls and the walking and tramping tracks are managed by the Department of Conservation, Rotorua Lakes Area. For more information contact:
The Kawerau Information Centre: Tel 07 323 7550
E-mail: 
Rotorua Lakes Area Office: Tel 07 348 3610
Other Walks
Putauaki
Putauaki (Mt. Edgecumbe) is a significant local icon of culture and history. Allow 3 - 4 hours walk along roadway.
A permit is required for this walk and is readily obtained from Maori Investments House, Waterhouse Street, during the week.
Maungawhakamana
Accessed from Rotoiti Road on the way to the Tarawera Falls, close to the Kaipara Stream Road. The start is a bit overgrown, so good directions are needed. Allow 3 to 4 hours return. A steep climb, but well worth the effort.
Access Permit and information available from the Information Centre located on Plunket St in the centre of Kawerau.
Norske Skog Wetlands
This spectacular wetland area is well worth a visit. The restoration project commenced in the mid 1990s and has been developed from old industrial sludge settling ponds. Various walks and picnic areas are accessible. Make enquiries at the Norske Skog Tasman Security building on Fletcher Avenue.
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