Last updated October 2026
Tarawera Falls is a distinctive waterfall on the Tarawera River in the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, reached via Kawerau east of Rotorua. The falls are unusual because water emerges horizontally from fissures in a high cliff face rather than flowing over the top.
Access is via private forestry roads and requires a permit from the Kawerau iSite, available only on weekends and public holidays. The short track from the car park follows the clear Tarawera River through regenerating bush to a viewpoint at the base of the falls.
Practical Information
- Access
- From Kawerau township via private forestry roads (approximately 24 km to car park); around 80 km and 90 minutes from Rotorua
- Permit required
- Yes, obtain from Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre before travel
- Access days
- Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only; forestry gate closed on weekdays and during darkness
- Walk to falls
- 700 m return (0.7 km); approximately 40 minutes return; easy, well-graded track
- Extended track
- Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track: 5 km one way, 1.5 to 2 hours, continuing on foot from the falls (there is currently no road access to the outlet)
- Height
- 65 m
- Facilities
- Toilet at the car park; viewing area with a seat at the falls
- From Taupō
- About 135 to 140 km, 1.5 to 2 hours via Kawerau
About Tarawera Falls
Tarawera Falls stands out for its geology. The Tarawera River flows underground through porous volcanic rock upstream before re-emerging under pressure through narrow fissures in a basalt cliff face. Multiple jets of water surge horizontally from the rock rather than cascading over the top, creating a striking visual effect surrounded by native bush.
The short track from the Waterfall Road car park follows the clear, cold Tarawera River upstream. The setting remains relatively quiet because of the permit system and weekend-only access through forestry land. Signs at the viewpoint explain the cultural and natural significance of the area.
The falls lie within the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve. The surrounding landscape was shaped by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, and the river valley offers a remote feel despite proximity to Rotorua and Kawerau.
Extended Walk Options
The Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track continues beyond the falls for another 5 km to the Lake Tarawera outlet. This section takes 1.5–2 hours one way and follows the river through bush with some swimming spots. A shuttle or return transport is required for the full route. Overnight parking is not permitted at the Tarawera Falls car park.
Access Rules and Current Conditions
Road access permits are sold in person only at the Kawerau i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and are non-refundable. Since 31 October 2022, Māori Investments Limited has issued visitor permits for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only, with none on weekdays. There is currently no road access to the Tarawera Outlet, and dogs are not allowed on the track or other DOC land (Kawerau NZ: Tarawera Falls Road Access Permits).
DOC says the forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness and the forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high. The Tarawera Falls Track has structural damage and has been re-routed to keep access to the falls open, so take care on the way in (DOC: Tarawera Falls Track).
Where to Learn More
DOC — Tarawera Falls Track: official track details, access rules and permit information.
DOC — Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track: details on the longer connecting track and safety notes.
Kawerau NZ — Tarawera Falls Track: local access and permit guidance from Kawerau.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Tarawera Falls?
Drive to Kawerau township off SH30. Obtain a permit from the Kawerau iSite Visitor Information Centre, then follow the forestry roads approximately 24 km to the car park. The final section is gravel; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. A permit is required and must be obtained from the Kawerau iSite before travel. Access is permitted only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; the gate is closed on weekdays and after dark.
What makes Tarawera Falls unusual?
Water surges horizontally from fissures in the cliff face rather than flowing over the top. This occurs because the Tarawera River goes underground through porous volcanic rock upstream and re-emerges under pressure.
How long is the walk to the falls?
The track from the car park to the falls is 700 m return and takes about 40 minutes. It is an easy, well-graded path following the river.
Can I extend the walk?
Yes. The Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track continues 5 km one way from the falls to the Lake Tarawera outlet, taking 1.5–2 hours. Transport at both ends is needed for the full route.
Is Tarawera Falls suitable for families?
The short track is easy and suitable for most visitors, though the remote forestry road access and permit requirements make it a planned half-day trip rather than a quick stop.
Are there swimming spots?
The Tarawera River is clear and cold. Some visitors swim along the extended track between the outlet and the falls, though conditions vary with flow and season.
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