10 October 2026
Cloudy periods. Isolated showers, clearing this evening as northerlies die out.
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1 / 10Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve
Tarawera Falls Track
The track runs between the Waterfall road carpark to the spectacular falls, where water surges out of fissures in a high cliff face. Limited access times and permits required.
Distance
0.7 km
Walking time
20 min one way
Difficulty
Easiest
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Rotorua forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing in the afternoon with increasing fine spells. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies, dying out in the evening.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon. Westerlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Tarawera Falls Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Tarawera Falls Track
From the car park, head upstream along the easy and well-graded track beside the Tarawera River, across the footbridge then continue along the river until you arrive at the viewing area. It's a spectacular sight and there are signs to explain the cultural and natural significance of the area. Return via the same track or continue on the Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track to extend your walk (approx. 2 hours one way).
Essential information for Tarawera Falls Track
Driving to Tarawera Falls requires a Tarawera Forest Access permit that permits you to travel through Tarawera Forest to get to the Tarawera Falls. Permits are $10 per vehicle for 1 day only. Because of Health and safety concerns to the public, Māori Investments Limited (MIL) has made the decision not to issue any visitor permits for the Tarawera Falls during the weekdays (Monday - Friday). Access permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre. Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre Plunket Street, Kawerau 3127 Phone: +64 7 323 6300 Email: infocentre@kaweraudc.govt.nz Opening hours for Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre Gates close at 7pm each day, so ensure you leave enough time to return to your vehicle and exit before this time.
Getting there for Tarawera Falls Track
Access to the Tarawera Falls carpark is from Kawerau township (off SH 30 between Rotorua and Whakatāne) via private forestry roads. A permit is required and access is only available for Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness. The forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high. Use this location on Google Maps to help you find your way to the Kawerau iSite to get your permit, before you head to the Tarawera Carpark .
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Tarawera Falls Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Tarawera Falls Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.