Te Tapahoro (Tarawera Outlet) and Tarawera Falls
Tarawera Forest Access Permits
Due to health and safety concerns with logging in the Tarawera Forest, from Monday, 31 October 2022, Māori Investments Limited (MIL) has made the decision not to issue any visitor permits for the Tarawera Falls during the weekdays (Monday - Friday). Permits will only be issued for weekends and public holidays.
Permits are available from the Kawerau isite during usual opening hours between 9am and 4pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends and public holidays.
Following the holiday season, permits will be also available via the online application page at Māori Investments Ltd. here Tarawera Forest Access Permits
Tarawera Falls
The Tarawera Falls is the most spectacular in the Bay of Plenty.
The Tarawera River plunges 65 down a sheer cliff before tumbling down bush-lined rapid's. 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.
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.
Tarawera Outlet
Tarawera Outlet is located on the eastern arm of Lake Tarawera, 20 from Kawerau. Vehicle access to the Tarawera Falls and Tapahoro is along forest roads, which requires an access permit. Directions and permits are available from the Kawerau i-SITE located on Plunket Street in the Centre of Kawerau or Māori Investments Limited located at the top of Waterhouse Street.
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 Tomtits, Fantails and Kereru can often be seen near the tracks around the falls and river areas.
The Tarawera River drains Lake Tarawera to the Bay of Plenty and falls approximately 30m in the 59km from the lake to the sea. The upper reaches of the river contain many 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.
