Kawerau, a town of 7000 people on the Tarawera River, was established in the 1950s. Various walks provide a variety of landscapes, including views of the river and the town.

How to Get There

Kawerau is 5 minutes off State Highway 30. From Rotorua turn right on to SH 34 after
passing Lake Rotoma. From Whakatane turn left on to Kawerau Straights (SH 34) after Te Teko.

Attractions and Facilities

Stoneham Walk
(Easy walking, 1hr return)

From the Maurie Kjar Swimming Pool carpark, cross Prideaux Park to the Ruruanga Stream. Walk along the back of the Bowling club, through Ruranga Gardens to the Bell Street entrance of Stoneham Walk. Follow the path via Stoneham Glade to Blundell Avenue and Valley Road. Walk south along Valley Road, left on to Fenton Mill Road and back to the pool.

Monika Lanham Reserve Walk
(Varying terrain, several defined tracks)

Enter opposite the 5 Rocks carpark off Fenton Mill Road. Walk along the base of the hill to the unsealed road beside the Kawerau Intermediate School and follow the road up to the reservoirs for views of the town, mills and surrounding landscape.

Tarawera River & Forest Walk
(Varying terrain, 1-1.5hrs return)

A tranquil forest, river and native bush walk. Start at Firmin Field off Waterhouse St. Go south along the back of Firmin Field past Porritt Drive to Tarawera Park. Walk along the river past the golf course, over the Pipe Bridge and walk back along the river to Waterhouse Street Bridge and back to Firmin Field.

Mt Putauaki (Edgecumbe)
(Reasonable level of fitness required steep terrain, 2-3hrs up 30-60mins down. Take water)

Mount Putauaki has commanding views over the Eastern Bay of Plenty. A permit is required to climb the mountain. These are available from Maori Investments Ltd, Jellicoe Court. Week days only.

Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve

How to Get There

The Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve has a variety of access points where a range of activities may be enjoyed. Vehicle access to Tarawera Falls and the Outlet is through Kawerau and along forest roads, which require an access permit. Permits are available for $2.50 from the Kawerau Information Centre, Tarawera Court, Kawerau, phone 07 323-7550. Business hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, Sunday and Statutory Holidays 10am-1pm. The forest road may be closed in summer when the fire risk is high.

Public jetties are at Tarawera Landing, Tarawera Outlet, Boatshed Bay and Rapatu Bay. A popular beach boat ramp is located at the Tarawera Outlet. Public toilets are provided at most boating access points, camping areas, and at the Waterfall Road carpark.

Tarawera Falls Track
(Easy walking track, pushchair friendly. 40 minutes return)

Access is sign posted from Kawerau Township. Follow along River Road, turn into Waterhouse Street, over the Waterhouse St bridge and enter the Forest, past the Forestry Yards on your left and then turn right at the intersection onto Tarawera Rd. The track runs from Waterfall Road carpark to the spectacular falls, where water surges out of fissures in a high cliff face. Return the same way.

Tarawera Outlet
Tarawera Outlet is popular for day trips, camping, boating and trout fishing.

Tarawera Outlet to Falls Track
(Moderate walking track, 4 hrs return)

The track runs between the Waterfall Road carpark and the Outlet swing bridge. The river disappears underground at several places before re-emerging through fissures in the cliff at the Falls. From the viewing area at the base of the Falls the track zig-zags up a steep escarpment towards the Outlet. Picnic areas are numerous. They include a beautiful spot beside the Tarawera River, 100m back along Waterfall Road from the carpark. Camping is permitted at Tarawera Outlet. Camping at Humphries Bay is restricted to one night and is only for visitors arriving on foot or by kayak.

Humphries Bay
(Moderate tramping track from the Tarawera Outlet 6 hrs return)

At the southern end of Lake Tarawera, Humphries Bay is a pleasant picnic and camping spot accessible by boat or along the Northern Tarawera Track.

Please Remember

Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bikes and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals, camping outside designated areas and hunting without a permit are not permitted. Campers are advised to use gas cookers.