The park borders Lake McLaren, formed behind a dam built for hydro-electricity generation.
The landscape includes parkland and native bush. McLaren Falls has a fine botanical collection
of trees and a range of birdlife, including the North Island brown kiwi, North Island robin
and long-tailed cuckoo.The park has accommodation, with camping on any open, grassed area, except Cherry Bay,and three hostels. Trout fishing is permitted year round in the lake and nearby Ruahihi Canal
with a licence. An animal park adjoins McLaren Falls Park.

How to Get There

McLaren Falls Park is 15 minutes south of
Tauranga. Turn off State Highway 2 to State
Highway 29, then into McLaren Falls Road.


Attractions and Facilities

Ridge Track

(Easy walking, 45mins loop)

The ridge track in the centre of the park passes
through a spectacular grove of ponga tree ferns
and offers spectacular views.


Pine Tree Knoll track

(Moderate walking, 35-45 minutes)

A walking track zig-zags to the summit, where
there are good views.


Rimu Track

(Easy walking, 1hr return)

Rimu Track centres on the main native bush
area in the park. An access track leads into a
loop through the best of the bush area.


Waterfall Walk

(Easy walking, 20mins return)

A gentle walk to a waterfall at the head of a
stream, returning down the other bank of the
stream. Glowworms are often visible along the
banks.

Picnic areas with coin-operated gas barbecues
are plentiful.

Camping and hostel accommodation are
available.

Public toilets are available at a number of points.


Please Remember

Dogs are not permitted.