Tarawera Falls Walk
Duration
3 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
Languages
English
Skip the line
Included
Loop walk through native forest to waterfalls
See three cascading waterfalls along the trail
Enjoy spectacular views at Tarawera Falls
Short walk suitable for most fitness levels
€ 41.26
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This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
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The tour begins at Kariri Point Reserve or Boat Shed Bay, where visitors park their vehicles before boarding the water taxi for a 40 minute cruise to Te Tapahoro Bay at the Tarawera Outlet. From there, participants start the loop walk to Tarawera Falls, a journey of approximately one and a half hours. Along the way, walkers pass two additional cascading waterfalls and experience some of New Zealands most beautiful native forests. The trail runs parallel to the Tarawera River, which serves as the final outlet to the sea for seven of Rotoruas lakes. The walk is regarded as one of the best short walks in New Zealand and offers spectacular views of the falls and surrounding scenery.
After enjoying the Tarawera Falls, visitors return along the same trail to Tapahoro Bay, where the water taxi picks them up at 1 00 p m for the return journey to Kariri Point Reserve or Boat Shed Bay, arriving around 1 30 p m. The total duration of the experience, including both water taxi rides and the loop walk, is approximately four hours. Visitors are advised to bring good walking shoes, drinking water, lunch, a camera, sunscreen, and in summer, a swimming costume and towel for a refreshing swim in the lake before boarding the boat. Travel is provided in an all weather water taxi ensuring a safe and scenic experience.
Water taxi from Kariri Point to Tapahoro Bay
Tarawera Falls loop walk
Scenic views and native forest experience
Gratuities
Weather appropriate clothing
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Water bottle
Lunch
Camera
Swimming costume and towel
Bookings are essential for the water taxi
Total duration approximately four hours
Moderate walking fitness recommended
Trail may be slippery in wet conditions
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Activity Provider: Totally Tarawera
Customer Reviews
Anastasiya
We couldn’t access Tarawera in general. It’s a private property. Permit is $10, and you can’t obtain it online, but you need to buy at the office, and of course they ain’t operating during Christmas. Ridiculous.
Tapiwa
Very beautiful, loved the view... refreshing hike
Ankita
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A Magical Slice of New Zealand” Tarawera Falls is pure magic! 🌿✨ The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by lush native forest and the soothing sound of rushing water. The walk to the falls is peaceful and filled with birdsong, and then suddenly — the view opens up to the most breathtaking sight: crystal-clear, milky-white water cascading straight out of the rock face. 🏞💧 It feels like stepping into a hidden world, untouched and timeless. The water has a soft, almost silky look to it, and the power of the falls is just awe-inspiring. Definitely worth the drive and the short walk in — and if you’re lucky, you’ll have moments of complete quiet where it’s just you and the falls. One of the most beautiful natural spots I’ve ever visited. A must-see for anyone exploring the Rotorua or Kawerau area! 🌸
Lauren
Favourite spot in New Zealand. You’ve got to do the walk to the lake if you’re going all this way. Took us approx 2 hours each way but we took our time and took a picnic. So many beautiful stops along the way!
Robi
What a wonderful fall! Stream comes out from the middle of the mountain. Strong flow of the water with several streams falling on the giant rock. From the car park it takes 10 minutes to the fall, kids can easily walk up to there. Had a walk all the way up to see the mouth. Moderately easy trail, you get lots of places to take stops. Water is clear and you feel like to jump in for a swim. Kept walking few kilometres to towards bay, found out cute Wallaby. Wonderful!