Waterfalls in Bay of Plenty

Scenic Waterfalls

The Bay of Plenty region features diverse geological formations, from the volcanic rock faces of Tarawera Falls where water emerges through lava tubes, to the historic Okere River, home to the world's highest commercially rafted drop. This collection includes the multi-tiered Kaiate Falls and the 106-meter tall Ananui Falls in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. Many sites, such as Omanawa Falls and Okere Falls, preserve remnants of New Zealand's early hydroelectric power history within native bush settings.

Scenic Waterfalls — Map

A

Kaiate Falls

Multi-tiered cascades set within a forest reserve, featuring a series of upper falls and a lower plunge pool.

B

Tutea Falls

A 7-meter drop on the Kaituna River, recognized as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

C

Okere Falls

Part of a waterfall series on the Kaituna River, located near the remains of New Zealand’s first hydroelectric power station.

D

Te Rerekawau

The lower section of the Kaiate Falls complex, reached via a forested walking track.

E

Omanawa Falls

A 35-meter cascade featuring a historic underground power station built in 1915, visible from newly developed cliff-top viewing platforms.

F

McLaren Falls

A wide, multi-step cascade located within a 190-hectare park, known for glow worm sightings in the surrounding embankments after dark.

G

Tarawera Falls

A 35-meter waterfall where the Tarawera River emerges through fissures in a volcanic cliff face formed by an ancient lava flow.

H

Raparapahoe Waterfall

A secluded plunge waterfall near Te Puke, reached by a steep descent through native bush into a rocky gorge.

I

Totarapapa Falls

A multi-step waterfall located within Te Urewera, accessible from the road connecting Wairoa and Lake Waikaremoana.

J

Tauwhare Falls

A prominent waterfall in Te Urewera, visible from State Highway 38 near the Mokau Inlet of Lake Waikaremoana.

K

Ananui Falls

A 106-meter drop located deep within the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, accessible via the Waitawheta Tramway track.

L

Wairoa Falls

A cascade located in the Kaimai Ranges, accessible via the Wairoa River tracks near the McLaren Falls area.

Other Lists

Bay of Plenty Region Essentials Wilderness Huts & Campsites Scenic Viewpoints & Peaks Parks and Nature Reserves Public Facilities & Shelters