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Tarawera Falls Walking Track

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Experience the spectacular Tarawera Falls - where water surges out of fissures in a large rock cliff-face surrounded by native bush. The cliff is the end of an ancient rhyolitic lava flow that is believed to have poured from an erupting Mt Tarawera about 11,000 years ago. An abrupt stop to the flow produced these high cliffs.

Vegetation here has developed since the 1886 Tarawera eruption. Both pohutukawa and rata are found. An unusual feature is the range of hybrids between these two closely related species that occurs in the area. Evidence of this interbreeding can be seen in the variety of different leaf shapes found on the forest floor here.

Tarawera Falls Walking Track

Details

Further Information: Access to Tarawera Falls is from Kawerau township (off SH 30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) via private forestry roads. You require an access permit available for $2.50 from Kawerau Information centre located in the Filter Photography Shop in Tarawera Court in Kawerau. The permit must be collected on the day of entering the forest roads. Phone + 64 7 323 7550; opening hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am - 3.00 pm, Sunday and statutory holidays 9.00 am - 1.00 pm. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness.
Please Note: You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, plenty of food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.