Kawerau: Gateway to Tarawera Falls
Kawerau, in a relatively obscure part of the Bay of Plenty, was established in 1953 to support the Tasman pulp and paper mill. The mill was established to exploit the enormous Kaingaroa exotic pine forest, planted in the early 1900s, and the town has resonated with NZ forestry ever since. The town is also the gateway to the Tarawera Falls and today, provides a unique blend of industrial history and natural beauty.
A Planned Town with Modern Amenities
Kawerau was a meticulously planned town, and its well-organised town centre and facilities reflect this. Although the 1950s architecture may not have aged gracefully, the town does have good amenities for visitors. It is the only place in the area where you can find a proper shop or enjoy a meal, and it is very supportive of freedom camping. Additionally, Kawerau has excellent parks and walking trails along the Tarawera River, which flows through the town.
Gateway to Tarawera Falls
Kawerau is the entry point to the remarkable Tarawera Falls. To visit, you must obtain a pass from the visitor centre, costing $10 per vehicle. This pass grants access to Tarawera Falls Road, a private forestry road. The falls are considered one of the most intriguing waterfalls on the North Island, and the accompanying walk is among the best in New Zealand.
How to Get There
To reach Kawerau from Lake Rotoiti, take State Highway 30, which passes by Lakes Rotoehu and Rotomā. From Lake Rotomā, the highway ascends into the predominantly native Rotomā Forest and continues towards Whakatāne on the Bay of Plenty coast. As you leave the Rotomā Forest, take the turnoff to Kawerau on SH34.
When you visit the Tarawera Falls, make sure you also walk to the top of the falls and do the Cascade Loop Track. Here you will find more waterfalls and tumbling rapids on the Tarawera River, as well as seeing where the river heads underground before flowing out of caves in the side of the cliff. If you walk a short distance beyond the loop track, you will also discover a large, safe swimming pool on the river.
