Discover McLaren waterfalls, coastal Bay of Plenty beaches, estuaries and heritage Maori Pa sites on a short easy walk. There are Whirinaki ancient podocarp forest walks, a walk through Tauranga’s heritage sites, past Hairy McCleary to the iconic surf town of Mt Maunganui and Te Puna Quarry for a stroll in a beautifully repurposed former quarry. Walks suitable for families, for couples to enjoy quiet spaces together or solo travellers wishing to know more about the area.
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KAIATE FALLS
Rejoice waterfall buffs Bay of Plenty delivers a stunning waterfall. Kaiata Falls (Te Rerekawau Falls) cascades over several levels to a ravine. There is a swimming hole at the base of the falls. The walking tracks are well maintained however there are steep steps in parts. Care is needed as there are no handrails. The main path leads to a viewing platform with signposted tracks to the base of the falls. At the car park is an alternative track following the stream to the road bridge.
Check Waitao Catchment and Kaiate Falls safe swimming health notifications before entering the water.
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WHIRINAKI FOREST WALK
H-Tree Track is wheelchair accessible and includes a kids treasure map as described by plaque at the beginning of the walk. The H Tree Track in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is an easy loop track through a grand podocarp forest. The forest is home to a number of native birds, including kaka.
THIS IS SUITABLE FOR KIDS
- Length: 2.2 km loop
- Duration: 1 hours
Read more about Whirinaki Forest Park.
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CBD TAURANGA TO MOUNT MAUNGANUI WALKWAY
CBD to Mount Maunganui The Tauranga CBD is notable for its historical points of interest and harbour views. Walk along The Strand and dip your toes in the water at the tidal steps, or visit one of the restaurants and bars that dot the waterfront. Take a look at the Elms Mission House, the oldest building in Tauranga, or walk up to Robbins Park to view the rose garden and tropical display house. There are walking and cycling paths across the harbour bridge to Mount Maunganui, and a rail bridge to Matapih. View travel pack section for map.
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ATHENREE WETLAND LOOP WALK
Discover the wetland loop walk. The award-winning Athenree Saltmarsh Wetlands restoration project is providing a habitat for indigenous plants and animals. This trail is regionally significant as it plays host to some of the largest populations of threatened wetland species within the Bay of Plenty, such as Fernbird and Australasian Bittern. The Wetlands Walk is a 20-minute loop and is accessible from the Emmerton-Steele Road (between Waihī Beach and Athenree).
What to do nearby … read more What’s so great about Athenree, Bay of Plenty.
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ANZAC BAY TO SHELLY BAY
Athenree estuary shared walk / cycle track. A 3km trail from Waihi Beach to Bowentown. Look for the well known Surf Shack cafe for entrance. It ends in Bowentown park. Try exploring Bowentown with amazing harbour views. Nearby Shelly Bay is a safe swimming beach with signposts leading to the summit of Te Ho Pā site. Check travel pack section, walk 3 for details.
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HERITAGE MAORI PA – TE HO SUMMIT WALK
It is several minutes short climb to the Te Ho pa site for commanding views over Waihi Beach. The perfect location for a defensive pa site. The same path leads further up to a Trig station at the highest point of the headland. The gravel track is approximately 3km. A steep descent to Cave Bay reveals a popular fishing spot. There are no toilets along this walk.
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TE PUNA QUARRY PARK
Discover what passionate volunteers have created out of a former quarry. Sculptures and whimsical public installations, gardens, water features make Te Puna Quarry Park the perfect place to stroll outdoors in a garden setting. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Absorb the sweeping landscape and stop in Te Puke on the way back to Tauranga.
Read more 5 fun things to do in Te Puke where to go and what to see.
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MCLAREN FALLS PARK
McLaren Falls Park is 190-hectares of parkland set alongside Lake McLaren offers visitors the choice of camping, fishing and kayaking. A short stroll away is McLaren Falls, impressive after rain with the added attraction of glow worms after dusk. View travel pack section for park map.
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OHOPE SCENIC RESERVE – TAUWHARE PA HERITAGE SITE
The Ohope Scenic Reserve includes one of the country’s largest remaining coastal pohutukawa forests. Enjoy panoramic views over the harbour to Ohakana Island, Port Ohope and the East Cape.
Tauwhare Pa, located next to Ohiwa Harbour at Ohope Beach, Whakatane, is a must see Maori culture and history attraction. It is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site, one of the oldest pa sites in the area. It is very obvious why you would want a pa site in this location. Sweeping birds eye views of all approaches with food resources at your fingertips in the bays below. From the terraces you can view across Ohope and Ohiwa Harbour.
Ohope Scenic Reserve entrance Ohope Scenic Reserve plaques describing signficence of entrance design Nearby is Ohope beach and its main street cafes and shops.
Read more What’s so great about Ohope Beach.
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NUKUHOU SALT MARSH (OHOPE – CHEDDAR BAY)
Nukuhou saltmarsh is a low-lying area located where the Nukuhou River enters Ohiwa Harbour. The boardwalk and lookout is maintained by the Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group. Enjoy the detailed information plaques and beautiful tiled birds made by the nearby Cheddar Valley pottery. The salt marsh is a great place for everyone to experience New Zealand’s increasingly rare salt marsh environment. Salt marshes are under threat due to land management practices. And, appreciate the hard work of volunteers who have revived and promoted a place of waving grass, reeds and bird song.
The small parking area is close to a picnic area. The walking track ends at Cheddar Bay Pottery.
Approximately 2 – 4 km flat easy walk. The track’s are well signposted.
Travel pack information
- Whirinaki Forest Park brochure PDF
- Walks and tracks in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park PDF
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE