Ōmanawa Falls
Te Rere o Ōmanawa
A spectacular waterfall on the southwestern outskirts of Tauranga, reopened after renovations completed at the end of 2023, with viewing platforms overlooking a deep pool about 30 meters below.
Te Rere o Ōmanawa lies about 20 kilometers southwest of Tauranga's city center. The Ōmanawa River drops about 30 meters over basalt cliffs into a circular deep pool surrounded by dense native forest, creating a strikingly dramatic scene. The waterfall was closed for many years after several accidents caused by visitors entering the pool without permission. In December 2023, it reopened after renovations carried out by Tauranga City Council in partnership with the local iwi, Ngāti Hangarau. New facilities include a car park, toilets, trail steps, and several viewing platforms, and the last platform sits almost directly above the falls. The round-trip walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is free. Visitors may not go down to the bottom of the pool or enter the underground hydroelectric station, and must respect the iwi's cultural guidelines. Opening hours follow the Tauranga City Council website. The site must be reached by car, and the car park entrance is at 1031 Ōmanawa Road.
Opening hours
Open during daytime; check Taupō District Council announcements
Nearby sights
- McLaren Falls Park
- Waimarino Adventure Park
- Te Puna Quarry Park
- Kaiate Falls
- Tauranga Waterfront & The Strand
- The Elms Mission House
- Pilot Bay
- Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park