In Kawerau District, local history, river walks and water sports go hand in hand. The Sir James Fletcher Kawerau Museum is located in the Kawerau District Library at Jellicoe Court in Kawerau. There are also paths along the Tarawera River, an aquatic centre and a purpose-built whitewater slalom course. When choosing your activities, it can help to consider whether you want to focus on learning about Kawerau’s history, walking by the water, or activities in and on the water.
History at the Kawerau District Library
The Sir James Fletcher Kawerau Museum holds and displays a broad range of materials on Kawerau’s history. Its location inside the Kawerau District Library at Jellicoe Court gives you a specific point of reference for your visit. If you plan to visit the museum, check local opening hours in advance.
Swimming and whitewater
The Maurie Kjar Aquatic Centre is a free, family-friendly facility in Kawerau. It has five pools, including a 25-metre main pool and a spa pool for 40 people. The facility also offers a paddling pool and an inflatable jumping pillow. The centre therefore has both swimming pools and dedicated play facilities. As the pool configuration may change following renovations, check current operating conditions before your trip.
Kawerau has a purpose-built slalom course for whitewater activities. It has been upgraded with a spectator path and an electronic timing system. The Tarawera River has Grade 2 and 3 rapids. One possible paddling route runs from a point about ten kilometres downstream of Tarawera Falls to Kawerau. Before paddling, check the river grades locally.
Walks along the Tarawera River
The Tarawera River Walk follows the river through reserves, from Boyce Park to the Waterhouse Street Bridge. The Tarawera River and Forest Walk focuses on native bush and forest, as well as views of the Tarawera River. The two descriptions offer different points of reference: one names the route and its endpoints, while the other describes the landscape and river views. Check local track conditions before setting out.
The Stoneham Walk passes the picturesque Stone Bridge and runs through Kawerau’s gardens and parks. Another path follows the Ruruanga Stream. The stream is regularly stocked with trout and is a popular swimming spot; the grassy banks along the Ruruanga Stream Walk offer picnic areas and attract birds, including tuis. Stocking and swimming conditions may change locally. Check conditions on site before swimming.
Monika Lanham Reserve in central Kawerau has several paths with walking times ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. This gives you a specific guide when planning a walk. You can compare it with the river walks and park routes described here, without assuming a particular walking time for those other routes.
Surroundings and further points of reference
Putauaki, also known as Mount Edgecumbe, lies three kilometres east of Kawerau. The dacite volcanic cone reaches 820 metres above sea level. Kawerau is also the gateway to Tarawera Falls and Lake Tarawera. These destinations add further points of reference to the walks and activities in Kawerau. Access conditions in the area may change; check them before visiting.
This gives you a clear set of options for planning: the museum focuses on Kawerau’s history, the walks differ in route, walking times and landscape, and swimming or paddling each require specific facilities. Check current opening and operating conditions, as well as local information about the river and tracks, wherever they are relevant to your visit.
Discover more destinations: Kawerau, Rotorua District, Whakatane District, Opotiki District, Western Bay of Plenty District, Tauranga District.
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