McLaren Falls Park covers 190 hectares of parkland and is located beside Lake McLaren. On-site options include a short walk to a waterfall, an interactive StoryWalk experience and various water-based activities.

Waterfall, walks and StoryWalk

The Waterfall Track offers a short, easy walk to a waterfall. Along the track, you may see glowworms after dark. So, a waterfall visit and the possibility of seeing glowworms take place at different times of day. Track conditions can change, so check them before your visit. Another walking option in the Western Bay of Plenty District is the Orokawa Bay Walk: it begins at the northern end of Waihī Beach and follows the coastal headlands to Orokawa Bay; walking time is about 45 minutes each way, and tides and swell affect access.

The McLaren Falls StoryWalk is Tauranga’s first permanent StoryWalk® and an interactive family experience along a walking track. It begins near the Waterfall Track car park and follows a wide, flat gravel path. Part of the Waterfall Track is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters; check conditions on site.

Lake and park activities

Bottom Flat is a picnic area where kayakers and other Lake McLaren users launch their boats. Fishing is available on Lake McLaren year-round; you’ll need a fishing licence. If you prefer to be active on land, the park has an 18-basket disc golf course.

The riding area covers 13 hectares of cross-country riding terrain. It can be accessed via Lower Maungapapa Road, which branches off McLaren Falls Road. Four paddocks are available to day visitors or groups staying overnight at the hostel. Booking and access conditions can change; check the latest information before making plans. Marshalls Animal Park is accessible via McLaren Falls Park and is home to domestic and exotic animals.

Another option is Riverbugs’ Bug-Sunday tour through the lower gorge of the Wairoa River. The tour travels through rapids and over a surf passage on the Wairoa Wave. The meeting point is near the Poripori Water Holes on Sunday mornings. From there, participants paddle and walk upriver to the starting point. Check tour dates and availability before making plans.

Poripori gets sunshine all day, which makes the fresh water there relatively warm. At the Poripori swimming hole, water releases from McLaren Falls Dam can cause the water level to rise significantly and quickly. Follow the current on-site advice.

Stay in the park

McLaren Falls Park has hostel accommodation as well as camping options for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Camping is available at four sites. As the setup can change, check the latest camping details before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Aongatete, Pyes Pa, Waihi Beach, Paengaroa, Te Puna, Papamoa, Athenree, Tahawai

For the broader travel overview: Western Bay of Plenty District.