Kaiate Falls Te Rerekawau
A hidden gem near Tauranga, Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) offers a scenic bush walk to a series of beautiful waterfalls and a popular swimming hole.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy peace and quiet
Kaiate Falls Te Rerekawau
Best Time
Enjoy peace and quiet
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem near Tauranga, Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) offers a scenic bush walk to a series of beautiful waterfalls and a popular swimming hole.
"Omgdness, so beautiful & so close. Gorgeous falls. Definitely going again 10/10."
Pack out all rubbish
Leave no trace! Take all your rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. :recycle:
Steep climb back up
Be prepared for a steep trek back up to the parking area after visiting the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Te Rerekawau Falls
Bottom of the trail
Cascading water over rocks and cliffs, a truly breathtaking sight from the base.
Scenic Bush Walk
Trail from parking area
A beautiful walk through a bush-filled ravine with sunlight peeking through.
Swimming Hole
Lower pools
Clear, cold water in deep lower pools, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Time for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack out all rubbish
Leave no trace! Take all your rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. :recycle:
Steep climb back up
Be prepared for a steep trek back up to the parking area after visiting the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Check water quality
Signs may indicate water quality isn't suitable for swimming, but locals still enjoy it. :warning:
Scenic drive from Te Puke
Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive to Kaiate Falls if coming from Te Puke. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack out all rubbish
Leave no trace! Take all your rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. :recycle:
Steep climb back up
Be prepared for a steep trek back up to the parking area after visiting the falls. :athletic_shoe:
Check water quality
Signs may indicate water quality isn't suitable for swimming, but locals still enjoy it. :warning:
Scenic drive from Te Puke
Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive to Kaiate Falls if coming from Te Puke. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the gorgeous scenery and the refreshing swimming holes at Kaiate Falls, describing the trek as a beautiful and worthwhile experience. The refurbished trails are appreciated, though the steep climb back up is noted as a challenge. +1
"Great trek and the valley is gorgeous. A little bit of mud in some parts of the trail. The full trek was 45 minutes"
Matthew Denisenko
"Upon your arrival, you will reach a parking area where the beginning of the trail begins. The grassed section located near the carpark is a suitable picnic area. It’s from this car park here you’ll also find a public toilet and a view of Mauao and the Port of Tauranga.
A few steps away from the carpark is the beginning of the track. You’ll make your way down a dirt track that is easy to follow. Through-out the trail there are some sets of steps."
Eranga Athukorala
"Omgdness, so beautiful & so close. Beautiful scenic drive from Te Puke. We went early in the morning & were the only ones there until around 10am. Gorgeous falls. Pathways, rails & stairs newly refurbished. You need to be able to climb some steep stairs to do the whole walk to the bottom (going back up is the fun part 🥵).
You can partially see the Falls from closer at the top, however the true glory is looking up from the bottom. I can imagine this is a popular swimming spot on a hot day. Clear cold water, spots to warm on the rocks.
Definitely going again 10/10.
TAKE ALL RUBBISH AWAY WITH YOU & DISPOSE OF RESPONSIBLY 😊🌿👌"
Annie F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) is conveniently located near Tauranga. A scenic drive from Te Puke will lead you to the falls. There's a parking area right next to the start of the trail.
Yes, there is a parking area located right next to the beginning of the trail, making access straightforward. +1
From the grassed picnic area near the carpark, you can get a view of Mauao and the Port of Tauranga.
The drive to Kaiate Falls is described as beautiful and scenic, especially if you're coming from Te Puke.
Information on public transport to Kaiate Falls is limited, so driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kaiate Falls is a natural attraction and generally does not require tickets for entry. Enjoying the falls and trails is free.
As a natural park area, Kaiate Falls is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to safely navigate the trails and enjoy the scenery.
There is no entrance fee to visit Kaiate Falls. It's a public reserve offering free access to its natural beauty.
Visiting Kaiate Falls at night is not recommended due to safety concerns on the trails and the lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for the best and safest experience.
The main restriction is to take all rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly. Be mindful of the trail conditions and your own fitness level.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail starts as an easy-to-follow dirt track and includes sets of steps. Some parts can be muddy, and reaching the bottom of the falls involves a steep climb back up.
The walk down to the falls takes about 20 minutes, and the trek back up is steeper but totally doable. The full trek can take around 45 minutes.
The walk is suitable for moderately fit and mobile people. Younger children might need supervision on the steeper sections and stairs.
Yes, there are deep lower pools that are popular for swimming on hot days. However, signs may indicate water quality is not suitable for swimming.
There is a public toilet and a picnic area located near the carpark.
📸 📸 Photography
The most stunning views are from the bottom of the falls, looking up at the cascading water. The bush-filled ravine also offers beautiful, dappled light for photography.
While drone footage can capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding ravine, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in natural reserves.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, but the dappled light in the ravine can still be photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and the ravine. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance colors.
The contrast between the lush green foliage and the white water, especially with sunlight filtering through, creates unique photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
+1 The surrounding bush-filled ravine, with sunlight filtering through the canopy, creates a magical, almost ethereal light perfect for capturing the serene atmosphere. Visiting in the early morning can yield softer light and fewer distractions, allowing you to focus on framing the perfect shot. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Recent refurbishments have improved pathways and rails, making the walk more accessible. However, the descent to the base of the falls is steep, and the return journey requires a significant climb. While doable for most, moderate fitness is advised. Some sections can become muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is a must.
Many visitors recommend reaching the bottom for the most impressive views of the waterfall. The entire trek, including time to enjoy the scenery, can take around 45 minutes. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty of this spot.
The Allure of Te Rerekawau
+1While signs might caution about water quality, the lower pools are a popular spot for swimming, especially during warmer months. The clear, cold water offers a refreshing escape. Adventurous visitors might even find spots to jump from rocks into the deeper pools, adding an element of thrill to the experience.
The surrounding environment is a key part of the attraction. The dense bush and sunlight filtering through the trees create a magical atmosphere, making it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit