Tarawera Falls Walk is a short walk along the Tarawera River to the Tarawerra Falls in an old-growth native forest.
First, visit the Kawerau iSite visitor centre off Plunket St to purchase a $10 road pass. This gives directions and access to Tarawera Falls Road, a private forestry road. It is a 28 km, 34-minute mostly metal road along the Tarawera River valley. There will likely be forestry trucks, especially on weekdays, so keep your speed down. The forest along the road has been heavily harvested relatively recently, providing an insight into the industry but not the most pleasant view. You reach the edge of the old-growth native forest shortly before the car park.
From the car park at the road end, follow the track along the Tarawera River. It is only about 600 metres to the falls, including a bridge, but it may take a while. The river is incredibly pretty, with an amazing array of colours reminiscent of the Blue Springs near Putāruru in the Waikato. Once you cross the river, the walk takes you between amazing boulders and the falls viewpoint.
From this viewpoint, you can also walk to the top of the falls to the Cascade Loop and Lake Tarawera.
