Kaiate Falls – Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

February 19, 2026

Kaiate Falls waterfall and deep plunge pool near Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand

Kaiate Falls – Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Tucked into the green hills behind Welcome Bay, Kaiate Falls drops in layered ribbons through dense native bush. Also known by its Māori name Te Rerekawau, the waterfall descends over moss-darkened volcanic rock, splitting into tiers before plunging into a cool, shaded pool below.

The forest feels instantly immersive. Nikau palms, ponga ferns, and towering tawa frame the track, and birdsong echoes softly through the gorge. As you descend, glimpses of cascading water appear between trees — first narrow and silver through the canopy, then suddenly wide and dramatic as you reach the lower clearing.

Unlike many roadside waterfalls, Kaiate unfolds slowly. Each platform along the track reveals a new perspective — a quiet cascade sliding over smooth rock, a mist-filled plunge pool, or a dramatic upper drop after heavy rain. It's one of the most rewarding waterfall swimming spots in the Bay of Plenty. For more Bay of Plenty swimming, explore McLaren Falls Park or discover other New Zealand swimming spots.

Discover More with Swim New Zealand

Kaiate Falls is featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island, a curated guide to the country's best waterfall swimming holes, hidden rivers, geothermal streams, and coastal pools. If you're looking for authentic New Zealand swimming spots beyond the obvious beaches, the guide brings together wild, immersive locations across the island. Browse all our New Zealand travel guides.

Map & Navigation

Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kaiate+Falls/@-37.7596783,176.2391943,17z

Closest Parking:
Kaiate Falls Parking Area (signposted off Kaiate Falls Road, near Welcome Bay).

Trailhead:
The Kaiate Falls Track begins directly from the car park and is clearly marked with Department of Conservation signage.

How to Get There

Kaiate Falls is located approximately 20 minutes southeast of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.

Driving Directions:

From central Tauranga, head south on Welcome Bay Road.
Continue toward Waitao Road.
Turn onto Kaiate Falls Road.
Follow signs to the Kaiate Falls Reserve car park.

Parking is free but limited during peak summer weekends.

Walking Track:

Distance: Approx. 2–2.5 km loop
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (includes stairs and some steeper sections)

The track forms a loop, descending through regenerating native bush into the gorge. Wooden steps and viewing platforms provide access to different waterfall tiers. The lower plunge pool is reached via a short descent off the main track.