Kaiate Falls – Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Before you go: Western Bay of Plenty District Council currently lists the Kaiate Falls track as closed after a weather event, and there's a permanent health warning against swimming here. Check the council page for reopening news, and enjoy the falls from the track rather than the water.
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About Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau)
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 falls tumble over moss-darkened volcanic rock, splitting into tiers before plunging into a cool, shaded pool below.
The forest wraps around you straight away. Nīkau palms, ponga and towering tawa frame the track, and birdsong echoes softly through the gorge. As you walk, glimpses of cascading water appear between the 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 shows you something new: 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 walks in the Bay of Plenty.
Kaiate Falls features in our guide Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Can You Swim at Kaiate Falls?
No, it's not recommended. There's a permanent recreational water health warning for Kaiate Falls: unsafe levels of faecal bacteria are regularly recorded in the water, and the site is listed as unsuitable for swimming or other contact recreation. Take note of the water quality and safety signs at the reserve. For a swim nearby, try McLaren Falls Park.
How to Get to Kaiate Falls
Kaiate Falls is about 30 minutes' drive from Tauranga, off Kaiate Falls Road in Waitao.
- From Tauranga, head out on Welcome Bay Road.
- Turn onto Waitao Road and follow it for about 4.9 km.
- Turn onto Kaiate Falls Road; a vehicle track leads the final 1 km to the car park.
Parking is free but limited on summer weekends.
The Kaiate Falls Track
- Distance: approx. 2–2.5 km loop
- Time: about 1–1.5 hours
- Terrain: well-formed but steep in sections, with stairs
The main track climbs to the upper falls, then descends to the lower falls through regenerating native bush, with wooden steps and viewing platforms looking over the different tiers. An alternative route follows the stream back to the road bridge. Junctions are clearly signposted.
Safety Notes
- Rocks and stairs can be extremely slippery.
- Stay on the formal tracks and don't climb the falls.
- Keep out of the water: the health warning is permanent.
- The stream rises after heavy rain; avoid the gorge in bad weather.
- Stay on marked tracks to protect roots and undergrowth.
- Supervise children closely near the pool edges and viewing platforms.
Check track status with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the latest water quality on LAWA before you visit. Bay of Plenty Regional Council also has regional water information.
Kaiate Falls FAQs
Can you swim at Kaiate Falls?
Swimming isn't recommended. There's a permanent health warning because unsafe levels of faecal bacteria are regularly found in the water.
Is the Kaiate Falls track open?
Western Bay of Plenty District Council currently lists the track as closed after a weather event. Check the council's track page for reopening news before you go.
How do you get to Kaiate Falls?
From Tauranga take Welcome Bay Road, then Waitao Road for about 4.9 km, then Kaiate Falls Road. A vehicle track leads the last 1 km to the car park.
How long is the Kaiate Falls walk?
Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the loop. It's well formed but steep in places.
