Pori Pori Waterhole – Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
About Pori Pori Waterhole
Hidden inland from Tauranga in the folds of the Kaimai foothills, Pori Pori Waterhole sits quietly on the Wairoa River. Cool emerald water gathers beneath small cascades and smooth volcanic rock shelves, forming one of the most inviting freshwater swimming holes in the Bay of Plenty.
Find this and dozens more in Swim New Zealand – North Island: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →
The setting feels raw and natural. Moss clings to boulders, ferns spill down the riverbanks, and the water glides through sculpted channels before dropping gently into a calm basin. Sunlight filters through tall native trees onto clear pools where you can see rounded stones resting on the bottom.
Despite being a short drive from the city, Pori Pori feels secluded: a place where the river slows, the forest thickens and the outside world fades behind the sound of flowing water.
Pori Pori is one of the river swims in our guide Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Is Pori Pori Waterhole Safe to Swim?
Treat this river with real caution. Two people have drowned at the Poripori water hole in two summers, in December 2024 after a jump from a rock and again in January 2026. Hidden hazards include submerged rocks, fast currents, rocks that can trap feet, and very cold water. The Wairoa River here is also downstream of the Lake McLaren dam, and there are warning signs about the drowning risk from dam releases, which can raise the water quickly.
- Don't jump or dive from the rocks.
- Read the signs and watch for rising water; get out at the first safe spot if the flow picks up.
- Rocks are extremely slippery when wet.
- The river rises fast after rain. Stay out when it's high or discoloured.
- There are no lifeguards, facilities or safety barriers.
- Never swim alone and supervise children closely.
Where to Swim at Pori Pori
Main swimming basin
The heart of the place: a deep, cool river pool framed by smooth rock shelves, good for floating and quiet swims when the water is low and calm.
Upper gorge cascades
Upstream, narrow rock corridors carry faster water. Beautiful for photos, but not for swimming when the flow is up.
Downstream pebble stretch
Below the main basin the river widens and slows into shallows, good for wading and gentle dips in calm conditions.
Fern-shaded corner
Tucked along the bank beneath ponga and tōtara, a shady spot for a break between swims.
How to Get to Pori Pori Waterhole
Pori Pori Waterhole is about 20 minutes southwest of Tauranga.
- From Tauranga, head south on SH29 towards the Kaimai Range.
- Turn onto Poripori Road (signposted).
- Follow Poripori Road along the Wairoa River.
- Look for the small roadside pull-offs near the river bends.
There's no formal car park and no sign marking the waterhole itself. Arrive early, park only in the roadside pull-offs, and don't block paddock access, gates or driveways. Short informal tracks lead down to the river; pick the clearest, most well-trodden path, as they can be steep and uneven. Pack out all your rubbish.
For river safety information, see Water Safety New Zealand and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Pori Pori Waterhole FAQs
Can you swim at Pori Pori Waterhole?
People do swim in the main basin in calm, low water, but there have been two drownings here since December 2024. Don't jump from the rocks, watch for dam releases and rising water, and never swim alone.
Can you jump off the rocks at Pori Pori?
Don't. A young man died after jumping from a rock here in December 2024, and there are submerged rocks and strong currents.
Where do you park for Pori Pori Waterhole?
In the small roadside pull-offs along Poripori Road. There's no formal car park, so don't block gates, paddock access or driveways.
Are there toilets at Pori Pori?
No. There are no facilities, signs or maintained paths.
