Tarawera Falls — New Zealand

About this spectacle

Tarawera Falls is a striking waterfall located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island, where the Tarawera River emerges dramatically from a lava tube cave in a basalt cliff face before plunging into a forest pool below. Visitors walk through mature native bush — podocarps and tree ferns framing the path — before the falls reveal themselves with a thunderous rush of white water. The surrounding Tarawera Forest is lush and green year-round, offering a cool, shaded atmosphere even on warm days. The sound of the falls echoes off the volcanic rock walls, and the spray creates a permanent mist around the base. The unique geology — water pouring from within a cliff rather than over it — makes this one of New Zealand's more unusual waterfall experiences. A short, well-formed trail leads to the viewing area.

When to go

Year-round

Getting there

Nearest airport: ROT. Nearest city: Rotorua.

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