McLaren Falls Park

The park is open from around 7:30 am to 7:30 pm in summer and until 5:30 pm in winter. Entry is free. Dogs are not allowed in the park, due to the free‑roaming sheep and ecological sensitivity. There are picnic areas equipped with gas barbecues, toilets, and wheelchair-accessible tracks. The park also offers several camping areas (Top Flat, Hamilton Point, Pin Oak Flat, and Rotary Grove), with bookings required and shower facilities at Pin Oak Flat.

Bring sturdy walking shoes some tracks are gravelly and steep. The waterfall track is relatively short and partially wheelchair accessible, but other paths wind through bush and lakeside areas. There’s no rubbish collection on all tracks, so plan to carry out what you bring in. If you go after dark, stick to established paths and follow ranger guidance, especially when looking for glow worms. Also, note that the park does not permit open fires, but gas BBQs are available in several picnic zones.

McLaren Falls Park is located off McLaren Falls Road, about a 10-minute drive from Tauranga city. Enter via the park’s main road, where you’ll find car parks near the information center and trailheads. Once inside, slow down vehicle access is permitted throughout much of the park so you’ll need to watch for walkers and wildlife. If you arrive by vehicle, you can park in various designated areas depending on which section of the park you plan to explore.