Omanawa Falls

 

Omanawa Falls

Omanawa Falls is a classic 35-meter plunge waterfall located near the first hydroelectric power station in the Southern Hemisphere, just a 30-minute drive from Tauranga. The walk to the falls is easy, offering stunning views along the way.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 37° 50' 47.0724" E 176° 5' 19.9206"
Parking: Omanawa Rd, Omanawa
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Easy walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 40min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 35m Type of the waterfall: Plunge

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 37° 50' 47.0724" E 176° 5' 19.9206"
Parking:     Omanawa Rd, Omanawa
Access:     40min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Omanawa Falls is located about 20 minutes by car from Tauranga or approximately 1.5 hours from Hamilton. The entire route is sealed, including the car park, which is spacious and well-maintained.

From Tauranga, head east on State Highway 29 for 13 km, then turn left onto Omanawa Falls Road. You might see a sign near the Peers Road intersection—note that this sign points to McLaren Falls, not Omanawa Falls. Continue along Omanawa Falls Road for 10.3 km, then turn left into the car park for Omanawa Falls. The car park is large and equipped with picnic tables and toilet facilities.

From the carpark the trail begins quite quickly with a gentle downward slope. After about 5 minutes of walking, you’ll hit the first lookout. This is a little confusing to some as the main track veers to the right and up your first set of stairs, however right at the end of this original path is a lookout of Omanawa Falls.

There are stairs galore on this trail. You’ll encounter a mix of ups and downs along the way, but the trail is well-kept, winding you through beautiful native bush.

Once you reach the first lookout, known as Wairere Tapu, if you have a good level of fitness and feeling up to it, you can then continue to Te Harikoa Lookout. This stretch is a bit tougher, starting with a downhill section. However, the 750 steps that await you is split fairly evenly between up and down.

The second lookout has the perspective of looking at Omanawa Falls from behind. It’s a great view of the valley so I would highly recommend walking this section too.

You can opt for the shorter return walk, which takes about 40 minutes, or take on the more demanding route that lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.


Waterfalls nearby

Marshalls Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   9.6 km (13 mins)

Read more ...

McLaren Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   11.0 km (14 mins)

Read more ...

Te Rerekawau Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   23.9 km (26 mins)

Read more ...

Whataroa Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2hrs  return walk
Driving:   29.1 km (30 mins)

Read more ...

Raparapahoe Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   42.1 km (40 mins)

Read more ...

 


Photo Gallery

Visitors Comments