There are two access points to the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve.

Direct driving access into Tarawera Forest, Falls, and fishing is from Kawerau township (off SH30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) via private forestry roads which require permits, purchased from the Kawerau isite. The forest gate is closed during the hours of darkness. The forest road may be closed in summer when fire risk is high.

Public (non-permit) access to the rock paintings, Tarawera Trail, and water taxi is from the Tarawera Landing, a 17.5 km drive south of Rotorua accessible by following Tarawera Road off SH30. Te Rātā/Hot Water Beach is accessible by the 16 km Tarawera Trail or by water taxis that shuttle visitors across the lake frequently from the Landing. The rock paintings are a short walk from the Landing carpark. Lake Rotomahana and Lake Tarawera are linked by the Isthmus Track, accessible through either Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Waimangu Road, off SH5) at Lake Rotomahana or Rāpatu Bay at Lake Tarawera.

Access permits

You'll need to get a permit to access Tarawera Falls carpark. Use of the private forestry roads in the forest is at the discretion of the forestry owners. Check the conditions of your forestry permit.

Access permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre.

Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre
Plunket Street, Kawerau 3127
Phone: +64 7 323 6300
Email: infocentre@kaweraudc.govt.nz
Opening hours for Kawerau isite Visitor Information Centre

Dogs, horses, vehicles including bikes and motorbikes, fires, removal of plants or animals, camping outside designated areas and hunting without a permit are not permitted.

Use gas cookers.

Koi carp Image: Dave West

Keep Rotorua lakes free of pest fish

Invasive species are a pest because they reduce water quality and can compete with native species and trout.

You can help by reporting sightings or photographing caught specimens of koi carp (3-70 cm) or catfish (3-40 cm).

Other fish of concern are rudd and gambusia.

How to report your sightings.