McLaren Falls Park is 170 hectares of lakeland park set among pastoral farming and horticulture. The park has a beautiful waterfall that’s the starting point for kayaking and white-water rafting on the Wairoa River. McLaren Lake offers year-round fishing and the park offers great views and walking tracks through native bush. There are ducks and swans to feed and a farm animal park nearby.
To get to the park from Tauranga, take State Highway 29, which is the main road to Hamilton, then turn left into McLaren Falls Road. The park is patrolled by park rangers.
There is year-round fishing in Lake McLaren and the Ruahihi Canal. You are required to have a fishing licence to fish here. These are available from most sports shops. The season begins 1 October and ends 30 September.
The park abounds with a diverse range of birdlife, up to 42 different species, including regionally threatened North Island Brown Kiwi, North Island Robin and the Long-Tailed Cuckoo. Sheep roam freely through the grassed areas and therefore dogs are not permitted within McLaren Falls Park.
The three accommodation hostels are modern and well suited to both backpackers and large groups. There are three hostels as well as camping areas - for bookings contact Tauranga City Council on +64 7 577 7000
Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park providing easy access to picnic areas. BBQs are operated with a 50c coin.
Open - 7.30am
Close - Winter 5.30pm / Summer 7.30pm
