McLaren Falls Park A Treasure For Families – 2025
Looking for the perfect outdoor adventure?
Just a 10-minute drive from Tauranga in the stunning Bay of Plenty, McLaren Falls Park offers a breathtaking escape into nature with scenic walking trails, serene picnic spots, and hidden swimming holes, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Nestled just 10 minutes from Omanawa Falls, McLaren Falls Park is a fantastic destination to pair with a visit to this nearby natural wonder.
Spanning 190 hectares, the park’s heart is the picturesque McLaren Falls Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged landscapes.
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by massive rock formations and the flowing Wairoa River, where kayakers and rafters often take on the rapids.
Parking is available nearby, though many visitors simply pull up along the roadside before setting off to explore.
Depending on the season, you’ll find various waterfalls cascading through the park, creating idyllic swimming spots.
Near the bridge, you’ll notice a dramatic drop into the river below, popular with daring locals and travelers who scramble down the rock face for a thrilling plunge into the refreshing waters.
While bridge jumping was once a common pastime, safety barriers now prevent access, and signs warn against it.
To the left of the bridge stands the McLaren Falls Park Power Station, which operated from 1925 until its closure in 1981, when the Ruahihi Power Station took over.
With its close proximity to Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, McLaren Falls Park is an excellent addition to any Bay of Plenty itinerary.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk, a refreshing swim, or an adventurous day out, this park is a must-visit!
A man jumping from one of the rocks into the river below
McLaren Falls Park
Once you cross over the one-way bridge you enter the heart of McLaren Falls Park here you will find many trails to walk or hike, most are not that long and are very easy.
There are around 9 trails.
One trail we like to take is the Waterfall trail, this leads you to a picturesque waterfall. After dusk you can see glow worms either side of the track.
There are parts of the waterfall trial that are wheelchair friendly too.
You’ll also see McLaren Falls Park lake. The lake is surrounded by beautiful trees, in fact it has one of the best botanical tree collections in New Zealand.
There are plenty of space to relax, enjoy and even have a picnic within the park. You have access to the water for swimming, fishing or kayaking.
Why not try your luck at trout fishing though you will need a fishing license before you go.
The best way to get one is online with Fish and Game New Zealand.
If you are looking to be a bit active why not try the 18 hole disc golf course. The course starts Pin Oak Flats. Just follow the signs from the front gate.
There is a great cafe here (Falls cafe) that offers a range of beautiful food and coffee.
There are great home-made pies and sausage rolls to start with. Or why not treat yourself to one of their decadent desserts.
Bring your own drink bottle and they will fill it for free or you can purchase one of their recycled glass bottles for a $1.
McLaren Falls Park Cafe is a hidden gem and you won’t be disappointed. We have never been disappointed when grabbing a bite to eat here.
We mostly get our food to take away however there is a variety of seating inside and out.
Don’t feed the ducks bread this goes straight through them and the lake could fill with algae.
Instead stop by the McLaren Falls Park Cafe and buy some duck food.
It really is a great day out at anytime of the year and is one of the great family activities you can do in the Bay.
The beautiful Falls cafe with delicious homemade food and treats. Great coffee too.
McLaren Falls Park Campsite
For those who want to spend a few days, there’s the McLaren Falls campsite for camping. Plenty of space from pitching a tent to parking a family campervan.
The maximum you can stay is 3 days. For adults, it’s just $25, Children 5-16 just $15 and under 5’s are free.
Free toilets, showers and BBQ’s areas are offered here too. Just remember to take your rubbish with you.
If camping is not your style then you might like to try the McLaren Falls Hostel.
The families include 3 bedrooms with 16 bunk beds, toilets and showers, a kitchen to cook in and a lounge area.
Marshall’s Animal Farm
Marshall’s animal farm is also inside McLaren Falls Park, this is a great way to spend a few hours wandering around.
One of the great joys (for kids) about this place is the chance to pat and feed the animals, immediately when you enter you will notice this.
Our kids loved the opportunity to feed and play with a range of animals.
There is a huge variety of animals to look at from emus, alpacas, ostriches to the usual cattle, sheep, pigs and so much more. Animal feed can be purchased at the shop. If that isn’t enough there is also a flying fox and a playground.
For a family of 4 the cost is $40, so great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Sorry dogs are not permitted in the park as around 300 sheep wander freely
What are the opening hours of the park?
Summer: 7.30am – 7.30pm – when daylight saving starts
Winter: 7.30am – 5.30pm – when daylight saving ends
Can you swim in McLaren Falls Park?
Yes: Swimming here is very popular
How high is the McLaren Falls Bridge?
McLaren Falls Bridge is 13 metre’s high
Final Thoughts
McLaren Falls Park is a beautiful place and one not to be missed, it is a great family day out and can be as cheap as you want it to be.
We love spending time here as a family, enjoying the lakes, taking walks and just relaxing under the trees.
It’s only 25 minutes from the Mount, it’s beach and Pilot bay as well as some of the best cafes. And it’s only 35 minutes for Papamoa and the wonderful beach there.
In summer the park opens at 7.30am and closing time is at 7.30pm, 5.30pm in winter.
Click here for a map with all the trails.
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Meet the family
We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie works in project management. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.
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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.
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