McLaren Falls Park A Treasure For Families

Fancy a day out? Well, around 10 minutes from Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty is McLaren Falls Park with a wide range of walks and exploring to keep every family member occupied. 

There are 190 hectares of parkland with the picturesque McLaren Falls Park Lake in the heart. 

As you arrive you will notice the massive rocks to your right. The Wairoa river flows through here and you might notice a few kayakers and rafting groups hitting the water. There is a small area to park otherwise just park on the side of the road. 

This is a great place to explore and find your own swimming spot. As well as a few waterfalls. This is dependant on the time of year you visit.

Moving closer to the bridge you’ll notice a steep drop into the river below. You may also find many locals and tourists alike climbing down or up to certain parts of the rock face to then launch themselves into the water below.

In the past, you use to be able to jump off the bridge. However, this is fully fenced off with signs asking people not to do this. When you see this you’ll understand why. As kids, we spent many a day here playing and exploring. 

To the left of the bridge is the McLaren Falls Park power station, it opened in 1925 and closed in 1981 when the Ruahihi Power station opened.

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. 

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 $10, Children 5-16 just $5 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.

Please note: Currently the campsite is closed until 17 January 2022, at this time the opening of the campsite will be reviewed. 

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.