McLaren Falls Park is one of the best easy family day trips from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Just a short drive inland, this beautiful 190-hectare park combines native bush, waterfalls, Lake McLaren and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it easy to spend anything from an hour to a full day exploring.

In this guide, we cover the best things to do at McLaren Falls Park, including the Waterfall Track, Lakeside Track, glow worms, swimming, picnicking, fishing, kayaking and the 18-basket disc golf course.

There is also a StoryWalk for younger children, while the park’s network of short and easy walking tracks makes it accessible for families who don’t want a challenging hike.

One of the biggest attractions for families is Marshalls Animal Park, located within McLaren Falls Park.

Children can feed a range of farm and exotic animals, explore the playground and enjoy the flying foxes, making it easy to combine a visit to the animal park with the wider park in a half-day outing.

If you want to stay longer, McLaren Falls also offers camping for tents, caravans and campervans.

The park has picnic areas, BBQ facilities and plenty of space to relax, although camping must be booked in advance and some areas and tracks are currently affected by closures or diversions.

The best thing about McLaren Falls is its flexibility.

You don’t need to spend much money or plan a complicated itinerary to have a great day here.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the walks and waterfall, spend a summer afternoon swimming and exploring the lake, or make a full day of it with the kids at Marshalls Animal Park.

For families visiting Tauranga or Mount Maunganui, McLaren Falls Park is an easy, affordable and genuinely enjoyable way to experience some of the Bay of Plenty’s natural beauty without travelling far from the city.

McLaren Falls Park at a Glance

Location: McLaren Falls Road, Omanawa
From Tauranga: Around 10–15 minutes by car
From Mount Maunganui: Around 25 minutes
Park size: 190 hectares
Entry: Free
Best for: Families, walking, picnics, swimming, camping and nature
Dogs: Not permitted anywhere in the park
Park hours: 7.30am–7.30pm in summer and 7.30am–5.30pm in winter

Why Visit McLaren Falls Park?

There are plenty of beautiful places around the Bay of Plenty, but McLaren Falls has something that makes it particularly good for families – you can do as much or as little as you like.

Want to get some exercise? There are walking tracks.

Want to relax? Find a picnic spot beside the lake.

Want to cool off? Swimming is popular in the park, although water safety is important.

Have energetic kids? Try disc golf or visit Marshalls Animal Park.

Want something a little different? Come back after dark and look for glow worms along the Waterfall Track.

You can even camp here if one day isn’t enough.

The park covers 190 hectares and has an extensive network of tracks, picnic areas and recreational facilities.

A man jumping from from one of the rocks into the river below

A man jumping from one of the rocks into the river below

Best Things to Do at McLaren Falls Park

Explore 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.

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.

Try the 18-Basket Disc Golf Course

For something a little different, McLaren Falls has an 18-basket disc golf course starting at Pin Oak Flat.

The course winds through the park and is a fun option for older kids, teenagers and adults who want something more active.

You don’t need to be a serious disc golfer to give it a go – although you may find yourself taking it a little more seriously after a few throws!

The council describes it as one of the most spectacular disc golf courses in the country.

Have a Picnic Beside the Lake

You don’t need to spend money to have a great day at McLaren Falls.

There are plenty of grassy areas and picnic spots throughout the park, making it an easy place to bring a packed lunch and settle in for a few hours.

There are also electric BBQs around the park, including at Top Flat, Bottom Flat, Pin Oak Flat, Cherry Bay and Hamilton Point. Gas BBQs are permitted, but charcoal BBQs and open fires are not.

This is one of the reasons we think McLaren Falls works so well for families. You can combine a short walk, some exploring and a picnic without needing to organise an expensive activity.

Let the Kids Discover the StoryWalk

One of the newer additions to McLaren Falls Park is the StoryWalk, and it’s a great idea if you’re visiting with younger children.

The pages of a children’s book are displayed along a walking trail through the native forest, turning a simple walk into an interactive adventure.

The StoryWalk starts near the Waterfall Track car park and follows a flat, wide gravel path.

There is also an audio version that can be accessed using the QR codes on the panels.

It’s exactly the sort of small addition that makes McLaren Falls more interesting for younger kids who aren’t particularly excited about going for a walk.

Stay Overnight

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.

From 1 July 2026, the current rates are:

Age	Off Peak	Mid Peak	Peak
0–5 years	Free	Free	Free
5–16 years	$5	$5–$10*	$10
17+	$15	$20	$30

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.

Visit 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.

McLaren Falls or Ōmanawa Falls?

If you’re exploring this part of the Bay of Plenty, you can easily combine McLaren Falls with Te Rere o Ōmanawa / Ōmanawa Falls.

Ōmanawa Falls is only a few minutes away by road once you leave McLaren Falls, making the two attractions an obvious combination for a day exploring inland from Tauranga.

However, don’t assume the two experiences are interchangeable.

McLaren Falls is the better choice for a relaxed family day out, with walking tracks, picnic areas, camping, the lake, Marshalls Animal Park and plenty of space to explore.

Ōmanawa Falls is more about the waterfall and the surrounding natural and cultural significance.

McLaren Falls Park: Practical Information

Address: 190 McLaren Falls Road, Omanawa, Tauranga
Entry: Free
Summer opening: 7.30am–7.30pm
Winter opening: 7.30am–5.30pm
Dogs: Not permitted
Camping: Available with advance online booking
Maximum camping stay: 3 nights
Swimming: Permitted in designated/suitable areas – take care and supervise children
Fishing: Licence required
BBQs: Electric BBQs available; gas BBQs permitted
Open fires: Not permitted
Vehicle speed: 15km/h

The park is currently subject to some track and camping-area changes, so check the Tauranga City Council McLaren Falls page before visiting.

At the time of this 2026 update, Ponga Grove Track is closed, a diversion is in place on the Lakeside Track, and Pin Oak and Top Flat are the currently open camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is McLaren Falls from Tauranga?

McLaren Falls Park is around a 10–15 minute drive from Tauranga, depending on where you start. It’s approximately 25 minutes from Mount Maunganui.

Is McLaren Falls free?

Yes. Entry to McLaren Falls Park is free. You pay separately for things such as camping and Marshalls Animal Park.

Can you swim at McLaren Falls?

Swimming is permitted in the park, but there are important safety considerations. The council advises visitors never to swim alone, supervise children closely and follow all signs. Swimming and boating are prohibited downstream of the lower catchment boom.

Can you see glow worms at McLaren Falls?

Yes. Glow worms can be seen along the Waterfall Track after dark. The track is an easy walk and takes around 20 minutes.

Are dogs allowed at McLaren Falls?

No. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in McLaren Falls Park, including inside vehicles.

How long should you spend at McLaren Falls?

Allow at least two to three hours to enjoy the waterfall, a walk and a picnic. If you’re visiting Marshalls Animal Park as well, we’d allow around half a day.

Can you camp at McLaren Falls?

Yes. Camping is available for tents, caravans and campervans. Bookings must be made online in advance and the maximum stay is three nights.

Is Marshalls Animal Park at McLaren Falls?

Yes. Marshalls Animal Park is located within McLaren Falls Park and is particularly popular with families. It has farm animals, exotic animals, feeding opportunities, a playground and flying foxes.

What are the McLaren Falls opening hours?

The park is open from 7.30am to 7.30pm during daylight saving and 7.30am to 5.30pm during winter.

Is McLaren Falls good for a family day trip?

Definitely. The combination of short walks, the waterfall, lake, picnic areas, StoryWalk, swimming, Marshalls Animal Park and other activities makes it one of the easiest family day trips from Tauranga.

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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Scott - 4 Degrees of Destination

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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.

McLaren Falls Park A Treasure For Families – 2026