I like exploring the Bay of Plenty, and last Sunday’s mini-roadie took me to Te Rerekawau Falls (also known as Kaiate Falls). It’s in Waitao, about 20 minutes south of Tauranga. From Whakatāne, it’s an easy hour drive along the Tauranga Eastern Link (SH 2) until the turn off to Kairua. The drive is surrounded by farmland - I read that there used to be a gravel section leading to the car park, but now it’s sealed. The car park isn’t that big, so if it’s full you just have to park down the hill and walk back up.

Before the car park, there’s a track that runs along the river, don’t use this as the section that connects to the main track is now permanently closed. The track starts at the car park.

By the way, great news for dog lovers! Dogs are allowed on the track but they have to be kept on a lead. Although it wasn’t packed when I went there, there was a steady stream of walkers, including families with small children.

Whakatāne to Kaiate falls car park

After the Kairua Rd turn off on the Tauranga Eastern Link, keep driving until the road becomes Welcome Bay Rd. Turn left to Waitao Rd - as you drive further inland the road does begin to narrow a bit with plenty of blind corners. Keep driving until you see the sign for Kaiate Falls Rd, the car park is a left turn up the hill after the one way bridge.

The three-tiered waterfall

Loop track: Walk takes approx. 1 hour

The track is well maintained, with plenty of maps along the way. It’s a loop track, and can be walked in either direction. If you walk in a clockwise direction, you’ll see the main three-tiered waterfall in about ten minutes. A short section requires walking along the rocks, which can be pretty slippery so take care. Most people usually just took a few snaps or a quick selfie before heading back to the car park, which meant that I had the waterfall mostly to myself.

After crossing the wooden bridge, the track continues downhill along the river and takes you to the smaller waterfall downstream. Unfortunately the stream is contaminated and isn’t recommended for drinking or swimming - which is a shame because it looks like an awesome swimming hole in the warmer months.

Lunch by the river

Even though it was the smaller of the two waterfalls, it proved to be the more popular photo spot. Maybe it was the way the rocks reminded me of stacked pancakes, or the inviting pool of water below the waterfall that seems to draw you in and you can’t help but want to stay awhile. However, when more walkers turned up, I decided to head downstream to enjoy lunch by the river.

There hadn’t been rain that morning, so the rocks by the riverbank were dry enough to sit on. I found a spot behind a couple of boulders, and as the walkers moved on, the only sound around were the birds and me snacking on some chocolate biscuits.

Naturally, the track heads uphill towards the car park, but don’t worry, it’s a fairly short section. I took one last look at the hazy view of Mauao (Mt. Maunganui) before making my way back to my car. Te Rerekawau is an easy bush walk that’s both family and dog friendly, and close enough for those who want time in the bush but only have a few hours up their sleeve.

fivefootronna is Ronna Grace Funtelar - a thirtyish adventurer, graphic designer and writer. A woman with a curious mind who lives for hiking mountains, outdoor adventures and eating pizza. She has a unique brand of optimism that is a combination of her great enthusiasm for life and cups of coffee during the day.