I still remember the first time we drove down that gravel road from Kawerau to Tarawera Falls. It was a family trip (I was still in high school) and I sat in the back, napping most of the way. Each time I woke up, all I could see was the dust rising towards the blue skies. It felt like forever! As an adult, it usually only takes us 30-40 mins from Kawerau. Each time I've taken friends there, they always wonder how something as magnificent could remain so relatively unknown.

Tarawera Falls is accessed via a forestry road outside of Kawerau in the. Bay of Plenty. Even though I call it a gravel road, it's more like an unsealed road, and some sections are rougher than others. You don't need a 4WD, although if you have a lowered car, just be prepared for a slower drive. You will need to buy a permit ($10 per car) from the Kawerau isite - permits are only issued for weekends and public holidays. The isite is also close to New World, which is handy if you want to pick up last minute snacks.

The walk to Tarawera Falls from the carpark takes about 20 mins, and that's at a cruisy pace (with plenty of photo breaks). It's a well formed walking track, and I even saw someone on crutches the last time I was there. I wouldn't say it's pushchair friendly though.

Discover Our Local: Climbing Mt. Putauāki

You know, I’ve lived in Whakatāne on and off since 1996, and I told myself that this is the year I will finally climb Mt. Pautauaki in Kawerau (also known as Mt. Edgecumbe). It took two attempts, but we got there in the end. The first time we chose not to go because there was a heavy rain warning, and even though the second time was still fairly wet, it was nothing a rain jacket couldn’t handle. It’s times like these that owning more hiking jackets than heels comes in handy.

Mt. Putauaki is an igneous volcanic cone that lies 3km east of Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty. It’s 820m above sea level, and can be seen from the Eastern Bay coastline. It’s English name, Mt. Edgecumbe is said to be named after John Edgecombe, a sergeant of the marines on the Endeavour in 1776. The official name was changed to Pūtauaki in 1925. The town of Kawerau is about 40 minutes drive from Whakatāne, and the start of the track is actually through the forestry road before you get to the town. Permits cost $10 per vehicle, and requires a minimum of four hikers as part of the permit (check on their website for updates). You can only get permits through the Māori Investments website - take note that permits are only processed Monday to Friday, so plan ahead for a weekend adventure.

Escape To The Beautiful Karaponga Reserve

Bill Clark and I go way back to my musical theatre days - he is indeed a man of many talents and passions. Today he is my guide to what he describes as the Onepu Project, a collective of activities and experiences in a village just 20 minutes from Whakatane. It’s a place us Eastern Bay locals should know about, or maybe we do and don’t use because of the perceived inconvenience of getting out there. Some people in cities sit in traffic longer every day, I feel pretty lucky to be living here.

Discover Our Local: The Onepu Wetlands Boardwalk and Lake

I have to tell you something, the Onepu Wetlands Boardwalk isn’t an Insta-ready location...yet. In fact, a lot of the track is currently overgrown. The trees and plants are still a fews years away from being fully grown so that we can truly appreciate the beauty of this area. If you’re a mountain bike rider, you should also check out the Onepu Community Mountain Bike Park which is in the same area. Many of the tracks are multi-use, including horses and walkers/runners.

Discover Our Local: The gravel road that leads to the Tarawera Falls

I drive an early 2000 Toyota Avensis, which isn't the best kind of car to drive on a gravel road. There were potholes that made me wonder if I would have a front bumper by the end of it, and that is definitely something to consider when you go to visit the falls.

Before you head out to the falls, make sure to get your forest road permit from the Kawerau i-Site. It’s $5 per car, and the guy gave me a week long pass (at no extra cost) in case I wanted to go back the following weekend. With the scorcher of a summer we’re having at the moment, it’s a beautiful place to cool off! There are instructions on the permit, and there are signs along the way.