Ten minutes drive out of Tauranga City is McLaren Falls Park, 190 hectares of pastoral and horticultural parkland set alongside Lake McLaren.

The park is popular for camping, fishing, kayaking, wedding photos, picnics, bush walks and summertime concerts.  It is also home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in the North Island.

One of the highlights of the park is the Waterfall Track where you can see glow worms after dusk.  Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track.  Part of the Waterfall Track is also wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly.

Opening hours

Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park for easy access to picnic areas.  Gates open for outgoing vehicles after closing time, so you don’t need to be in a hurry to leave: stay and enjoy the glow worms!

BBQs

There are a small number of gas barbeques located around the park. BBQs are free to use. They are operated by pressing a button on the barbeque.

There is also a café by the information centre:  Falls Cafe, phone 07 543 4976.

Marshalls Animal Park is accessed through the park and features exotic animals, a must-see for children.  Phone 07 543 1099.

Around 300 sheep roam through the grassed areas so dogs are not permitted within McLaren Falls Park.

Park Ranger

A ranger is on duty seven days a week at McLaren Falls Park and can be contacted on Tauranga City Council 07 577 7000.

Overnight accommodation

Camping

Maximum stay for camping is three nights. Any open grassed area is available for camping except Cherry Bay.  Shower facilities are available by arrangement.

Adults:  $5.00
Children under 16:  Free

Hostel

The hostel is next to the equestrian area and has a view all the way back to Mauao.  It sleeps 16 people and can be booked out for $110.00 per night.  For backpacker rates and group bookings please phone Tauranga City Council on  07 577 7000.

Bookings

All bookings for camping, weddings, events and the hostle are done through the booking office at Baycourt 07 577 7000.

Trout Fishing

There is year-round fishing in Lake McLaren and in the Ruahihi Canal.  You are required to have a fishing licence. You can buy a day licence from Marshalls Animal Park or participating sports shops.  Season licences expire 30 September each year.

Tracks and Walks

History of McLaren Falls Park

Click on the pictures below to enlarge.