McLaren Falls Park, Tauranga (2024) - Images, Timings

McLaren Falls, Tauranga, New Zealand, Tauranga Overview

Sprawling across an area of 190 hectares, sitting adjacent to Lake McLaren, McLaren Falls Park is a ten-minute drive from Tauranga. A popular tourist attraction is a go-to for several outdoor recreational activities like Kayaking, disc golfing, fishing, camping, picnics, bush walks and summer lawn concerts.

There is a stunning waterfall track and an impeccably curated botanical garden that is very photographic. The water track is wheelchair accessible and physically challenged friendly. You can book the venue for special events like birthdays and anniversaries with a prior appointment with the authorities.

History

The McLaren Falls park was associated with the hydro pumping hydroelectric generation from its early days with the Lake McLarens as the hydropower source. The original McLarens Fall Power station was decommissioned in the year 1981 with the commissioning of the Ruahihi Power Station.

The first park ranger was installed at the park in the year 1992. The McLarens Falls Park has also been environmentally very giving with tree plantation schemes associated with it from the late 1970s. It has a botanical garden inside its premises which is notable for the wide variety of garden plantation bearing the local fauna of Tauranga and New Zealand at large.

Camping Fees

0-5 years old - free
5-16 years old - NZD 5 per night per person
16+ years old - NZD 10 per night per person
Bookings are not required for camping but are encouraged, and the locations are available on a 'first come first serve basis'.
You may choose to book a campsite online from the official of the park.
People under 18 years old can't camp without a responsible parent or guardian present for the duration of their stay.

Things to Note

Dogs inside the premises are not allowed since there are around 300 sheep roaming around the lush grasslands.
Alcohol consumption inside the premises can only be done by adults, that too only responsibly.
People under the age of 18 are not permitted to bring or consume alcohol inside the premises.
No firecrackers are allowed.
Smoking is not allowed.

Facilities

Parking available outside the premises. A certain wing is wheelchair accessible too.
It has CCTV surveillance all over.
There are segregated washrooms and special washrooms for the physically handicapped.
There are walking parks exclusively designed for you to stroll across the lake or the waterfall.
There is a cafe called the Falls Cafe for you to grab a light snack.
Marshalls Animal Park is a park that houses some very unique and exotic animal life. A must-visit for children.
There are electric barbeques available.