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The Tarawera Falls is deemed the most spectacular of all the falls that can be found in the region of Bay of Plenty. In Tarawera Falls, river water falls down a sharp cliff- from a height of 65 meters.
The place is famous with families as a pleasant picnic/ overnight camping spot, but also with the sportspersons interested in fishing, kayaking, boating, windsurfing, swimming and tubing etc. Considering Mt. Tarawera is an active volcano, it is not a surprise that it also has a Hot water beach, a natural underwater hot spring located on the shores of Lake Tarawera.
This major camping sight offers various facilities like toilets, cooking shelter and a boat ramp plus water supply directly from the river which one can easily use after boiling. It is also great for hiking and bird watching- the forest, dominated by Pohutukawa and Rata as well as hybrids of the two, makes sure that there is enough to explore. It is certainly a great way to observe various native birds like Tui, Fantails, Tomtits and Kereru in their natural habitat; note that they can be easily seen near the tracks around the falls and river areas.
It is a par excellent venue if one is intent on having a satisfying kayaking experience; the upper reaches of the river are said to have a bevy of rapids which are considered to be world class kayaking courses. However, one shall note that instead of camping, kayaking, hiking and bird watching, the place is also known for Trout fishing and the area along the length of the river from the Tarawera Falls to Kawerau is considered outstanding if one is looking for some fishing experience here.