The McLaren Falls and Lower Kaimai Virtually on Track gem is a great mix of new and old with areas of tranquillity and some with surprisingly wild character. The Gem is built around two main features; the manmade lake at McLaren Falls Park and the Wairoa River whichwas dammed to make it. The lake formed part of the hydro power schemes which saw Tauranga City equipped with electric lights as early as 1915. While electricity generation is still its main function, the lake is now centrepiece to a fine area of public space. When the spillway is opened, the water from the Wairoa River escapes from Lake McLaren as a raging torrent - as often as not bubbling along with a host of rafts and kayakers thrilling in the adrenalin of a grade 5 white-water ride.
Surrounding this mix of natural and created waterways is a mixed landscape with bush tramping in native forest in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, contrasted by gentle walks at McLarens Falls Park amidst one of the best botanical collections of trees in the North Island. Another highlight is the Waterfall Track, part of which is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, where you can see glow worms after dusk - a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
McLaren Falls Park recently played host to the 2015 AIMS Games multisport event, where 200 intermediate school students from New Zealand and Australia kayaked, mountain biked and ran their way around some of the challenging trails and hills on offer.
Upcoming events include the McLaren Falls Music and Arts Festival which is set to take place from January 10-12, 2016. The festival aims to attract 10,000 people to the Bay of Plenty for a three-day celebration of music from various reaches of the spectrum. As well as a major music programme on multiple open-air stages, the festival will also feature visual and performing arts, markets, and workshops and wellness, all located in an 'other-worldly' location with lakeside camping, waterfalls and a glow worm forest.
Just 15 minutes drive on SH29 from Tauranga city, McLaren Falls Park is a beautiful spot and an absolute gem to explore and discover. Best of all, it doesn't cost a cent.
