Te Rere o Ōmanawa (Ōmanawa Falls) is a beautiful waterfall in the Bay of Plenty region and a special area in the rohe of local hapū Ngāti Hangarau.

After some safety upgrades, this hidden gem is now open to the public! You can check out three lookout platforms with incredible views of the falls and wider Ōmanawa Valley and stroll along an immersive forest walkway - information panels detail the area's cultural significance to Ngāti Hangarau and the history of the Ōmanawa Falls Power Station.

Know before you go

While it may be tempting, swimming is not permitted here. For generations, Te Rere o Ōmanawa has been a sacred space for Ngāti Hangarau, serving as a place of Āio (insight, reflection, and interpretation) and Rongoā (meditation and healing). When you visit, you are asked to please respect these guidelines to honour the area's spiritual and cultural importance.

How to get there

To get to Ōmanawa Falls, plug 1031 Ōmanawa Road, Ōmanawa into your GPS. Free parking and flushing toilets are available at the trailhead's start. However, there are no shops, so you'll need to bring anything you need with you.