The Kaiate Falls

These lovely, cascading falls area easily reachable from Tauranga city and feature lovely natural surrounds and a 15 metre drop into its pool below. One of the Bay of Plenty's top free things to do, Kaiate Falls are nestled amongst the forests of the Tauranga region and can be accessed via a relatively short 20 minute walk from the nearby reserve carpark. The falls have three main tiers ranging from the smaller - yet most beautiful - upper tier to the largest tier at the bottom. Walking to Kaiate Falls doesn't take long in terms of time but can be quite steep, so wearing appropriate walking shoes comes advised. The walk tot he falls itself is half the highlight, however, as the scenic greenery consists of massive ferns, cool misty air, and peaceful surrounds make for a lovely, escapist stroll, with a number of water pools along the way that make for a great stop for a refreshing dip during the summer months of the year. The adventurous can even try their hand at jumping from the top into the awaiting pools below (fun, but not advised!) The walk to and from the falls takes round 1 hour return to do completely when progressing at a leisurely pace. The falls' carpark is equipped with picnic tables for those looking to bring a packed lunch to extend the enjoyment on offer. Kaiate Falls are free, simple, natural goodness that makes them a must-visit.