Kaiate Falls

Also known as Te Rerekawau Falls, Kaiate Falls are the highlight of a forest reserve near Tauranga.  Drive up to Welcome Bay Rd between Welcome Bay and Papamoa and turn off at Waitao Rd. From there it's less than 7km to Kaiate Falls Rd, which you follow to the end.**
**From the carpark the falls are hidden in a bush-filled ravine - so unfortunately you don’t get the luxury of seeing the falls from your car and a walk is involved. 
Tracks are well-formed throughout the reserve (the walk down isn’t strenuous, but the return trip may require the odd pit stop).

The main track leads to the top of the waterfall, and then to the base of the upper series of the nine cascades - these seem to drop out from nowhere.

From the top of the waterfall it crosses the stream and continues down to the base of the lower falls, where there is a swimming hole.  You have the opportunity to see large puriri and kohekohe trees along the way.

Above the carpark is a picnic area where you can enjoy good views of Mount Maunganui and the Port of Tauranga.