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McLaren Falls Park

14 Aug 08

Tauranga City Council

McLaren Falls Park


Walkways are only a small part of the magic of this place. Stay overnight, see the glow worms and capture the spirit of this captivating environment.


Open: 7.30am
Close: Winter 5.30pm / Summer 7.30pm

McLaren Falls consists of 170 hectares of lakeland park set among farm land and contains one of the best botanical collections of trees in the North Island. The lake offers year round trout fishing and a fishing license can be obtained from some sports shops. The park provides open spaces, stunning views, and walking tracks through native bush.The park has extensive walkways.

History

Lake McLaren and the park were originally formed as part of the Wairoa River catchment hydro electricity system in 1925.

The park incorporates an arboretum which was been developed in partnership with the then TaurangaDistrict Council and the Bay of Plenty Tree Society. The first plantings took place in 1965.


General Information


The park abounds with a diverse range of birdlife, up to 42 different species, including regionally threatened North Island Brown Kiwi, North Island Robin and the Long-Tailed Cuckoo.

Sheep roam freely through the grassed areas and therefore dogs are not permitted within McLaren Falls Park.

Marshall's Animal Park is accessed through the park and features numerous exotic animals, a must for children to see. Phone (07) 543 1099.

The two accommodation hostels are modern and well suited to both backpackers and large groups.

Slow vehicle access is available throughout the park providing easy access to picnic areas.

BBQs arefree!


How to get there:
To visit the park from Tauranga, take State Highway 29 which is the main road heading towards Hamilton and turn left into McLaren Falls Road.>
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