As the weather warms up, the days get longer, and the blooms start to return, spring is a beautiful time to visit McLaren Falls Park. These school holidays, enjoy a self-guided outdoor adventure day and explore the park at your own pace.
Arrive whenever suits you and make the day your own. Keen to come for an hour, or the whole day? The adventure is yours to choose. Pack a picnic, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to discover waterfalls, birdsong, spring blossoms, and plenty of space to play.
Choose your own mix of activities. Here are three great ways to get started...
Disc Golf
Take your frisbee-throwing skills to the next level and give disc golf a go. This fun, family-friendly sport challenges players to complete a course in the fewest possible throws using specially designed discs, similar to a frisbee.
- Play 9 or 18 holes as you walk around fairways and navigate the course.
- Bring your own discs or hire them from The Falls Café (open Wednesday to Sunday).
- The course starts from the Pin Oak Flat campsite.
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned player, disc golf is a great way to explore the park while enjoying some family-friendly competition.
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Discover the signs of spring as you explore the park.
- Pick up a spring scavenger hunt sheet from the McLaren Falls Park Visitor Centre, or download and print your own.
- See how many seasonal treasures you can find in nature, from new growth and spring flowers to native birds and insects.
- Suitable for all ages, but especially enjoyable for tamariki aged 3-10.
Bonus challenge: start your adventure from a part of the park you've never explored before!
Picnic at the Park
Spring is the perfect season to enjoy the warmer days and incorporate a picnic into your visit.
- Bring a picnic rug and find your own peaceful space among the trees.
- Choose from a range of picturesque picnic tables located throughout the park.
- Make use of one of the seven free public BBQs available across McLaren Falls Park.
Relax, refuel, and soak up the sights and sounds of spring before continuing your adventure.
Travel, parking and opening hours
McLaren Falls Park is approximately 20 minutes by car from Tauranga. There are multiple parking areas throughout the park, so feel free to explore beyond the Visitor Centre and start your own adventure from somewhere new. Roads within the park are sealed but can be narrow in places, so drive carefully and take your time. Entry is via the main gates between 7:30am and 7:30pm (except Saturday 27th September, prior to the start of daylight saving, when gates close at 5:30pm), with exit available through the same gates after closing time.
Park map:
