Embrace the magic of winter these school holidays at McLaren Falls Park with a self-guided outdoor adventure day.
Arrive whenever suits you and explore the beautiful park at your own pace. Keen to come for an hour, or the whole day? The adventure is yours to choose. Dress warm with layers, pack a picnic, and bring your gumboots – there are puddles to jump in and seasonal surprises to discover!
Choose your own mix of activities. We have some exciting new additions to the park and plenty of old favourites available all year long. Here are three great activities to get you started…
StoryWalk® Trail
- Try the brand new StoryWalk® along the Waterfall Track – an interactive experience where pages of a children’s picture book are displayed alongside a walking trail.
- Follow the story as it unfolds through native bush, with playful prompts that bring the characters to life
- A finalist in the 2026 NZ Booklovers Awards, we know this story will be a family favourite!
The StoryWalk® runs along the left side of the stream and an audio version can be accessed via QR code on each panel. The Waterfall Track is a flat, wide gravel path suitable for prams and wheelchairs. At the end of the StoryWalk®, the track continues up some stairs to a waterfall, then loops back along the other side of the stream.
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Grab one of our freshly released seasonal scavenger hunt sheets and discover what makes the park extra special during winter.
- Collect a copy from the McLaren Falls Park Visitor Centre, or download and print your own
- Bring a pencil or pen to tick off your discoveries
- Suitable for all ages, but especially enjoyable for tamariki aged 3-10
Bonus challenge: start your hunt from somewhere in the park you haven’t explored before!
Glowworms at Night
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to spot titiwai/glowworms sparkling in the dark – you’ll find these fascinating little creatures along the Waterfall Track loop walk.
- The Waterfall Track is approximately 900 metres and takes around 20 minutes to walk
- Bring along a torch or light to help you navigate after dark
Why not plan an afternoon adventure, then stay to experience this magical display?
More to Explore
Keep the adventure going with even more to discover.
- Numerous walking trails, from flat gravels paths to more adventurous loops
- Free disc golf course near Pin Oak Flat (BYO discs or hire from Falls Café)
- Warm drinks and treats at the Falls Café (closed Monday & Tuesday)
- Marshall’s Animal Park for meeting furry and feathered friends (open everyday during school holidays, costs to enter)
Keen to stay longer? Book a campsite or treat the family to an overnight stay at the McLaren Falls Hostel, which sleeps up to 11. Find out more:
Accommodation and bookings
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 5:30pm, with exit available through the same gates after 5:30pm.
Park map:
