mclaren falls

Forest | Lakes | Waterfalls
McLaren Falls are spectacular and just 10 minutes from Tauranga.
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it feels prehistoric

McLaren Falls, actually multiple cascades, is located on Mangakarengorengo River, a 20 minutes easy drive from Tauranga. Usually, it’s a waterfall almost without water because of the Power Generation Station located upstream, but in a rainy season it looks absolutely unbelievable. In warm days lots of people swim in cool water at the base of these waterfalls.

McLaren Falls Park was featured in Pete’s Dragon. Access is somewhat limited and dangerous carrying equipment and Pete’s Dragon helicoptered equipment in. Lots of people / tourists during summer. Great options for shooting.

permit details

Tauranga City Council

location & distance

One of the great things about filming in the Bay of Plenty is the close proximity to New Zealand cities and rural townships.  Even when you are enjoying our spectacular rural filming locations you still have access to major infrastructure and amenities nearby.

Auckland CBD

219 Kilometres | 2 Hours, 39 Minutes

Tauranga CBD

67 Kilometres | 1 Hour, 5 Minutes

Rotorua CBD

67 Kilometres | 1 Hour, 5 Minutes

Whakatane CBD

105 Kilometres | 1 Hour, 26 Minutes

Taupo CBD

133 Kilometres | 1 Hour, 43 Minutes