mclaren falls

McLaren Falls—made up of a series of picturesque cascades—is located on the Mangakarengorengo River, just a 10-minute drive from Tauranga. Water flow varies depending on power generation upstream, with the falls often reduced to a gentle cascade during drier periods. Following heavy rain, however, they transform into a spectacular and powerful series of waterfalls. During the warmer months, the pools at the base of the falls are popular with swimmers and visitors.

McLaren Falls Park featured in Pete’s Dragon. Access to the river is limited in places, and transporting equipment can be challenging due to the steep terrain—equipment for Pete’s Dragon was helicoptered into the location. The park is a popular recreational destination, particularly over summer, so careful planning around public use is recommended.

The river is managed collaboratively by multiple stakeholders, including iwi, a power company and both Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Despite the shared management, the stakeholders are experienced in working with film productions and are generally very film-friendly, with Film Bay of Plenty able to assist in navigating the permitting process.