The Tarawera River begins at the eastern end of Lake Tarawera and heads north to the coast through some impressive volcanic geology and via the township of Kawerau. The river offers good Grade 2 & 3 rapids and can be run from about 10 kms below the Tarawera Falls down to Kawerau.
A Tarawera Forest Access Permit is required to enter the forest and access the upper reaches of the river. These permits can be obtained from the Kawerau isite during its normal opening hours 7 days a week. Further details are available on the Tarawera Forest Access Permits page >>.