Tarawera Falls, Waterfall in Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, New Zealand.
Water flows through underground caves in ancient lava formations before emerging midway up a 65-meter cliff face, creating a powerful vertical cascade.
The waterfall formation dates back to the Waiohau eruption of Mount Tarawera, when Pokohu lava flows covered existing tephra deposits 14,000 years ago.
The Te Arawa and Ngāti Awa tribes maintain traditional connections to the falls, with Ngāti Rangitihi serving as current guardians of this sacred site.
Visitors need to obtain permits from the Kawerau Information Centre to access the falls through private forestry roads, followed by a 20-minute walk.
The Tarawera River disappears into flooded caves within the lava rock, only to resurface halfway up the opposing cliff wall.
GPS coordinates: -38.16304,176.52044
Latest update: March 7, 2025 07:24
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