Kawerau

Kawerau is a town in the eastern Bay of Plenty, located at the foot of the Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe) volcano, approximately 30 km south-east of Whakatane. The town was founded in 1953 as a mill town for the Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill, which remains a major local employer.

Kawerau sits within the Taupō Volcanic Zone and has geothermal resources that provide renewable energy for the region. The surrounding area offers rivers, forests, and hot springs. The climate is warm with the high rainfall typical of the Bay of Plenty hinterland.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Whakatane Airport (WHK), approximately 30 km north. Tauranga Airport (TRG) is about 80 km west.

By Train

By Car / Road

Kawerau is on State Highway 34, a 15-minute drive south of Edgecumbe, which connects to State Highway 2. Bus services from Whakatane connect to Kawerau.

The town is compact and walkable. A car is needed for exploring the surrounding forests and rivers.

Putauaki / Mount Edgecumbe — A dormant volcano rising 820 metres above the town. Walking tracks lead to the crater.

Kawerau Hot Pools — Geothermal hot pools run by the local council.

Tasman Mill Lookout — Viewpoint overlooking the pulp and paper mill and the surrounding geothermal field.

Tarawera River — A river running through the town, popular for trout fishing and kayaking.

Soak in the Kawerau Hot Pools. Walk the trails on Putauaki / Mount Edgecumbe. Fish for trout in the Tarawera River. Explore the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a 45-minute drive south. Mountain bike on the trails in the surrounding forests.

Cafes and takeaways in the town centre serve classic New Zealand fare. The Kawerau Hotel offers pub meals.

The hot pools include a café. Local cafes serve coffee. For nightlife and a wider selection, Whakatane is 30 minutes north.

Kawerau has motels and a holiday park. The Kawerau Motor Camp offers budget accommodation near the hot pools.

Kawerau has a supermarket and local shops. The town centre has basic retail services.

• Edgecumbe — 10 km north, at the base of the Putauaki volcano
• Whakatane — 30 km north, coastal city with beach and seal colony
• Rotorua — 50 km west, world-famous geothermal attractions and Māori culture
• Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park — ancient podocarp forest with walking tracks
• Lake Tarawera — 45 km west, scenic lake with hot water beach and walking tracks