Poripori Water Holes

“A Fun Spot for a Swim! If you're looking for a great place to cool off, Poripori Water Holes is the spot! Nestled in the Bay of Plenty, it's a fantastic swimming hole surrounded by lush bush and cool rock formations. Here’s how to get there and what to expect. Getting There Getting to Poripori Water Holes is pretty straightforward: Park: Find a spot in the gravel area along Poripori Road. Cross the River: You’ll need to hop across the Wairoa River. It's good to wear some shoes. Follow the Path: Look for a narrow path that leads you through some rocks and bush. There is also a path through the forrest. A bit hard to find when you go there. Easier when you go back. Head Left: Once you’re through, take a left to find the water holes. What to Expect Swimming Fun There are several swimming holes with different depths, so it’s great for everyone—kids and adults alike! The water is nice and refreshing, perfect for those hot days. You can lounge on the rocks or even try some jumps if you're feeling adventurous! Safety First Before you go, check out Trustpower's website for water release schedules. They have a siren that goes off before they release water from McLaren Falls Dam. Be aware that the water levels can change quickly, so always keep an eye out for any warning signs. It’s best to visit when the water is calm. Tips for Your Visit Bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you’re there. There are no toilets, so plan accordingly! Make sure you keep an eye on kids, as some parts can be tricky with rocks. Overall, Poripori Water Holes is a fun and relaxing place to spend a day. Just remember to stay safe and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!”

“Awesome spot with swimming options for a range of ages. Possibly a bit limited for preschoolers unless they're quite confident in the water. If you're keen you can jump off the cliffs, or if that is a bit extreme for your liking there is at least one rope swing over the river. We didn't explore too far as we had three young kids with us, but there seem to be plenty of attractions further downstream and/or over the other branch of the river, based on the number of people coming back from that direction. Use the link on the Poripori water holes website before you go to make sure it isn't a high river day due to them releasing flow from the dam upstream.”

“Such an incredible place and free to go! It's close to Tauranga. If you are going to the waterfall like I did just be really careful and the rocks are slippery and the water moves fast and is deep so make sure you have someone with you at all times just in case. The place is really beautiful though and worth seeing. When you first enter you do need to cross the river which has a little beach on the other side. Highly recommend!”

“A popular swimming hole which can get quite busy on a nice day. It requires wading through the river, knee high initially, however, you must pay attention to the signs, as this river is a controlled flow and Sunday's it is in full flood to allow white water rafters to play in the rapids. DO NOT SWIM THERE if it has been raining or on a day of the release.”