Kaituna Falls (Trout Pool Falls) – a short walk to a picturesque cascade

Summary: The Kaituna Falls is located along the Kaituna River, with easy access to a viewing platform.

How to get there: Carpark and walking trail at end of Trout Pool Road
Walking distance to waterfall: 0.2km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
Type of waterfall: Cascade
Waterfall Rating: 3.5/5
Height of falls: 5m

Known as both the Kaituna Falls and Trout Pool Falls, this waterfall is one of three along the Kaituna River, near Rotorua (the others being the Okere Falls, and Tutea Falls). This section of the Kaituna River is popular with rafters and kayakers, due to the number of rapids and waterfalls. The term “kaituna” translates to “eat eels”, with the river having been an important source of food for the Maori people.

Getting to Kaituna Falls

The carpark for this waterfall is located 21km from Rotorua at the end of Trout Pool Road (off the SH 33).

It’s only a 2min walk to the viewing platform for this waterfall; the Okere Falls walking track is a 2.1km loop (allow an hour) which passes all three waterfalls.