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Paddling near Kawerau, Bay of Plenty

Kawerau sits in the Bay of Plenty on the banks of the Tarawera River, and that river defines the town's paddling identity. The Tarawera's grade 2–3 rapids run through a purpose-built whitewater slalom course — the only one of its kind in New Zealand — drawing canoe slalom competitors and recreational kayakers alike. Flatwater paddling on the Tarawera upstream, and on nearby lakes including Lake Tarawera and Lake Rotoma, rounds out a compact and varied paddling scene.

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Bay of Plenty licenses and regulations

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