New Zealand's bachelor and one of his beautiful bachelorettes this week gained special access to one of the Bay of Plenty's ‘hidden' romantic gems on the reality television show Bachelor NZ.

The bachelor, Art Green, invited bachelorette Kristie on a date to Omanawa Falls on Tuesday night's TV3 episode, where they navigated their way to the entrance to an old tunnel that descends 50m-60m from the cliff top to the lagoon, which is usually locked and inaccessible to the public.

The bachelorettes on a group date in the Bay of Plenty. Photos: MediaWorks.

Safe public access to view the falls, which are managed by Tauranga City Council, is provided only as far as the entrance to the old tunnel.

Tauranga City Council communication advisor Marcel Currin says the scenes were shot in February.

But a media release at the beginning of January explained TCC was reviewing security of the site after a father and son tumbled 100m from a walking track on January 24.

The statement explained the park's management plan includes aspirations to open the tunnel for public access, but there is currently no funding to bring it up to acceptable safety standard.

'Everything was supervised and the producers had a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan,” says Marcel.

'None of the crew or contestants were allowed onto the site until they all had gone through a full Health and Safety induction from TCC staff. The contestants were never on their own.”

Marcel says there were around 25 people on site at the time of filming, which was arranged with the council through Tourism Bay of Plenty.

'There was a full film crew and they had their own specialist Health and Safety officer,” adds Marcel.

MediaWorks' executive producer of The Bachelor NZ Anna Lynch says Tourism Bay of Plenty suggested Omanawa Falls as a location to be featured on the television programme.

'We jumped at the chance given The Bachelor is all about providing ‘money can't buy' experiences,” says Anna.

'We were escorted on and off site by a TCC ranger – and as is always the case, the production followed health and safety protocols.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty head of marketing and communications Kristin Dunne says they were granted approved access by TCC, as it was a special project.

'The name of the falls were never mentioned in the show and it was positioned as a secret location,” explains Kristin.

'During filming we were accompanied by their Ranger and two others and given a full safety briefing.”

Art and Kristie's single date continued at Bella Vista Lodge, while the remaining bachelorettes relaxed at Trinity Wharf. The rose ceremony was held at the luxurious French Country House in Pahoia.

On last night's episode, Art and his bachelorette Poppy went on an adrenaline-pumping single date at Tauranga Tandem Skydiving.

Poppy and Art were taken 10,000ft above ground by company chief executive John Martin.

'They're pretty cool, fun people,” says John. 'It's all a show of course, but it's entertainment if you like.”

John says filming took place about two months ago.

'They were very strict about the whole secret,” he adds. 'I suppose it would ruin the show if the word got out.”

Either way, John says it's been great for Tauranga to have the bachelor and his bachelorettes visit the Bay.

'I think it will certainly put Tauranga on the map, so it's got to be a good thing,” he says.