Omanawa Falls remains closed this summer as the area remains unsafe to visit and is tapu/sacred.

Kaitiaki from local hapū, Ngāti Hangarau will be based at the area to educate anyone that attempts to enter as to why the area is tapu and not safe for visitors.

They will also provide information about other nearby waterfalls open to the public, says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"Over the years a number of people have seriously injured themselves while trying to reach the waterfall or have had to be rescued after becoming trapped in the basin.

"Sadly, there has also been two fatalities. The cliffs around the falls are also unstable and there is rock fall on a regular basis."

CCTV has been installed and anyone trying to access the falls may be issued with a trespass notice, says the councul.

"Tauranga City Council, Ngāti Hangarau and Tourism Bay of Plenty are working together to provide safe public access.

"Construction is now underway making the area an active construction zone, with additional safety risks."

Construction is expected to be complete by late-2023.

A number of waterfalls throughout Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty that are open to the public can be found here: https://www.bayofplentynz.com/places/waterfalls-in-the-bay-of-plenty/