Kawerau currently offers reliable EV charging infrastructure primarily anchored by the ChargeNet fast-charging station located at Tarawera Court. This 50kW DC rapid charger supports both CCS Type 2 and CHAdeMO connectors, allowing travelers to recharge their electric vehicles quickly while accessing essential amenities in the town center, serving as a strategic gateway to the Bay of Plenty.
Kawerau: The Electric Vehicle Base Camp for Bay of Plenty
For electric vehicle owners touring New Zealand’s North Island, strategic route planning is essential. Kawerau has emerged as a vital “base camp” for eco-conscious travelers exploring the Bay of Plenty. Located centrally between Rotorua, Whakatāne, and Taupō, Kawerau offers a unique proposition: it is a gateway to the wilderness that still provides the critical infrastructure needed to keep your battery full.
The “Base Camp Strategy” for EV tourism involves selecting a central location with reliable charging infrastructure and affordable accommodation, from which you can launch day trips without range anxiety. Kawerau fits this mold perfectly. By utilizing the Kawerau EV charging stations, drivers can top up their vehicles while stocking up on supplies, ensuring they have ample range to tackle the gravel roads leading to Tarawera Falls or the scenic drives around the local lakes.
Unlike larger cities where charging stations might be occupied by locals, Kawerau’s infrastructure is positioned to serve the traveling public. Understanding the nuances of these stations—specifically their location, speed, and cost—is paramount for a seamless travel experience.
Location of Fast-Charging Stations in Kawerau
Finding a charger when your battery is dipping below 20% can be stressful. Fortunately, Kawerau’s primary charging hub is easy to locate and centrally situated.
Where is the main fast charger located?
The primary rapid charging station in Kawerau is located at Tarawera Court, Kawerau 3127. This station is situated conveniently in the car park of the New World Supermarket. This location was chosen strategically to allow EV drivers to accomplish two tasks at once: charging the vehicle and resupplying groceries or grabbing a meal.
Directions: As you enter the town center, head towards the main shopping precinct. The charger is clearly signposted within the New World parking area. It is accessible 24/7, meaning late-night arrivals or early-morning departures are fully supported.
Are there secondary charging options?
Currently, the Tarawera Court station is the primary public DC fast charger. However, visitors staying at local holiday parks or motels should inquire directly with their accommodation providers. Many “EV-friendly” accommodations in the Bay of Plenty are beginning to offer Type 1 or Type 2 AC trickle charging for overnight guests. While these are not public “stations” in the traditional sense, they are a critical part of the charging ecosystem for the “Base Camp” strategy.
Understanding Charging Speeds and Connector Types
Not all chargers are created equal. When you pull up to the Kawerau EV charging station, it is important to know what speed you can expect and whether your vehicle is compatible.
What is the charging speed in Kawerau?
The unit at Tarawera Court is a 50kW DC Fast Charger. In the context of New Zealand’s charging network:
- 0-80% Charge Time: For a standard EV (like a Nissan Leaf or Hyundai Kona with a 40-64kWh battery), a 50kW charger can generally take the battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
- Range Added: You can expect to add approximately 100km of range for every 20-25 minutes of charging, depending on your vehicle’s efficiency and the battery temperature.
While this is not a “Hyper-Rapid” charger (which operates at 150kW or 300kW), 50kW is the standard for regional New Zealand towns and is perfectly matched to the time it takes to do a grocery shop or have lunch.
Which connectors are available?
The station is equipped with the two standard DC fast-charging connectors used in New Zealand:
- CCS Type 2: Used by most modern New Zealand-new EVs (Tesla Model 3/Y, Hyundai, Kia, BYD, MG). Note: Tesla owners do not need an adapter for this plug as NZ Teslas use the CCS2 standard.
- CHAdeMO: Used primarily by Japanese imports, most notably the Nissan Leaf and earlier Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs.
Charging Costs and Network Providers
To use the Kawerau EV charging stations, you need to be part of the correct network. New Zealand has several providers, but interoperability is improving.
Who operates the Kawerau station?
The station at Tarawera Court is operated by ChargeNet, New Zealand’s largest nationwide EV charging network. To use this station, you must have a ChargeNet account.
How do I pay for charging?
There are two primary ways to initiate and pay for a charge:
- The ChargeNet App: Download the app to your smartphone, link a credit card, and scan the QR code on the machine or select the charger from the in-app map.
- ChargeNet Fob: If you are a frequent user, you can order an RFID fob that attaches to your keyring. You simply swipe the fob against the reader on the machine to start the session.
What are the costs?
Pricing for EV charging is dynamic and subject to change, but generally, ChargeNet 50kW stations follow a billing structure that includes:
- Per kWh rate: You pay for the electricity consumed (e.g., $0.25 – $0.80 per kWh).
- Per minute rate: Some stations charge a small fee per minute of connection to encourage drivers to move on once they have sufficient charge.
It is advisable to check the specific pricing for the Kawerau station within the ChargeNet app before plugging in, as rates can be adjusted based on electricity market fluctuations.
Nearby Amenities: What to Do While You Charge
Since a typical charge at the 50kW station will take between 30 and 60 minutes, knowing what is available in the immediate vicinity is crucial for maximizing your time. Kawerau’s town layout works in the EV driver’s favor here.
Food and Supplies
Because the charger is located at New World, your most immediate amenity is a full-service supermarket. This is ideal for travelers stocking up for a weekend at a campsite or a self-catering Bach. You can buy fresh produce, snacks for the road, and beverages.
Cafes and Dining
Within a short walking distance (2-5 minutes) of Tarawera Court, you will find several local eateries. Grabbing a coffee and a pie—a quintessential Kiwi road trip tradition—is easily done while your car absorbs electrons. Check out the local bakery or cafes in the town center for a sit-down break.
Nature and Recreation
If you prefer to stretch your legs, the Tarawera River flows through the town. There are walking paths that offer a pleasant break from driving. A 30-minute charge is the perfect amount of time for a brisk walk along the riverbank, allowing you to return to the car refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Reliability, User Reviews, and Etiquette
Nothing is worse than arriving at a station to find it broken or blocked. The Kawerau EV charging stations generally have a high reliability rating, but due diligence is always recommended.
Checking Real-Time Status
Before driving to the station, always check the ChargeNet app or PlugShare. These platforms provide real-time status updates.
- Available: The charger is free and working.
- In Use: Someone is currently charging. The app may tell you how long they have been there.
- Offline/Maintenance: The charger is currently out of order.
User Reviews and PlugShare
PlugShare is an invaluable resource where users leave comments about their charging experience. Recent reviews for the Kawerau station typically highlight its convenience and good working order. However, look for recent comments regarding “ICEd” vehicles (Internal Combustion Engine vehicles blocking the spot). While enforcement is generally good, it can happen in busy supermarket carparks.
Charging Etiquette
To maintain the “Base Camp” spirit and ensure everyone can travel smoothly:
- Don’t Camp: Only charge to what you need (usually 80%). Charging speed drops significantly after 80%, so staying longer wastes your time and blocks others.
- Monitor Your App: Move your car immediately once charging is complete.
- Check In: Use PlugShare to check in so other drivers know you are there and when you plan to leave.
Planning Your EV Road Trip from Kawerau
Using Kawerau as your hub, you can easily reach some of New Zealand’s best attractions. Here are the estimated distances and battery requirements.
Kawerau to Tarawera Falls
Distance: ~35km (one way)
Terrain: Forestry roads (gravel).
Strategy: Charge to 80% in Kawerau. The trip is short, but the gravel roads and low speeds can consume energy differently. Ensure you have enough charge to return to Kawerau or proceed to Whakatāne.
Kawerau to Rotorua
Distance: ~55km
Strategy: This is an easy drive for almost any EV. Rotorua has extensive high-speed charging infrastructure (including 300kW Hyper-chargers), so a quick top-up in Kawerau is all that is needed to bridge the gap.
Kawerau to Whakatāne
Distance: ~30km
Strategy: A very short hop. Whakatāne also possesses ChargeNet stations (The Hub) if the Kawerau station happens to be busy.
Future Developments in Regional Infrastructure
The landscape of Kawerau EV charging stations is set to improve. As EV adoption rates in New Zealand continue to climb, the government and private networks are investing in “in-fill” infrastructure.
While no specific dates have been announced for a second rapid charger in Kawerau proper, the surrounding Bay of Plenty region is seeing upgrades to 150kW and 300kW units. This takes the pressure off the 50kW units in smaller towns. Furthermore, the push for destination charging means more motels and tourist attractions in the Kawerau district are likely to install AC wall boxes, reducing the reliance on the public DC fast charger for overnight visitors.
By utilizing Kawerau as your strategic charging stop, you open up the eastern Bay of Plenty to sustainable, low-emission exploration. Whether you are heading deep into the forest or simply passing through on State Highway 34, the infrastructure is there to support your journey. For those looking at longer-term stays or exploring alternative travel lifestyles, check out our guide on the Relocation & Digital Nomad Lifestyle options nearby.
People Also Ask
Where can I charge my EV in Kawerau?
The main public EV charging station in Kawerau is located at Tarawera Court, within the New World supermarket car park. It is a ChargeNet station accessible 24/7. If you ever have an urgent situation, remember that local Emergency Services Kawerau: Contact Guide is available.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in Kawerau?
Costs vary by market rates but typically involve a per-kWh fee (approx. $0.25 – $0.80) and a per-minute connection fee. You must check the ChargeNet app for the current live pricing at the Tarawera Court station.
Is there a fast charger in Kawerau?
Yes, the station at Tarawera Court is a 50kW DC Fast Charger. It is capable of charging most EVs from 20% to 80% in roughly 40 to 60 minutes.
What apps do I need for EV charging in New Zealand?
For Kawerau specifically, you need the ChargeNet app. However, for a wider NZ road trip, it is recommended to also download OpenLoop and PlugShare (for finding stations and reading reviews).
Can I drive from Kawerau to Rotorua on one charge?
Yes, absolutely. The distance is approximately 55km. Even an older Nissan Leaf with a degraded battery should be able to make this trip comfortably on a full charge. This route offers views reminiscent of the Legend of Mt Putauaki.
Are the Kawerau charging stations reliable?
The ChargeNet station in Kawerau generally has high reliability. However, it is a single unit, so it is always best to check the real-time status on the ChargeNet app or PlugShare before arriving to ensure it is not in use or undergoing maintenance.
