Did you know Wairere Falls is the North Islands tallest waterfall? Neither did we until the night before! The view from the top is incredible, making the Wairere Falls walk one of New Zealand’s most magnificent day hikes.
In Maori, ‘wai‘ means water. The word ‘rere‘ is translated as to fly or flow, and together these create a perfect description of Wairere Falls. The water quite literally flies off the epic 153 m falls, over a steep escarpment with the backdrop of breathtaking Waikato plains.
If you haven’t already done it, this is one walk that is well worth the effort.
About the Wairere Falls track
The Wairere Falls track is quite hard, but the reward of views from the summit are spectacular. The waterfall is part of the Okauia fault line which has created a series of gorges and valleys in the Kaimai Ranges.
- Duration of walk: 1.5 hours – 4 hours
- Location: West side of Kaimai Range south of Te Aroha
- Nearest town: Matamata
- Cost: There is no cost to walk the trail. Entrance is free.
- Track distance: 5km track to the summit of the falls and return
- Elevation: 400m
- Toilets: Yes (at start of track)
Walking Wairere Falls track
The track from the carpark to the top of the waterfall is split into two parts.
Part 1 Wairere Falls Track: From the carpark to Lookout #1
The first part of the track is well formed. The path winds through beautiful native bush groves, passing by moss covered rocks and tree roots. There are groves of nikau, puriri and kohekohe and several wooden bridges crossing over the river with stunning views up and down the water flow.
There is a steady climb to the base of the first big cliff, where a steep wooden staircase climbs to the top of the gorge. The track branches off to the first lookout with epic views of the entire falls in the not-too-far distance.
And there is a wooden platform and bench at the lookout; a great spot for a well deserved break before the next, steeper climb.
Part 2 Wairere Falls Track: Lookout #1 to the Summit
The second section of track is the steeper of the two, and rated as more difficult. For the first half of this section, there are plenty of steps and staircases making the climb to the height of the waterfall summit.
Ten minutes from the top, the track branches out heading the falls lookout and winding through rich tawa forest.
Expert tip: Listen out for the birdsong in this part of the track. It sounds magical up here! Keep an eye out for kereru in the canopy right above you.
The view from the falls lookout is truly magnificent, spanning for miles out over the Waikato plains.
How strenuous is the track?
The initial part to the first lookout is signposted as a 45 minute walk. This part of the track is rated as ‘easy‘ by the DOC website.
The second part of the track, from the first lookout to the top of the waterfall is very steep. There are rock scrambles and climbs in parts, over tree roots and moss covered boulders that line a worn but slippery trail. This part of the track is rated as ‘difficult‘ by the Department of Conservation.
Walking Wairere Falls track with kids
In fairness, the kids found the second part of the climb pretty tough. It is very steep, and some of the steps on the path are very slippery and require a handhold on a rock or tree root to get up.
However, as soon as the trail hit the flat for the last 10 minutes and they could hear the waterfall they brightened up. And the way back down was much easier for them then for us (cue, painful toes on the relentless descent. “This track is actually pretty easy, Mum!” Hmph.).
The return walk is the same way, back down both parts of the track to the carpark.
Find Wairere Falls Track
The start of the Wairere Falls Track is located on Goodwin Road off Te Aroha-Okauia road, south of Te Aroha.
From Matamata, on the main road to Tauranga, turn onto Tower Road and head for the Opal Hot Springs. Turn right at Okauia Springs Rd, then left onto Old Te Aroha Road. At Goodwin Road, turn right. The carpark is 0.7km from the turn off.
Checking the weather
It’s tricky to plan ahead for an accurate weather forecast. The Kaimai Ranges in known for rapid and unpredictable changes in weather. Dress appropriately for the weather when starting out, but bring a change of clothes in case of the event of weather changing.
For more information see the MetService website for up to date weather forecasts for the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region.
Know before you go
- Tell someone you are going: Make sure someone knows you are walking the trail and an estimated time you will be back.
- Wear suitable footwear: I recommend good strong, comfortable walking shoes or boots (especially if doing the second, summit part of the track).
- Dress appropriately: Take a backpack with warm clothing and a good raincoat.
- Bring food and water: Take snacks and a drink bottle. There is nowhere to buy food or drink near the track so be prepared and ensure you have plenty of supplies. There are some good spots for a picnic or snack stop along the trail.
- Be aware of hazards: The drop from the top of the falls is >90m! Stay away from the edge (and take care near the top lookout).
- Check for updated information: See the Department of Conservation website for more up to date details and tips for the Wairere Falls track.
Recommending Wairere Falls
As an interesting aside, we read reviews recently while travelling in the South Island, that a lot of New Zealand walks are almost too perfect. Too manicured as such, so that the challenge of the walks somehow did not equate to the end reward of breathtaking vistas.
However, if its rock scrambles and steep ascents you are looking for, combined with those breathtaking finishes. This track is definitely up there, and one I would recommend for any New Zealand hiking list.
There is a spectacular view of the Wairere Falls from the Old Te Aroha road on your way to the start of the track.
But guess what? You can actually see the falls from the main road too! I drove State Highway 27 the day after walking the track, and as you head southbound just before Waharoa you can see Wairere Falls to your left.
I have driven past the tallest waterfall in the North Island all my life and not even known about it! Don’t miss out. Make a date to see it for yourself too. It is truly spectacular.
Read more from New Zealand
- Hiking Roys Peak Track in Wanaka with kids.
- The Hooker Valley Track: Is this New Zealand’s best family day walk?
- An epic South Island road trip: 25 campsites we can recommend.
- Visiting Milford Sound in winter: An awesome day trip.
- 5 fun things to do in Russell with kids (even if the weather changes).