Your Epic Guide to the Best Waterfalls, New Zealand: Hawkes Bay Edition
Here is the fifth edition of my epic guide to the best waterfalls in New Zealand – specifically written for the Hawkes Bay region. Below are fourteen fabulous waterfalls in Hawkes Bay, complete with all the essential details you need to plan your visit.
The East Cape
The East Cape is the furthest east you can go in New Zealand and is the first place to see the sun each day. That might seem obvious, but with New Zealand being the first in the world to see in each day, due to the timezones, that means you can be the first in the world to see in a new day! If you are hanging around on the East Cape, here are three waterfalls to pay a visit to.
1. Mōtū Falls, Whinray Scenic Reserve
General Location: Mōtū Falls are just across the Bay of Plenty border and are the northernmost waterfall for this region. They are out on the East Cape, New Zealand’s easternmost tip. Nearest Civilisation: The closest place of any significant size to Motū Falls is the town of Gisborne, which is an hour and a quarter’s drive away (89 kilometres, 55 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Mōtū Falls is part of the Whinray Scenic Reserve and sits on the Mōtū River. Waterfall Height: Mōtū Falls is 5 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: The best view of Mōtū Falls is from the swingbridge, right at the start of the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track. You can also see the Falls from the carpark.
Waterfall Name: Mōtū Falls is named for the river. Getting There: You don’t need to go far down the Whinray Scenic Reserve Track to see Mōtū Falls. Track Distance: You’ll see the Falls within the first few metres of the walk. The full Whinray Scenic Reserve Track is 6.3 kilometres (4 miles).
Walk Time: It’s a five minute return walk to Mōtū Falls. If you’re continuing, it’s two and a half hours. Swimming: There is no swimming access at Mōtū Falls.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Mōtū Falls. Wheelchairs and Prams: The swing bridge makes this track tricky for wheelchairs and prams but you can view the Falls from the carpark. Go, Because: Go, because this is a worthy stop if you are driving between Ōpitiki and Gisborne (rather than driving the entire outline of the East Cape, which is the alternative).
Something Extra: Definitely consider doing the full two and a half hour track in the reserve. Last Updated: October, 2024.
2. Rere Falls
General Location: Rere Falls sits on State Highway 2 that runs between Ōpotiki and Gisborne (and beyond), on the East Cape of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Rere Falls is closest to Gisborne, a three quarters of an hour drive away at 46 kilometres, (28 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Rere Falls sits on the Wharekopae River.
Waterfall Height: Rere Falls is 10 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Rere Falls from the base – and also from the carpark. Waterfall Name: Rere means to flow, to run, to descend – fitting, for a waterfall.
Getting There: You can see Rere Falls from the carpark or follow the path to the bottom of the Falls. Track Distance: The walk is barely a couple of hundred metres. Walk Time: It’s a two minute return walk to Rere Falls.
Swimming: Rere Falls is a great spot for swimming. Dogs: Dogs are okay at Rere Falls but need to be under control. Wheelchairs and Prams: Users of wheelchairs and prams will be able to see Rere Falls from the carpark.
Go, Because: Go, because Rere Falls is 20 metres along, so it’s wide! Something Extra: You’re not far from the Eastwoodhill National Aboretum, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees; definitely worth a visit. Last Updated: October, 2024.
3. Rere Rock Slide Waterfall
General Location: Rere Rock Slide Waterfall is just out of Gisborne on the East Cape of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Rere Rock Slide Waterfall is 2 kilometres from Rere Falls, a three quarters of an hour drive away from Gisborne (46 kilometres, 28 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Rere Rock Slide is downriver from Rere Falls, also on Wharekopae River.
Waterfall Height: Rere Rock Slide Watefall is 10 metres high, but it’s not vertical, it’s a slope at a 30 degree angle that is 80 metres long. It really is a rock slide! Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Rere Rock Slide Waterfall from the top or the bottom.
Waterfall Name: The Rock Slide is named because a popular activity is to take a boogie board down the slope with the flow of the water down to the pool at the bottom! Getting There: There’s a short trail from the carpark to the top of the slide. Track Distance: It’s barely a couple of hundred metres to the rock slide.
Walk Time: It’s a five minute return walk to Rere Rock Slide Waterfall (but you can be at the top of the slide in the first minute, and can descend on foot down a trail to the bottom). Swimming: Sliding down into the water is a very popular activity! Sometimes water quality is a bit iffy, but this is signposted when an issue.
Dogs: Dogs are okay at Rere Rock Slide Waterfall but they need to be under control. Wheelchairs and Prams: Rere Rock Slide Waterfall is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Go, Because: Go, because this viral rockslide has featured in tonnes of online clips as the idea of sliding down the rock face is quite novel!
Something Extra: Remember a boogie board or inflatable something to slide down on otherwise the rocks will hurt! Last Updated: October, 2024.
4. Te Rēinga Falls, Te Rēinga Scenic Reserve
General Location: Te Rēinga Falls are out on the East Cape, further down coming towards Hawke’s Bay (the bay itself). Nearest Civilisation: Te Rēinga Falls are most easily accessed from Gisborne, just over an hour’s drive away (68 kilometres, or 43 miles), or, if you know Wairoa, it’s a half hour drive inland from the town of Wairoa. Immediate Surroundings: Te Rēinga Falls are in Te Rēinga Falls Scenic Reserve and they sit on the Wairoa River.
Waterfall Height: Te Rēinga Falls are 35 metres tall! Waterfall Viewpoints: There are three points from which you can view Te Rēinga Falls – the official viewpoint, and then a second view is possible if you’re up for a little bit of a scramble. You can also see them from the bridge on the road. Getting There: You’ll take the Te Rēinga Scenic Reserve Walk to Te Rēinga Falls.
Track Distance: It’s 200 metres return for a view of Te Rēinga Falls, or you can go another 300 metres for a second view. Walk Time: Allow ten to thirty minutes return depending on how close you want to get. Swimming: The Falls have strong currents and it is not suitable for swimming.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Te Rēinga Scenic Reserve. Wheelchairs and Prams: Te Rēinga Falls is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams although technically you can see the Falls from where the road goes over the bridge. Go, Because: Go, because this is where a couple of rivers meet so the Falls are quite powerful.
Something Extra: If you’re exploring the area it is worth visiting the Mahia Peninsula, an hour’s drive away. It’s a remote drive but you’ll be rewarded with white cliffs and beautiful surf. If it’s too cold to swim, Morere Hot Springs is close by. Last Updated: October, 2024.
Te Urewera
Te Urewera is a rainforest deep in the heart of the North Island, which was previously one of New Zealand’s national parks. It is the first place in the world to have achieved legal personhood, which grants it all the same rights as a legal person in court. This is a more fitting way to view the land according to how the Māori consider the land to be their guardian and provider.
5. Korokoro Falls, Lake Waikaremoana Track, Te Urewera
General Location: Korokoro Falls is within Te Urewera, previously a national park, and is at Lake Waikaremoana, which is nestled into the forest. Nearest Civilisation: Waikaremoana is a tiny place on the lake, which is the gateway to Te Urewera. It’s an hour inland from the town of Wairoa (58 kilometres, or 36 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Korokoro Falls sits on the Te Korokoro O Whaitiri Stream. Waterfall Height: Korokoro Falls is 22 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Korokoro Falls from across the water, near the top.
Getting There: You actually need to take the Lake Waikaremoana Track to Korokoro Falls – that’s four days tramping, but it’s one of the greatest walks in New Zealand. When you reach Korokoro Campsite, you take a turn off to Korokoro Falls which is an hour return.
Track Distance: From Onepoto, Korokoro Falls is a little over 20 kilometres in (13 miles), and from Hopuruahine Landing, Korokoro Falls is a little over 29 kilometres in (18 miles). Walk Time: Korokoro Falls is between nine and twelve hours walking from the Onepoto end of the track (falling on day three), and about ten and a half hours walking from the Hopuruahine Landing end of the track (falling on day two, if you are going in the other direction).
Swimming: You cannot swim at Korokoro Falls. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Korokoro Falls. Wheelchairs and Prams: The walk is long and there is a stream crossing so Korokoro Falls is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because you’ll automatically end up walking the Lake Waikaremoana Track – one of the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand! Something Extra: Lake Waikaremoana is an excellent trout fishing spot – why not grab a fishing license from the Waikaremoana Holiday Park Store and take some fishing gear? Last Updated: October, 2024.
6. Mōkau Falls, Te Urewera
General Location: Mōkau Falls sits within Te Urewera, a large, remote rainforest in the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Wairoa is an hour twenty’s drive from Mōkau Falls, 75 kilometres or 47 miles. Immediate Surroundings: Mōkau Falls is on the Mōkau Stream (or Mōkau Inlet, part of Lake Waikaremoana).
Waterfall Height: Mōkau Falls is 37 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can see Mōkau Falls from the road, or walk to the base of it. Waterfall Name: Mōkau Falls is named for the stream.
Getting There: There is no track to Mōkau Falls as you can see it from the road or carpark. Track Distance: There is no track to Mōkau Falls. Walk Time: It will take you a minute to reach Mōkau Falls.
Swimming: If you walk to the base, you can swim in the pool if rainfall has not been too heavy. Dogs: If your dog happens to be driving the Te Urewera Rainforest Route with you, they can see Mōkau Falls from the car. Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchair and pram users can also see Mōkau Falls from the car.
Go, Because: Go, because this might be the most impressive of Te Urewera’s waterfalls. Something Extra: Consider using a local operator to take a boat trip over the lake. Last Updated: October, 2024.
7. Āniwaniwa Falls, Te Urewera
General Location: Āniwaniwa Falls sits in Te Urewera, at the eastern tip of Lake Waikaremoana. Nearest Civilisation: It’s an hour’s drive between the town of Wairoa and Te Urewera, 65 kilometres (or 40 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Āniwaniwa Falls sit on the Āniwaniwa Stream which flows right into Lake Waikaremoana.
Waterfall Height: Āniwaniwa Falls are 15 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Āniwaniwa Falls from the Upper Falls Lookout and the Lower Falls Lookout. If you are careful, you can also climb down to the base of the waterfall. The closest viewpoint is off the Āniwaniwa Falls Track (the non-loop track) – there are two walking options.
Waterfall Name: Āniwaniwa Falls is three waterfalls in one. The separate cascades are named Te Tangi o Hinerau (named for Hinerau; legend has it that she was a beautiful native woman who got trapped after an earthquake and whose tears formed the waterfall) and Momahaki, as well as Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they are known as Āniwaniwa Falls, which translates to rainbow. (Not to be confused with Waiāniwaniwa Falls in the Bay of Islands!)
Getting There: You can get to Āniwaniwa Falls on the Āniwaniwa Falls Loop Track (which is the Hinerau Walk), or you can take the Āniwaniwa Falls Track (not a loop track). Track Distance: The Āniwaniwa Falls Track is 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) return.
Walk Time: It’s about ten minutes walking to the lookout – that’s on the loop track, the Hinerau Walk, – and five minutes walking if you take the Āniwaniwa Falls Track (for a closer view). Allow 20 to 30 minutes if you want to do both walks.
Swimming: The best swimming is possibly in the lake itself, as opposed to here at the waterfall. Dogs: Dogs would need a permit to be in Te Urewera. Wheelchairs and Prams: These tracks have steps and are unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because this is a beautiful waterfall with quite a history behind it. Something Extra: On the loop track you’ll see a turnoff for Bridal Veil Falls – check this one out, too, it’s part of the trio. Last Updated: October, 2024.
8. Papakorito Falls, Te Urewera
General Location: Papakorito Falls are on the eastern end of Lake Waikaremoana, within the Urewera rainforest, Te Urewera. Nearest Civilisation: It’s an hour’s drive between the town of Wairoa and Te Urewera, 65 kilometres (or 40 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Papakorito Falls are upstream from Āniwaniwa Falls, on the Āniwaniwa Stream.
Waterfall Height: Papakorito Falls is 20 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can see the Falls from the carpark, or you can get a little closer on a grassy path. Getting There: You’ll take the Papakorito Falls Walk to Papakorito Falls.
Track Distance: It’s a 4 kilometre (2.5 miles) return walk from the visitor centre. Walk Time: It’s a two minute walk to Papakorito Falls. Swimming: I would not recommend swimming as the Falls are so powerful.
Dogs: Dogs would need a permit to be in Te Urewera. Wheelchairs and Prams: The short walk to Papakorito Falls is fine for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because if you are driving the Te Urewera Rainforest Route, you’ll barely have to detour to see another amazing waterfall.
Something Extra: While in the Lake Waikaremoana area, consider hiring a canoe, to get out on the water and appreciate this beautiful spot from a new angle. Last Updated: October, 2024.
Thermal Explorer Highway Area
The Thermal Explorer Highway is a nickname for State Highway 5. It runs from Napier, the capital of the Hawke’s Bay Region, best known for it’s art deco / 1920’s architecture (and the annual art deco festival), all the way up to Taupō (part of the Bay of Plenty Region, and named for the massive lake smack bang in the middle of the North Island – Lake Taupō, the country’s biggest). These next waterfalls are on, or in the vicinity of, this highway.
9. Waipunga Falls
General Location: Waipunga Falls is just off the highway between the towns of Taupō and Napier (State Highway 5). Nearest Civilisation: It’s three quarters of an hour from Taupō (53 kilometres, 33 miles), but if you’re exploring the Hawkes Bay Region, then you might just as likely be coming from Napier, the regional capital (which is an hour and a half away, 89 kilometres, 55 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Waipunga Falls are part of the Waipunga River. Waterfall Height: Waipunga Falls are 40 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: Waipunga Falls is viewed from a distance from the lookout just off the highway.
Getting There: On the drive between Napier and Taupō, you’d follow a brown coloured sign pointing off to the left and then drive up a paved road up the hill to a parking area that overlooks Waipunga Falls. Track Distance: There is no track to Waipunga Falls. Walk Time: There is no walking required for Waipunga Falls.
Swimming: There is no swimming at Waipunga Falls. Dogs: Dogs can be at Waipunga Falls if they happen to be driving the highway with you, but keep them under control. Wheelchairs and Prams: Those in wheelchairs and prams will be able to see Waipunga Falls from the car.
Go, Because: Go, because you are literally passing by if you are driving this road. Something Extra: Another point of interest down State Highway 5 is the Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve – good for a leg stretch, a short walk, and a little history lesson. Last Updated: October, 2024.
10. Pungahuru Falls
General Location: Pungahuru Falls sits on the Napier-Taupō Highway, which is State Highway 5, known as the Thermal Explorer Highway. Nearest Civilisation: Napier is an hour’s drive from Pungahuru Falls (59 kilometres, 37 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Pungahuru Falls sits on the Mohaka River.
Waterfall Height: Pungahuru Falls is 25 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Pungahuru Falls from the carpark. Getting There: The Falls are across the river so are inaccessible except by boat.
Track Distance: There is no track to Pungahuru Falls. Walk Time: There is no walking required for Pungahuru Falls. Swimming: There is no swimming access at Pungahuru Falls.
Dogs: Dogs can view Pungahuru Falls from the car with you. Wheelchairs and Prams: Because there is no walking, those on wheels can see Pungahuru Falls from the car. Go, Because: Go, because you will be passing through anyway if you are driving the Thermal Explorer Highway.
Something Extra: Keep an eye out for the tallest viaduct in Australasia, the Mohaka Viaduct, a railway bridge that crosses the Mohaka River, 95 metres up. It’s a little way up the road. Last Updated: October, 2024.
11. Shine Falls
General Location: Shine Falls is a bit inland from Napier, the capital of the Hawkes Bay Region. Nearest Civilisation: Shine Falls is best accessed from Napier, an hour an a quarter’s drive away (63 kilometres, 39 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Shine Falls is part of Boundary Stream.
Waterfall Height: Shine Falls is 58 metres tall. Getting There: The track to Shine Falls (Shine Falls Track) actually closed last month, September 2024. The track had suffered cyclone damage but we hope it will reopen eventually but it might be some time.
Track Distance: It’s nearly 5 kilometres (3 miles) to and from Shine Falls. Walk Time: The track to and from Shine Falls is about an hour and a half. Swimming: Shine Falls was a popular swimming spot when it was open.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Shine Falls. Wheelchairs and Prams: The track to Shine Falls is forest and farmland terrain so is unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because Shine Falls is the best waterfall in the region (**at least, when it reopens).
Something Extra: A popular stop upstream is Bell Rock, if you have time for a 45 minute drive and energy for a 3 hour walk up the Mangaharuru Ranges. The view from the top is jaw dropping – you’ll see all the way over to the Mahia Peninsula, and the Kaweka Ranges. There are multiple rockfaces you can get up on top of for epic views, and epic photos. Last Updated: October, 2024.
12. Tangoio Falls, Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve
General Location: Tangoio Falls sits a little inland from the region’s namesake, Hawke’s Bay. It’s on the highway up to Wairoa and Gisborne, but closer to the Napier end. Nearest Civilisation: Tangoio Falls is just a half hour out of Napier (28 kilometres, 17 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Tangoio Falls is within the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve, in the Tangoio Forest. Waterfall Height: Tangoio Falls is 25 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: There is a lookout over Tangoio Falls.
Getting There: There is an easy walk to Tangoio Falls but it was damaged in 2022’s cyclone and is still closed. Track Distance: The track to Tangoio Falls and back is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles). Walk Time: It’s an hour return to Tangoio Falls.
Swimming: There is no swimming access at Tangoio Falls, but you will pass Te Ana Falls and can swim there. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed here. Wheelchairs and Prams: I am not aware of the walk to Tangoio Falls being wheelchair and pram accessible.
Go, Because: Go, because you’ll see two waterfalls on the one walk! Something Extra: When it’s open again, pay Tangoio Falls a visit, and it’s cute little neighbour, Te Ana Falls, as well – with your swimwear. Last Updated: October, 2024.
Napier, Hastings & Surrounds
I have two last waterfalls for you. These are even closer to Napier than the previous ones – the first, being in Napier itself, and the second, being local to a little place called Havelock North, which is just a bit south of Napier (and Hastings, it’s neighbouring city).
13. Centennial Garden Waterfall, Centennial Garden
General Location: Centennial Garden Waterfall is located in Centennial Gardens, in Napier itself, out in the eastern coast of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: The waterfall is a two minute drive from Napier CBD!
Immediate Surroundings: The waterfall is part of this public garden. The Falls are man-made. Waterfall Height: Centennial Garden Waterfall is 40 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: The bridge will give you a great view of the waterfall. You can also walk over to the base. Waterfall Name: The waterfall is named for the Centennial Gardens, which were put in a hundred years after Napier became a city.
Getting There: There is an easy pathway to the Falls once you are in the gardens. Entry is free! Track Distance: The gardens are not big so you do not need to walk far to the waterfall. It’s only about 300 metres.
Walk Time: You can see Centennial Garden Waterfall even if you only have a spare ten minutes for the gardens. Swimming: You can’t really swim at Centennial Garden Waterfall as it’s a public garden, but there are people that do.
Dogs: Dogs will need to be on a leash in Centennial Garden. Wheelchairs and Prams: I believe that Centennial Garden is wheelchair and pram accessible and have not seen anything to the contrary. Go, Because: Go, because this little gem is a pretty little spot to visit for a moment of serenity.
Something Extra: Visit after sundown to see the waterfall lit up in green. Last Updated: October, 2024.
14. Maraetotara Falls
General Location: Maraetotara Falls is near the bottom of the Hawke’s Bay Region, below Cape Kidnappers. Nearest Civilisation: Havelock North is closest to Maraetotara Falls, a twenty minute drive away (16 kilometres, or 10 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Maraetotara Falls is on the Maraetotara River.
Waterfall Height: Maraetotara Falls is 16 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Maraetotara Falls from the bottom – or from in the water! Waterfall Name: The Falls are named for the Maraetotara River they sit on.
Getting There: Take the Maraetotara Historic Walk to Maraetotara Falls. Track Distance: It’s only a couple of hundred metres to Maraetotara Falls. Walk Time: It’s five minutes to Maraetotara Falls, and five minutes back.
Swimming: Maraetotara Falls is a well loved swimming spot. Some people jump off the rocks into the water but check the depth yourself first, and only do it if you’re confident. Dogs: Dogs can be at Maraetotara Falls but need to be on a leash. Wheelchairs and Prams: Because of staircases, the walk to Maraetotara Falls is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because this is a great half day excursion from Napier in summer. Something Extra: Maraetotara Falls are close to the old Havelock North Power Station, which is worth exploring, too. Last Updated: October, 2024.
That brings me to the end of this edition of New Zealand Waterfalls! I hope that these fourteen have inspired you to get out there and discover some of these beautiful spots for yourself, even if its just in passing on your way down one of the highways.