Whangarei Falls
If you are seeking a stunningly scenic walk that encompasses a picturesque waterfall and natural “quintessential” New Zealand native bush (including the iconic Kauri trees), then Whangarei Falls and the adjoining A H Reed Memorial Park are well worth a visit! It is highly recommended to include both sites if you can but if you only have limited time then you can visit one option.
Whether you are staying in Whangarei and/or its surrounds (we highly recommend the scenic Whangarei Heads as a must-do place to visit or stay!), or you have been driving for a few hours as you head to Northland, the Whangarei Falls and/or AH Reed Memorial Park will be a welcome stop, visit or picnic spot.
Whangarei Falls
photo credit Sarah Orne
The journey
The walk incorporating both the Whangarei waterfall and the A H Reed Memorial Park can be started at two different car parks (parking is free at both start points) as follows. Either:
- from the Whangarei Falls car park at Boundary Road, Tikipunga (off Ngunguru Rd); or
- from A.H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park at 199 Whareora Road, Whareora*
*Please note Access for the disabled to the Canopy Walkway is from the middle car park on Whareora Road
Let me now take you on a journey from the car park at the entrance of Whangarei Falls. As you enter the entrance from Boundary Road, there is a free car park with a toilet block situated in a beautiful park-like picnic area. It is only a few minutes to walk to the first viewing platform at the top of the waterfall (one of three viewing platforms).
I would recommend walking down to the bottom of the waterfall. The track is well maintained and is only 10 minutes to walk. Fancy a swim in the pool at the bottom?
Only a few minutes’ walk from the car park to a viewing platform at the top of the waterfall;
photo credit Sarah Orne
And it is only a 10 minute easy walk to the base of the waterfall.
Also known as Otuihau Whangarei Falls this majestic 26 metre waterfall cascades over basalt cliffs (formed over 2 million years ago) into an enticing pool at its base. This waterfall is known as one of New Zealand’s most “photogenic” and is easily accessible a few minutes from the car park. There is a viewing platform from the top (one of 3 viewing platforms), and/or go for an easy walk down a well-maintained track to the base – a perfect place to be surrounded by this tranquil native scenery. Theres a lovely picnic spot at the base of the water fall.
Please note that the waterfall varies according to the season and the corresponding rainfall.
