Waiatiu Falls Track
Walking track
Time:
1.5 hr return
Distance:
1 km
Getting there
The track is located in the Whirinaki Forest Park which is found 90 km south-east of Rotorua, off SH 38. Entrance is past Minginui Village and up River Road to the Whirinaki carpark, the northern starting point for many walkers. You can also walk from the southern end, starting at Plateau carpark, about 43 km from Minginui along forestry roads. The carpark can also be reached from the Napier/Taupo Highway. Access is via River Road, off Old Te Whaiti Road.
About the area
There is something for everyone in Bay of Plenty's Whirinaki Forest Park, from mountain biking to hunting to exciting adventure races, all with a back drop of untouched forest beauty and amazing native birdsong.
Description
The beautiful Waiatiu Falls as seen
from the viewing platform.
The easy track passes through magnificent podocarp forest to the spectacular falls - remember to take your camera!
The viewing point is slippery so care is needed.
This track visits some of the parks special features and shows off the magnificent 'dinosaur forst', dominated by towering examples of kahikatea, totara, matai, rimu, miro and much tawa.
Rare species of bird life include North Island kaka, red and yellow crowned kakariki, robin and kereru.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required
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