Do not walk this track during/after heavy rain

The cliffs around the Wairere Falls Track are prone to rockfalls, especially during or after heavy rain.

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• Move quickly through the rockfall risk areas and do not stop. These are marked by signs along the track
• Do not use the track during or after heavy rain, or when a severe weather watch or warning has been issued.
  • Find a weather forecast for Wairere Falls Track here
  • Find Metservice severe weather watch or warnings here
  • Find information on yesterday’s rainfall here

Carpark to lookout

Time: 45 mins one way

Slippery, muddy and rocky section of Wairere Falls Track. See larger (JPG, 202K)
Image: Theo Chapman | DOC

From the car park an undulating track crosses large moss-covered rocks and tree roots. 

Sections of the track are wet, muddy, and rocky. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip or tramping boots are recommended. Take your time on the rocky, slippery sections of track.

Small wooden bridges take you across the stream at several points, offering lovely views of the water and its cascades.

The track passes through rockfall zones, follow the signage and move quickly through these areas. Do not stop.

There is a steady incline up the steps to the base of the cliff, through a grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe. After this you arrive at a lookout platform with a spectacular view of the falls.

Lookout to top platform – very steep

Time: 90 mins one way

Steep stairs on Wairere Falls Track. See larger (JPG, 197K)
Image: Theo Chapman | DOC

The track becomes much harder from this point as it climbs further up the hill to the top platform. There are plenty of steps and staircases in the steeper section.

Take your time as you climb to the top of the falls and watch your footing over the rocks and tree roots. Once you reach the top of the climb, the track passes through forest before reaching the falls lookout after about 90 minutes. The viewing platform at the top of the waterfall provides fantastic views of the Waikato valley.

The falls drop 153 metres over the steep escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault line. Stay away from the edge at the top of the falls. In spring, watch out for the apricot-coloured flowers of the taurepo plant on the rocky valley walls.

Return the same way. Some people take walking sticks as the return walk down hill and steps can be tiring on knees.

Continue on to Wairere Track

From the top of the falls you can access the Wairere Track east to the North South Track. This track is not as well maintained as the climb to Wairere Falls.

Wairere Falls Track is on Goodwin Road off Te Aroha-Okauia road, south of Te Aroha.

Be aware of rockfall risks and steep drops

There is a risk of rockfalls on sections of this track. The risk is highest during/after heavy rain, but they can still occur at other times. Rockfalls can cause serious injury or death.

Rockfall risk areas are marked with signs. Move quickly and carefully through these areas, and not stop.

There are also steep drops – keep an eye on children and stand well back. Stay away from the edge at the top of the falls.

Do not use this track during/after heavy rain

There is an increased risk of landslides, rockfalls and flash flooding during/after heavy rain. 

Do not use the track during or after heavy rain, or when a severe weather watch or warning has been issued.

• Find a weather forecast for Wairere Falls Track here
• Find Metservice severe weather watch or warnings here
• Find information on yesterday’s rainfall here

Be prepared for your walk

Expect a steep and rough track with rocky, uneven ground. The track is muddy, wet and slippery in places. 

You need to be moderately fit to walk this track comfortably and have sturdy shoes with good grip. Take your time on the rocky, slippery sections of track.

Remember to pack warm clothes, a good raincoat, food and drink, a hat, sunscreen and a first aid kit. Find a full packing list for day walks here.

Know the rules for this area

No dogs or firearms unless you have a permit for hunting. Abseiling and mountain biking is prohibited.