📍 Goodwin Road, Okauia
📍 Address: Goodwin Road, Okauia 3471, New Zealand
🌐 Website: waikatonz.com
One of the most beautiful spots on earth I've ever seen, mesmerizing beauty of nature and raging water falling and giving this feeling of freedom from bonds as you watch that volume of water falling. 45 mins to the lookout, after the 100 wooden steps.
Went for a hike for hubby’s birthday in early April, we got there just before lunch time and got back to the carpark at almost 3pm. It took us about 4 hours as we took our time. Signs says it takes 45mins to the lookout and another 45mins to the top of the falls. I am not a hiker and found the track challenging, one my sisters in law lent me her hiking stick and it was super helpful. Heaps of big rocks and tree roots, you gotta find your footing, avoid some areas that are wet. It was all worth the effort. The views are spectacular. There is enough parking and toilets available too.
The walk to the lookout is about 45 minutes and then to the top of the falls is another 45 minutes, so wear some good shoes and bring a bottle of water. In my opinion the walk was worth it, it can get a bit rocky and wet in some places, and there are stairs so a reasonable level of fitness is needed, but the falls are quite nice. I think the signage should a bit clearer at the beginning/entrance though.
The best waterfalls I've seen here! Stunning, amazing, breathtaking! It is a hike to see from the lower platform and to hike to the top but it is absolutely worth it! I can't stress this enough, you need to wear hiking shoes/boots. Sometimes you are climbing over rocks or slippery paths which I've seen people in their running shoes slip so go with caution.
Amazing scenic hike...Reasonably tough climb to the top but definitely worth it. Nice initial walk through the bush to the lower lookout. Then it gets reasonably steep to get to the top of the falls. View from the top is amazing. Awesome hike...
Awesome hike upto the falls, a mix of boardwalks, rocks, stairs, dirt & mud, steps and gravel pathways - most of which is uphill and sometimes quite steep. Swimming spots closer to the bottom, beautiful water views. A walk to the falls is great for a short adventure, or can make a full day trip be taking the other tracks up the top - but must be prepared with day hiking supplies as there are no facilities for quite a distance. I spent 8.5hrs hiking up there with the Wairere Falls track being the start & finish point (hiked to Te Whare Okioki Hut and back, 22.2km). Loved it, fully recommend
Beautiful hike to the top of the falls took a total return trip of 3hrs roughly. Best to get the hike done in the early hours of the morning as you can enjoy the peacefulness of having the site to yourself . Around 10am is when the general public arrive, so it gets slightly crowded. Overall highly recommend this hike to beginners and first timers as it has a good ratio of problem solving and easy paths along the hike to the top of the falls. Ps if you see my rocks please take a photo and tag me :3 10/10
A slice of heaven!!! Did it twice within a month, took kids from ages 6 to 11 but stayed close to youngest as there are a couple of steep drops along the way. Bit muddy if rained within the week. Take a towel if you want to swim in the cold water pools, very refreshing/invigorating.
Great walk, beautiful scenery, get out early morning if you want to beat the crowds and try to pick a clear day to benefit from the stunning views, it's definitely a bit of a climb in quite a few places so make sure you've given yourself a stretch and limbered up.
Great place for a decent physical work out (walking/trekking). NOT suitable for families with young kids. Part of the path gets muddy and very slippery on wet days so ensure you have appropriate footwear regardless. Most of the path is shaded by the trees so even in a hot day, you don't get much direct sunlight on you. Ample parking spaces at the entrance at the bottom. Public toilet available in the same car park. No matter which direction you come from, easy to get to. Beautiful site once you are at the top. Enjoy.
Wairere Falls is located at Goodwin Road, Okauia 3471, New Zealand
You can find directions to Wairere Falls by following this map link
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