Waterfalls in Auckland

Located almost an hour away from Auckland city by a car or bus, Karekare Falls is beloved for its spectacular scenery. It was used as the filming location for ‘The Piano’ by Jane Campion which bagged multiple awards at the 1994 Oscars. A ten-minute easy walk from the carpark through the track takes you to the waterfall.

The twenty five meter waterfall also has a child-friendly small pool at the bottom but be careful about the rocks on the way. With a height of just thirty meters, Karekare Falls is one of the smallest waterfalls in Auckland. It gets easily crowded and still presents excellent photographic opportunities. The vibrant Karekare beach is just half a mile away from the waterfall.  

Entry into certain parts of the Karekare Falls Walk is restricted to prevent the spread of the kauri dieback disease that adversely affects kauri trees.

Location: Huia, Karekare 0772, New Zealand

Timings: NA

Note. Dog-friendly

Located on the Gills Scenic Reserve in Albany, Lucas Creek is just twenty minutes away from Auckland Centre by car or bus. Often referred to as a hidden gem, it is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Auckland. The cemented track to reach the falls has no steps, allowing access by wheelchair.

Try to visit Lucas Creek after a rain since it becomes even more beautiful and photogenic then. The park bench is apt to enjoy the sight of the stair-shaped waterfall in a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours

With a height of merely eleven meters, Huka Falls grabs eyes mainly because of its boundless power. In each minute, nearly two hundred and fifty thousand litres of water pumps into the Waikato River through a narrow opening at the Huka Falls. Ten minutes in a car or bus from Taupo town centre takes you to this spectacle of hydro-electric power.

The rumbling Huka Falls is truly one-of-a-kind among the waterfalls in Auckland. Head up to the footbridge on top to closely view the waterfall. To reach the base of the falls, you can take either the jet boat trips or the river cruises. The photogenic region can also be explored through hiking and biking.

Location: Wairakei, Taupo 3384, New Zealand

Timings: 8.00am – 6.00pm

Note. Dog-friendly

Descending from fifty five meters, Bridal Veil Falls is roughly fifteen minutes away from Raglan. This prominent Waikato walking track is similar to a bridal veil in appearance and hence the name. Ten minutes into the walk takes you to the top lookout. 

There are two platforms with excellent photographic opportunities. The first section of the track allows wheelchair access. A steep set of steps leads to the pool at the bottom. Also known as Waireinga Falls(Maori name), Bridal Veil Falls is a popular spot for swimming during summer. 

Location: Kawhia Road, Makomako 3985, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours

Nestled inside the Western part of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Hunua Falls allows you to enjoy a picnic, take a dip in its pool at the bottom and climb the scenic Hunua Falls Loop Walk. The lookout platform with incredible views of the waterfall is reached by taking the short walk passing through the amazing forest and stream. There are also other stunning walking and mountain biking opportunities in the Hunua Ranges like the challenging Massey Cossey Loop Track that takes three hours to complete.  

Hunua Falls originates from the Wairoa River and has a height of thirty feet. One of the most popular waterfalls in Auckland, Hunua Falls is hugely admired for its peaceful atmosphere.

Location: Hunua Ranges National Park Falls road, Hunua 2583, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours, Vehicle access 6.00am – 9.00pm during summer & 6.00am – 7.00pm during winter

Note. Dogs are not allowed 

Set inside the Oakley Creek reserve, Oakley Creek Falls is the only waterfall in Auckland Central. Ten minutes into the amazing walkway takes you to the six-meter high waterfall. The Oakley Creek Walkway is a narrow cemented path steep in parts, so trying to cover them by a bike or scooter is not ideal.

Similar to Lucas Creek, Oakley Creek Falls is also best viewed following a rain.

Location: 1520 Great North Road, Waterview, Auckland 1026, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours

Located near the famous Piha Beach, Kitekite Falls is a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall with forty meters in height. Almost forty-five minutes into the scenic KiteKite Falls Hike takes you to the waterfall also known as Kitakita Falls. Suitable for all skill levels, the track has a length of three point five kilometers and begins at the end of Glen Esk Road.

There are six drops in the Kitakita Falls which fall into an enormous pool at its base. The KiteKite Falls Hike is situated forty five minutes away from the Auckland city by car or bus. Sufficient parking spaces are also provided on the surface before the hike begins.

Location: Piha 0722, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours

Thunder Creek Waterfalls has a height of ninety six meters. Located in Mt Aspiring National Park,Thunder Creek Falls Walk is apt for hikers of any skill level. It requires just ten minutes to reach the viewing platform. The base of the falls can also be easily accessed.

Location: Wanaka 9372, New Zealand

Timings: Open 24 hours