Today I want to recommend a famous waterfall track I visited recently — Wairere Falls. It’s located in Waikato and is also known as the highest waterfall in the North Island. At the beginning, you walk through a forest and then slowly start climbing uphill. Along the way, the trees and rocks are all covered in moss, and you’ll keep seeing small streams running beside the track. The trail is pretty easy to walk, and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the waterfall viewing platform. The waterfall is really tall — seeing it with your own eyes is way more shocking and impressive than in photos! Because we had to rush to our next plan, we stopped at the viewing platform and didn’t continue up to the top of the waterfall. Going to the top would take another 45 minutes, and I believe the view there would be even more breathtaking. Wairere Falls Goodwin Road, Okauia 3391 Hiking time: Viewing platform: 45 minutes Top of the waterfall: 1.5 hours The whole hike felt super healing, surrounded by pure nature the entire way. It left me feeling really calm and refreshed, and it’s become one of my favorite tracks so far! Highly, highly recommend this hike.
Wairere Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Wairere Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Wairere Falls famous?
Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in New Zealand's North Island at 153 metres, making it a significant natural landmark in the Waikato region. The dramatic single-drop cascade through native forest and the challenging but rewarding hike have made it one of the most popular waterfall walks in the area.
Can you swim at Wairere Falls?
No. The main waterfall viewing area is not suitable for swimming due to steep terrain and safety concerns. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Wairere Falls?
Dogs are allowed on-leash on the Wairere Falls Track. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Wairere Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free. No entry fee or permit is required to visit Wairere Falls or walk the track in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Wairere Falls?
There is a free car park at the base of Goodwin Road, which is the trailhead for Wairere Falls Track. The car park has limited capacity and can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Wairere Falls?
About 4.5 km / 2.8 mi return from the car park to the top lookout of the falls. There is also a shorter option to a lower lookout at approximately 2 km return. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Wairere Falls hike difficulty
Moderate to Hard. The track is steep with over 350 steps and approximately 350 metres of elevation gain to reach the upper lookout. The track can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Wairere Falls?
Winter and spring (June–November) for the most impressive water flow, as rainfall is highest during these months. Summer and autumn can see reduced flow. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Wairere Falls
From the car park at the end of Goodwin Road, the track begins with a steep climb through native bush. After about 1 km you'll reach a lower lookout with views of the falls. Continue upward on the main track with numerous steps and steep sections to reach the upper lookout at the top of the falls, offering views across the Waikato plains. The same track returns to the car park.
Attractions near Wairere Falls
- •Firth Tower Museum - Historic homestead and farming museum in Matamata town centre
- •Hobbiton Movie Set - Famous filming location from Lord of the Rings, about 15 minutes drive
- •Okoroire Hot Springs - Natural thermal pools about 30 minutes south
- •Wairere Boulders - Unique rock formations and walking tracks, approximately 45 minutes away
- •Matamata town - Charming rural town with cafes and shops, 5 minutes from trailhead
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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