WAIRERE FALLS HIKE 

Approximately 3.5 – 4 hours walk, 1.5 hours return travel.  A good level of fitness is required.  

There are some steep stairs, narrow passages and technical tracks.  It can be wet and slippery under foot if it has been raining.

Wairere Falls is a fabulous natural asset in the Bay of Plenty offering stunning views out over the Waikato plains.  It is a steady climb up the base of the cliff where sets of steps lead to the top of the gorge. The hike to the viewing platform at the base of the Wairere falls takes about an hour and a half. It's a nice walk along a well-maintained track through native bush. Several bridges cross the stream with nice views of the stream and occasionally the falls.

The track climbs further with plenty of steps and staircases in the steep section. At the top of the hill the track winds through a rich mosaic of forest species with tawa. The track then branches to the falls lookout. It is well worth the effort to get to the top of the waterfall with fantastic views of the Waikato region.   The view of the falls at the platform is spectacular – water plunges 153 metres over the steep escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault.  The falls are the highest water fall on the North Island.

Over the summer there are plenty of pools to paddle in and the track can be explored further upriver.  Return via the same track. Click here for more information

Cost: $40 including transportation, lunch, and snacks

You will need to bring a backpack to carry lunch and your own water, appropriate footwear, sunblock, hat, swim suit and towel if you’d like to swim and a warm jacket for inclement weather.