The 24 metre high Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in all of New Zealand.
Because of its ease of access, picturesque bush setting, and guaranteed 365 days per year flow, it is a must see if you are in the Whangarei area.
Located just 5km from the city of Whangarei, which is the northernmost city in New Zealand, the falls is a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic or a walk amidst the native bush.
Whangarei Falls is located in Whangarei Scenic Reserve. This beautiful curtain waterfall is is 26.3m high and falls over basalt cliffs
The base of the falls is known as a healing area and once used for washing the wounded and dead.
It’s part of the Hatea River and one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. Check before swimming as it is said to be contaminated water!!
The picturesque waterfall is 26.3m high and falls over basalt cliffs
Along with sheltered picnic areas, you can also enjoy a gentle loop walk which offers viewing of the falls from both the top and bottom.
I found it quiet, peaceful, with a wonderful ambience in a natural habitat well preserved.
Depending on the amount of recent rainfall, the falls can appear as several parallel columns of water or a large rectangular column.
Walking options for Whangarei Falls
An easy walking path leads to the upper waterfallβs lookout. It takes only 2 minutes to reach this lookout, and the walk is suitable for people of all abilities.
To walk to the waterfallβs base, you need to cross the river via a concrete bridge and follow the track. One minute after crossing the river youβll see one more upper lookout β donβt miss it.
It will take 5 minutes to reach the waterfallβs base from this lookout and then 5 minutes to come back to the carpark using the same track, or return via the 30-minutes’ loop track. This track has the stairs and not suitable for wheelchairs/strollers.
A longer circular walk to the AH Reid Memorial Kauri Park, which takes around 1 hour to complete, is also an option.
AH Reed Memorial Park is a remnant of the original kauri forests which were once extensive throughout Northland.
The Park features a stunning canopy walkway, enabling visitors to βget up close and personalβ with stately 500 year old kauri trees.
Visiting Whangarei Falls Info
Location – Whangarei is 160km, two hours drive north of Auckland on State Highway 1.
Cost – Free Entry.
Bring – Comfortable walking shoes and food for a picnic.
QUESTION….Have you visited any other waterfalls in New Zealand? Please share in the comments below…
My trip to New Zealand is courtesy of Qantas and the Great Crusade tour, however all opinions are my own.
There are some BEAUTIFUL ones in Milford Sound.
And then my favorite on the Kaituna River which at 7m is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! So much fun!!
Hi Rebecca,
Unfortunately we are only touring the north island otherwise I would love to visit Milford Sound
So, so mad I’m not heading north of Auckland after seeing your photos. Simply stunning. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and I can’t wait to see more. Would love for you to take a peek at my NZ itinerary. Any thoughts you would be willing to share are appreciated.
http://leahtravels.com/site/places/calling-all-kiwis-and-new-zealand-lovers-2
Hey Leah,
Your itinerary lokks good for the amount of time you have. We haven’t been to Wellington yet but as you say everyone sings it praises so it’s a shame you won’t have more time there.
And it’s great you already know some locals so give you that insiders tour π
Beautiful pictures, I’m always mesmerized when I watch waterfalls.
The Whangarei Falls looks amazing π
Havent been to New Zealand yet, but after seeing those photos I sure how it on my wish list (or bucket list)!
Thanks for sharing those gorgeous photos.
Cheers
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Your welcome. Yes New Zealand is scenically very beautiful, hope you get to tick it off your bucket list.
I’m addicted to waterfalls lately. I could spend a lifetime visiting all the big waterfalls of the world. This one would definitely be included on that list. π
Christy,
Well, you have to come here! But my favorite so far is Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia. Add them to your list.
Stunning. I’m so envious of you and the places you’ve been to. I said it before but I’ll say it again: New Zealand is a beautiful country. π
Hi Guys,
Oh yes it is. It has much to offer all people of all desires π
Wonderful that it is free entry.
Love FREE!!!
Most photogenic? Interesting…we stayed right near the falls for a few nights at the start of the year and, while they are very pretty waterfalls, would not have thought they were the best in the whole country (there are some stunners on the South Island. Whangarei itself isn’t too exciting but we did enjoy the long nature trail that takes you from the falls into town.
They call them the most photogenic because of the easy access from a main road and an easy walk from the car park. The best, probably not. Apparently there is a MUCH bigger and better waterfall in the area but it takes a serious hike.
So when they say “most photogenic” they are talking about pure numbers of visitors π
We loved Whangarei Falls too – its’ a great little picnic stop off, as you say! You’re photos are much better than mine though, grr.
New Zealand for us, was definitely the ‘land of waterfalls’ and it’s great how most of them involve some sort of walk through forest to get to them – another good one is Haruru Falls, which you can get to from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – the walk is about 3 hours though!
http://lifesgreatadventures.com/wp-content/gallery/latest-pictures_1/haruru-falls-paihia.jpg
We stayed in a campsite right opposite this waterfall – it was an awesome view under the moonlight! Shame you’re not heading to the South Island – the road to Milford sound is flanked by HUNDREDS of waterfalls. amazing!
Hi Aisleen,
Yes unfortunately we are only on the North Island. But thanks for the tips on the South, we will be back π
The Whangarei Falls are magical. I also visited the Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins, which were beautiful, too.
Absolutely gorgeous shots! What an incredible place! Definitely on my list of waterfalls to visit!
Thanks Alex. And it’s easy to get to as mentioned π
Pretty! I havne’t been there yet! But I hopefully will make it before I leave NZ
I already have so many places on I want to visit in New Zealand next year, now I have another! Stop crowding my itinerary! π
Erik, yeah the list always seems to get longer doesn’t it, ha ha…
gorgeous craig!!! haven’t been there, but would love to! the last one looks like a painting. π
Beautiful! But I also think the waterfalls of Milford Sound and the Valleys leading to it are pretty spectacular