New Zealand is a land of stunning landscapes – coastlines, mountains, lakes, and of course, waterfalls. Who doesn’t love waterfalls? The views, the sound of falling water, and the beauty of the surrounding nature make them ideal for outdoor adventures. There are scenic waterfalls all over the country, and in this post, we’ve collected five of the best waterfalls near Auckland based on our own experience.
We’ve visited many waterfalls around Auckland, and these are our top picks – all just a short drive from the city. Each one is within an hour of central Auckland, making them perfect for a quick nature escape. So if you’re planning a trip to Auckland and want to explore its surrounding landscapes and best waterfalls, read on.
Hunua Falls
Parking: Park at the end of Falls Road, Hunua 2583.
Walking: 5-minute walk from the car park to the waterfall.
Also in the area: Multiple walking tracks in the regional park, Cossey Dam and Reservoir.
Hunua Falls is located in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. This 30-metre-high waterfall, complete with a swimming hole, is especially popular in summer.
There’s a car park at the end of Falls Road, with toilets and a lovely picnic area. From there, it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the waterfall.
After enjoying the views from the base of Hunua Falls, take a slightly longer walk along the Hunua Falls Loop Track. It leads through native forest to a lookout platform, where you can admire the waterfall from a different angle. The track then loops around and returns to the base, making for an easy 20-minute walk.
Hunua Ranges Regional Park has many walking tracks in the native New Zealand forest. Check out the map of Hunua Ranges if you want to explore more of this regional park.
We recommend walking to Cossey Reservoir and Dam. You can walk there via the 8km long Cossey-Massey Loop Walk from Hunua Falls. Alternatively you can drive to the end of Cossey Access road and then take a short walk from there.
Kitekite Falls
Parking: Park at the end of Glen Esk Road, Piha 0772
Walking: 30 minutes one way (1.3 km).
Also in the area: Piha Beach, Waitakere Ranges.
Kitekite Falls is located west of Auckland in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The area offers many pleasant walking tracks, and the Kitekite Falls Track is one of the most popular. It’s an easy 30-minute walk to the base of the waterfall, with lovely views of the falls along the way.
The track begins with the remains of a giant tree that children love to explore. There are also a few information boards about the bush and local wildlife, which help keep older kids engaged.
Kitekite Falls is truly beautiful, with several cascades and a total drop of 40 metres. At the base, there’s a clear pool that’s perfect for swimming. If you’re visiting in summer, bring your togs – it’s an unforgettable experience to swim beneath the waterfall.
I remember when we could visit Kitekite Falls and have it all to ourselves. In recent years, though, the track and waterfall have become much more popular, and there are usually plenty of people around. It hasn’t lost its beauty, of course – but it’s not quite as peaceful and tranquil as it once was.
After spending time at Kitekite Falls, take a short drive to the iconic Piha Beach to enjoy scenic views, more walking tracks, and a swim if you’re visiting in summer.
Omeru Falls
Parking: Park at the Omeru Reserve carpark off SH16 (1890 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa 0984)
Walking: 10-minute walk from the carpark to the waterfall.
Also in the area: Parakai Springs, Omeru Scenic Reserve.
The next waterfall in our ‘5 Best Waterfalls near Auckland’ is Omeru Falls, located northwest of Auckland in the Omeru Scenic Reserve. In fact, there are three waterfalls in the reserve: Omeru Falls, Waitangi Falls, and the Waitangi Stream Cascade.
It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the carpark to Omeru Falls, and another 20 minutes to reach Waitangi Falls. There are several swimming holes at the base of the waterfalls and cascades throughout Omeru Scenic Reserve. So if you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget your towel and swimming gear.
There’s also a large grassy area with picnic tables and BBQ facilities – great for family outings or simply a snack stop.
You can even bring your dog to Omeru Falls. Unlike many Auckland regional parks and reserves, Omeru Scenic Reserve is dog-friendly – as long as your dog is kept on a leash.
Karekare Falls
Parking: Park at the end of Karekare Road, Karekare 0772
Walking: 7 minutes one way.
Also in the area: Karekare Beach, Waitakere Ranges.
Another waterfall in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is Karekare Falls. This beautiful 25-metre-high waterfall is located not far from Karekare Beach.
Park at the end of Karekare Road, then walk back to the main road and follow the signs to Karekare Falls. It’s an easy 10-minute walk to the base of the waterfall.
In summer, you may find people swimming at the base of Karekare Falls. Several years ago, it topped the list of New Zealand’s favourite swimming holes according to AA Directions magazine.
If you prefer swimming in the ocean, head to nearby Karekare Beach after visiting the falls. From the parking area, follow the signs – it’s a 10-minute walk along the stream to reach the scenic Karekare Beach.
Fairy Falls
Parking: Park near the junction of Scenic Drive and Mountain Road, Waitakere 0782.
Walking: 45 mins one way (approx. 2.5 km)
Also in the area: Large Kauri Walk, Waitākere Ranges
Fairy Falls is located west of Auckland in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The waterfall is made up of several cascades, with a total drop of around 15 metres. It’s especially impressive after rain, when the water flow is strong.
Park near the Scenic Drive – Mountain Road junction. The Fairy Falls Track starts here and leads through native forest down to the base of the waterfall. It’s a 2.5 km walk with a few steep sections and stairs, but it’s well maintained and suitable for families with older kids. There’s a pool at the base of the falls, and while it’s not a formal swimming spot, some visitors do take a dip in summer.
After visiting Fairy Falls, stop at the nearby Large Kauri walk – a short 5-minute return walk from Scenic Drive. It’s a great chance to admire one of New Zealand’s majestic native trees up close. Then head to the iconic Piha Beach (25 minute drive) or Muriwai Beach further away (35 minute drive).
Read next: 20+ Volcanoes to see in Auckland.
We hope you enjoyed our list of five best waterfalls near Auckland. Let us know in the comments if you’ve visited any of them – and which one is your favourite!
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For more one-day trip ideas read our post 15 Best One Day Trips from Auckland.
Read also our posts on Top 20 places to visit in New Zealand’s North Island and Top 20 places to visit in New Zealand’s South Island.
What a great bunch of waterfalls hard to choose a favourite. Never got up to the North Island maybe next time and ill be checking these out
North Island has plenty of things to see and do – definitely worth a visit! 🙂
You’ve just added reason number 1002, 1003, 1004 1005 and 1006 for why I need to make the journey to New Zealand. THXS for posting these beautiful waterfall pics.
That’s a lot of reasons! Make sure you have at least a month when visiting New Zealand 🙂
I can see that I need to head back to New Zealand at some point. We didn’t have much time in Auckland so missed out on all these beautiful waterfalls. Definitely adding these to my list of things to see. Thank you.
These waterfalls are beautiful especalyy Mokoroa Falls and Omeru Falls. I have yet to visit New Zealand, but this makes me plan an especially long trip to enjoy all of New Zealands natural beauty!
These are all really Incredible waterfalls, with a short (to nice distance) to reach them. Perfect for an Auckland trip!
These are all so beautiful Elena. I think the Kite Kite is the pick of the bunch and must be gorgeous on a sunny day.