wairere falls

AucklandPiwis

One of my favourite walks in NZ to date. The track contains a little bit of everything: bush trail, boulders large and small, tree roots, steps, stairs, rocky bits, stream crossings oh and an amazing view at the top!Most of the interesting stuff is before the first lookout so if you are pressed for time or a little unfit don't worry about the next leg - although the view is definitely worth the effort.It was raining when we set off and the track can get a little slippery so decent footwear would be advised - also some water. We found the times given to be quite accurate- it took us 45 minutes up and 30 down - although we did stop a few times. We noticed quite a few people doing it quicker however - some even running it!There is a standard long drop at the start of the track, but nothing at the top.We also noticed a few pools near to the bridges that might be worth a quick dip.

CheahKooiMei

Being a just retired and seldom exercise pensioner, I took an hour to reach the lookout. Took 50 minutes to complete the 121 steps (or 99 steps as a fellow hiker told me) and almost gave up because there is no signage at the top of the steps. Luckily I persisted and walk a little further then only saw the sign which says "lookout". I saw some mossy mini waterfalls (or water streams?) along the way as it rains. Glad that I stayed overnight in Matamata town so that I can visit Hobbiton and this spectacular Wairere Falls. Thoroughly enjoyed the nature and the stunning view of waterfall.

27Lyn

Great views once reach the top. The viewing platform gives great views of the falls themselves.We walk this track regularly as is great for fitness. Still enjoy the views. Need to take water with you and you can refill at the stream at the top. Lovely pure water. Basic toilets at the bottom only.

VivlinSiim

Awesome easy walk right to top of the falls, take a drink and some food, well worth the magnificent view on a clear day.

CPLOsborne

This is something my partner and I do regularly - usually being dragged up by the dog. There is the lower look out and the top looking out over the falls itself - either way there are great views.There are a lot of stairs though and can be slippery in winter/in rain. Plenty of bush cover so great in summer and is quite popular with the locals and visiting tourists. Popular also for those wanting to go for a swim too...

BruceW670

Another great morning in the Bay of Plenty, and a short drive over the Kaimais, onto the Old Te Aroha Road, a short time later turn right onto Goodwin Road...just beyond the carpark is modern 'long drop' before you start on a gently rising track to warm the legs up....over a good few bridges...some boardwalks and just before the lookout veiwing platform some steps...!! Taking as much time again to climb up to top veiwing of the falls....Lots of people, many visitors to NZ...all acheiving the same thrill of a great tramp enjoyed....lunch in the carpark...onto the Mineral Pools in Te Aroha....!!! As Nike says 'JUST DO IT'...

beth756

Took my 11 year old daughter and 2 year old son ( in back pack) for a walk to the look out. The track is well kept but would recommend good sneakers as the track can be uneven and parts are slippery when wet. It was a bit longer for us than 45 minutes to the look out as we stopped for photos etc on the way up. Some degree of fitness would help with this trip - especially when it comes to those steps!

Haydybaby

Wasn't too sure what to expect when my wife and I (both in our early seventies, but quite active) decided to tramp to the Wairere Falls lookout. I would have to say that it took us longer than 45 minutes to negotiate the track, which is far from smooth, but once we got there, the view was worth the effort. The trip back down to the car park took about 30 minutes. Make sure you take some water with you - we forgot, and paid the price - and also make sure you choose a dry day. The track uses large smooth boulders for a base in a lot of places, and they can be quite slippery when wet. People we met on the track who had done the second leg, to the top of the falls, said that the second leg is easier than the first, and the view is even more spectacular. We will have to do that on another day!

bronlc

Went there in January 2013. Good walk to the falls. Being a little bit fit helps as it is a climb upwards. We took the dog on a lead and cleaned up after her. Other dog owners did not sadly. The falls were worth getting to.

RichandBrenda

Fabulous, short 3 hour hike round trip to go all the way to the top and back. Well maintained trail. Great views. Take a swimsuit and wade among the rocks in the cool stream on the way. And go all the way to the top!

Draco_Malfoy

I only had time to walk to the waterfall lookout point, which took me the sign posted fourty five minutes. It is a little rock in places, a bit uphill and the steps give you a bit of a work out. But the scenery all along and the waterfall at the end is well worth it. I took plenty of photos and enjoyed spending a bit of time at the end just looking at the waterfall. The top of the waterfall was still enclosed in fog, and I will definitely come back another time and walk right to the top. A fantastic place to go hiking in New Zealand bush, especially on a nice day. Bring some lunch and enjoy the view at the end, whether you are just going to the look out or right to the top.

151renh

I've done a number of nature walks in New Zealand. One of my favourites is the Hakarimata trail, and if you can handle that, I'm told, you can handle Wairere Falls. I have to say though, this is far more majestic and beautiful. We walked it today, the sun was out, and it was absolutely spectacular. It's a great walk - punch through it and get all the way to the top. Don't stop at half way. It's great exercise and you're rewarded at the top with a stunning view. If you're a tourist, in the area, then this is a must!

Nelly6701

Be prepared for a 45 minute hike up 121 steep stairs and rocky mountainous terrain! This hike ain't for the faint at heart. Then you have to hike down another 45 minutes! Very sweaty! We only went to the lookout point because the summit was an additional 45 minutes up. Falls are impressive and are the tallest in New Zealand! The view from the road is nice too! Just be ready for the long steep hike and make sure you have enough time and water! Safe trekking!

woshoudebuhao

We wanted to follow the trail to see this waterfall up close, but since we had already spent most of the day hiking at the Waiorongomai Valley in the rain, we just got a photo from the road. It was still impressive.

lynnem141

One of my most favourite spots ever! If you get the opportunity, go here! Beautiful native bush, gorgeous waterfall. Driving the Old Te Aroha Road is a real treat too. The Kaimais don't get any better than this.