Wairere Falls Trail Head — Attraction in North Island

Impromptu day trek on Christmas Day. Well formed tracks but can be very muddy after rain. Well shaded all the way through. DOC states it as an easy trek which is probably for the highly-physically fit peeps. I would say it is okay for a moderately fit person at their own pace. The sign shows 45 mins to the lower platform and a further 45 mins to the summit, all along one track totalling 90 mins one way. I started at 9.15am, took an hour to the lower viewing platform; and reached the summit around 11.15am. My 2 hour ascend allowed for plenty of picture taking and rest breaks admiring the beauty of nature. Just before reaching the lower viewing platform there are flights of proper timber stairs to conquer (reminds me of Devils Staircase @ Tongariro Crossing but nothing compared to that!). No pain no gain for sure! 2nd stage to the summit is a continuous yet consistent (to me) incline until the last few minutes which is either flat or slight decline. And THEN, the amazing view awaits you! Came back down in an hour including a quick detour to the International Seat Of Peace. So all up 3 hours return. There is a block of modern longdrop (3 cubicles) in the carpark area only so make sure to use it before you start. Not one for family picnic areas at either of the viewing platforms (some picnic tables at the carpark grounds however). "Maybe" possible in the area when you reached the summit where there's another track veering off it. Best waterfall trek I have done so far with colourful surroundings this time of the year. Do carry plenty of drinking water, you will need it! Anyways, pictures speak louder than words....

An absolute gem of a walk with my 12yr old son and myself with outstanding views from the top and also the lower lookout.

Our experience was based off a hot summers day with no rain around so track was nice and dry. if planning to tramp in winter you'd need to factor in the track being muddy and more difficult.

On arrival, there's a big carpark with plenty of space, and a toilet block. Might pay to bring hand sanitizer as there was none in the toilets.

The track itself is fairly well formed and relatively easy to manage, although some parts get a bit challenging when you have to negotiate large rocks. If you take your time and have plenty of rests this won't be an issue.

There are several swimming spots to stop at in the lower portion and during our walk several families were enjoying a nice cool dip in the rock pools.

The view from the lower observation deck is outstanding and takes about 45 min from carpark. It's definitely worth pushing on and enjoying the view from the top of the falls which is another 45 min from lower deck. It's also a great spot to stop and have some lunch and take in the scenery.

In my opinion, this is one of the best day walks within the Waikato region and can safely navigated by most people, as long as you're appropriately attired and wearing good comfortable...

One of the best track i’ve hiked! So glad we decided to go here though it wasn’t part of our itinerary.

Be sure to have proper shoes especially if it rained the day before. There were few parts that were slippery.

Exhilarating, definitely not boring and stunning view of the falls at halfway. Unfortunately we didn’t go all way to the top as it was already getting dark and we didn’t have the proper gear to do night hike. So I highly recommend to do this earlier especially during winter.

The halfway mark/pitstop is already...