Wairere Falls — Attraction in North Island

Wairere Falls is a stunning natural attraction located in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, near Matamata and Te Aroha in New Zealand's North Island. As the highest waterfall in the North Island, it plunges an impressive 153 meters in two distinct drops, creating a spectacular sight that attracts nature lovers and hikers alike.

One of the most appealing aspects of Wairere Falls is the scenic walking track that leads to the falls. The track is well-maintained and offers a moderately challenging hike, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The walk to the base of the falls takes about 45 minutes, winding through lush native bush and alongside the Wairere Stream. The path is dotted with wooden bridges and steps, adding to the adventure and charm of the hike.

For those seeking a more strenuous trek, the trail continues to the top of the falls, which takes an additional 45 minutes to an hour. The effort is well worth it, as the summit provides stunning panoramic views of the Waikato Plains and the surrounding countryside. The lookout platforms at both the base and the top of the falls offer excellent photo opportunities and a chance to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

The flora and fauna along the track are another highlight. The forest is home to a variety of native plants and birds, making the hike a delightful experience for nature enthusiasts. The sound of the cascading water, combined with the songs of native birds, creates a serene and immersive environment.

Facilities at Wairere Falls are basic but adequate. There is a car park at the start of the track, and while there are no restrooms or food vendors on-site, the nearby towns of Matamata and Te Aroha offer plenty of amenities. It's advisable to bring water, snacks, and sturdy footwear, as the track can be slippery in places, especially after rain.

Overall, Wairere Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Waikato region. Its combination of natural beauty, accessible hiking trails, and stunning views make it a standout attraction. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, Wairere Falls offers a memorable and...

This is a stunning piece of paradise on the edge of the Kaimais, but you have to work hard to enjoy it. The walking track can be a challenge for the unfit, but even with my dodgy knee I managed to get to the top to enjoy the amazing view. The start of the track has recently been diverted and can be a little slippery under foot, as can the rest of the track depending on any recent rain. You need to arrive early morning if you want to get a park in the car park, otherwise expect a walk along the road to get to the trail head. We managed to get to the lower lookout in about 45 minutes but we were not rushing. The lookout enjoys a full length view of the waterfall and allows for a good selfie opportunity. To really experience the waterfall in full, you need to continue up the track to the top. This is where the track gets really steep. There is even a narrow wooden staircase zigzagging up a vertical cliff face, which can test the leg stamina a lot. Another 45 minutes or so gets you to the top of the waterfall. Once you get to the top lookout you can really appreciate the view, but only if you have struck a good day. Some days this is very foggy and cold and on windy days you should expect to get very wet up here as the waterfall tends to blow back uphill. A change of clothes might be a good idea, but a fun experience. As this is a very popular place, you should also expect many people up here, which means taking the perfect photo can be hampered with people in the background. Overall, I really enjoyed this walk and despite the climb, I would love to come again. Next time when it's really windy for the full...

The track goes from the carpark all the way to the top of the falls. We arrived at 1000 and the carpark was getting full. Depending on your fitness and pace it could take anywhere from 30/40 minutes to an hour or two. The track itself is nicely trailed so it's quite hard to get lost. The path is a combination of dirt, rock, roots, and stairs. Some bits are harder to get up but in the end, it is worth the effort. Be aware that the stairs sections are fairly narrow so it requires people giving way. There are a few rock pools on the way up which look nice and you can also take a dip in them. The half way point has a nice view of the falls. there is a small lookout a few meters from the track. Keep an eye out for the sign. The top of the falls is amazing. If you follow the track it leads to a lookout point where you can see the countryside. It is also a nice place to look down and see how high you actually are. You can also head into the falls. The area further away from the falls is quite nice to dip your feet in. Just be wary of the slippery rocks. There is also a mini falls just before the main falls. You can actually get to the edge of the falls but be careful as there are no safety barriers. We walked up and had lunch at the falls, looking out into the distance. Nice destination to tramp since it has nice views and is mostly...