What Kerikeri lacks in beaches, it more than makes up for in waterfalls. There are five fantastic falls in town and one that lies a short 15 minute drive away. Whether you’re looking for the biggest and most powerful waterfall, one you can swim in, or simply a quiet spot to sit and relax in solitude, Kerikeri has you covered.
Several of the falls can be driven right up to, and those that can’t are all accessed via short easy walks through beautiful countryside.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kerikeri’s gorgeous waterfalls.
6 of the best Kerikeri Waterfalls
These are the 6 best waterfalls in Kerikeri:
1. Rainbow Falls - the most spectacular one of them all
Rainbow Falls is the most famous waterfall in Kerikeri and the most spectacular of all the falls in the area. In fact, it’s our favourite waterfall in the whole of Northland.
It’s huge and powerful, cascading into a giant swimming hole at the base. If you don’t mind a bit of a scramble you can even explore the cave behind the waterfall itself.
The quickest way to access the falls is from the Rainbow Falls car park which leads to three viewpoints along the top of the falls which are well worth checking out before you head down to the bottom.
The walk to the lookouts is 200m (each way) and down to the base 300m (each way). The path is all paved or gravel and in excellent condition. There’s a short hill to walk back up from the bottom of the falls, but it doesn’t take long at all and is more than worth it.
If you have more time, our recommendation would be to instead walk to the falls from the Stone Store along the Kerikeri River Track. This walk is 8.4km return, or you can walk it one way if you have a car shuffle.
The path takes you along the stunning emerald river, past several swimming holes (including Wharepoke Falls mentioned below) and through spectacular forests complete with several large kauri trees. It has a few short hills, but is generally a very easy walk and an absolute delight.
2. Charlies Rock - the one with the best swimming hole
Charlies Rock used to be a local secret, but a waterfall and swimming hole this good can’t stay secret forever. It’s an absolutely sublime spot to while away a sunny afternoon basking on the rocks, or swimming in the huge pool at the base. It was easily one of our favourite things to do in Kerikeri.
The waterfall itself is very pretty and the basalt rock creates a particularly lovely setting. It’s just a short 550m walk to reach the falls (1.1km return).
It’s almost entirely flat, along a dirt path past farmland before it gets a little rockier in the last few minutes to the falls (this section can also get muddy after heavy rain). There are a couple of rocks to climb up and down, but it’s generally nice and easy.
Getting into the swimming hole is a breeze, with rocks that are tiered so you can gently lower yourself in. Just watch out if you are planning to visit after very heavy rain as there can be a fairly strong current.
To find the track to Charlies Rock, park at the Waipapa Landing, cross over the road and head left for a couple of minutes until you see the signpost for the falls on your right.
3. Te Wairere Waterfall - the one that was lost for 60 years
Te Wairere Waterfall is a little gem that was lost to the world when subdivision of the surrounding land blocked access and led to it becoming completely overgrown.
Over 60 years passed before the Kerikeri community rallied to create access to the falls once again in 2015. It’s hard to believe that a waterfall this beautiful didn’t have a single visitor in all that time!
Nowadays there’s a bench seat to sit and enjoy the waterfall and it’s generally a quiet spot. Although you could have a paddle, it’s a bit too shallow for a proper swim.
You can now access the falls by one of two routes. The quickest is from Cobham Road where a short 1.7km return easy track takes you along the river and then down a couple of staircases to the base of the falls. The path is all well formed until you get to the stairs which are a little uneven but by no means difficult.
A longer alternative is to start your walk from the Stone Store.
4. Wharepoke Falls
Wharepoke Falls is a beauty, it might not be tall but it’s wide and powerful and has yet another lovely swimming hole (though there can be debris at times making it less easy to access than Charlies Rock).
If it weren’t so close to Rainbow Falls it would see a lot more visitors, but as it is, it’s overshadowed by its more famous neighbour. That’s good news for you though as you’re very likely to get this spot to yourself, or maybe just a few others.
There are a few rocks to sit on but no official seating area, perhaps another reason that most people continue on by.
The quickest way to access the falls is along the Kerikeri River Walk beginning at the Stone Store, this route is just over 1km each way and almost entirely flat.
It’s a very well maintained path and the forest is wonderful with plenty of knobbly trees and hanging vines. You could then continue on for a further 3km (each way) to Rainbow Falls or retrace your steps.
5. Secret Grotto Waterfall - the one that’s hidden away
I am not sure there’s an official name for this waterfall but it’s tucked away just 150m beyond Te Wairere Waterfall. It’s best visited after some decent rainfall when it has substantial flow (in dry spells it reduces to more of a trickle).
The walk to get there follows the worn path to the right of Te Wairere Waterfall and is flat all the way, as you get closer there are a few rocks and tree roots to watch out for. If you cross over the bridge you’ve gone too far, the waterfall is at the end of the path on the right just before the bridge.
Although it’s only a small waterfall comparative to others in the area, it’s a really peaceful spot with plenty of shady rocks to sit on and enjoy the peace and serenity of the forest. It’s the least visited of any of the falls in the area.
6. Haruru Falls - the one with the adventurous rope swing
Haruru Falls is located just outside of Kerikeri but well worth the short drive. It takes just a minute to walk to from the car park and you’ll arrive at a lookout with a great view out to the falls. After rain they will be positively roaring and you’ll feel the spray from metres away.
If you’re feeling adventurous you’ll notice a tree by the viewing platform with three wooden planks attached which allow you to climb up, grab the rope swing and launch yourself into the water!
It’s actually pretty high and we didn’t try it ourselves so we can’t comment on whether it’s completely safe, but it’s definitely popular in summer.
If that sounds a bit too white knuckle you can go hire a kayak and paddle out to the falls.
If you’d like to do a longer walk in the area, Haruru Falls is one end of the Waitangi Track which takes you through forest and mangroves to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It’s an easy 5km (each way) walk, although not as pretty as the Kerikeri River Track if you only have time for one.
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