Enjoy a relatively short walk at one of Whangarei's premier destinations, or a longer walk incorporating a second waterfall. This page contains information about the tracks at Whangarei Falls, including the link to Sands Road.
Updated:
9/11/2012 4:02 p.m.
What's special about Whangarei Falls
The picturesque waterfall is 26.3 metres high and falls over basalt cliffs. Three viewing platforms allow easy access to the spectacular views.
A circular walk around the falls allows them to be seen from all angles.
Traditionally this area was a good eeling spot for the local Māori and around the turn of the century it was known as a popular picnic spot from Whangarei. In the late 1920's Mr Archibald Clapham bought the property, reputedly to prevent the falls being developed as a commercial watermill. In 1946 a local businessmen's association raised the purchase price by public subscription and the property became a public domain.
Track descriptions
| Whangarei Falls Loop |
2 |
30 minutes |
1.0 km |
| Sands Road Loop |
3 |
3 hours |
4.8 km |
Whangarei Falls Loop
The walk starts at the public car park and crosses the river above the waterfall via a metal bridge. Please note this bridge has no hand rail as it is designed for flood water to run over it and some people may not feel comfortable using it.
The surfaced walkway continues through the reserve and down a flight of steps to the base of the falls where there is picnic table and viewing area. A bridge leads to the walkway which zig-zags back up the hill through mature bush to the car park.
Safety: Care should be taken to stay on the paths and within the confines of the viewing platforms as the terrain can be slippery and dangerous.
Sands Road Loop
The Sands Road Loop also starts from the public car park.
Cross the road bridge over the river and walk 500 metres along the road towards Ngunguru. Turn right into Sands Road. The first part of the road is unsurfaced but is mown and maintained for walkers.
The road leads to Clapham Road and the A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park is about 500 metres on the right. Tracks through the park lead onto the Hatea Walkway and back to the Whangarei Falls.
This walk can be done in reverse by starting at the A H Reed Memorial Park.
For details about the A H Reed Memorial Park tracks and the Hatea River Walkway, select from the links below.
A H Reed Memorial ParkHatea River
What to expect
- an easy circular, surfaced walk around the falls, including a flight of steps.
- a longer, easy walk using Sands Road (which includes a short stretch of road walking). Sands Road can get muddy during wet weather or after use by cars.
Whangarei Falls walkway map [161.9kb]
How to get to Whangarei Falls
From Whangarei, take Kiripaka Road (the road north) signposted to Ngunguru and Tutukaka. Whangarei Falls is signposted as you leave the suburb of Tikipunga. Turn right from Kiripaka Road into the entrance to the park where a public carpark and toilet facilities are available.