Otuihau Whangārei Falls

Image of Otuihau Whangārei Falls showing a man and woman standing in front of the waterfall.

Otuihau Whangārei Falls is a picturesque 26.3 metre-high waterfall, cascading over basalt cliffs. 

Enjoy a relatively short circular walk or for a longer walk start from the A H Reed Memorial Park or Hātea River Walkway.

Dogs are allowed on leash. However, dogs are prohibited in the A H Reed Memorial Park's main reserve.

Parking

There is a public car park off Boundary Road. 

What to expect

  • An easy, circular, surfaced walk around the falls, including a flight of steps.
  • Multiple picnic tables, seating, and viewing spots.

There may be some known and potential hazards that users should be aware of and avoid.

Known hazards in caves and on Council reserves

Otuihau Whangārei Falls loop

Grade:         2
Time:           30 minutes (to complete the loop)
Distance:     1 km

The walk starts at the public car park and crosses the river above the waterfall via a metal bridge. Please exercise caution, as there is no handle rail because the bridge is designed to allow flood water to flow over it.

It leads to the base of the falls where there is picnic table and viewing area.

Safety: Care should be taken to stay on the paths and within the confines of the viewing platforms, as the ground can be slippery and dangerous.

Sands Road Loop

Grade:         3
Time:           3 hours (one-way)
Distance:     4.8 km

The Sands Road Loop also starts from the public car park. After crossing the road bridge over the river, a 500 metre walk along the road towards Ngunguru leads to a right turn into Sands Road. 

The first part of the road is unsurfaced, but is maintained for walkers. The road leads to Clapham Road, and you can reach A H Reed Memorial Kauri Park and the Hātea River Walkway along the track.

Safety: This walk includes a short stretch of road walking. Sands Road can get muddy during wet weather.

Location

Ngunguru Road, Whangārei 0173  View Map

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