Haruru Falls (meaning “big noise” falls) on Waitangi River is similar to the several waterfalls around Kerikeri, where the river tumbles over ancient beds of basalt rock. The waterfall is 5 metres high, about 30 metres wide, with substantial and accessible rock platforms on both sides. A large, wide pool at the base flows into the Waitangi estuary. This is generally safe for swimming, except following heavy rain when the currents are more intense.
The falls are one of the most easily accessed in NZ, just a two-minute walk from the car park, 400 metres along Haruru Falls Road from State Highway 11. So it can be busy, although most visitors wouldn't hang around for too long.
You can also walk the Haruru Falls Track to Waitangi from the car park. The walk is easy and about 5.6 km each way. It follows the edge of the Waitangi estuary, with part of the track through a regenerating native forest and part through mangroves. Allow from 90 minutes to 2 hours each way.
