State Highway 16 from Kumeu to Welllsford runs through rolling green farmland. Along the way is the Omeru Scenic Reserve. This is an exceptional stop, featuring the convergence of two streams with waterfalls, recovering kauri forest, and an old pā site. The two higher waterfalls are named – Omeru Falls at 5 metres and Waitangi Falls at 7 metres – and there are several smaller falls. The track follows the two streams to each of the falls, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes for the circuit, with multiple places to swim. There is a lovely grassed area with seating for picnics at the pā site.
Waitangi Falls (seven metres) is a 20-minute walk from the car park. Walk down the hill, over the bridge on the first stream, and head left across the grassed pā site and picnic area. Cross a second bridge and follow the boardwalk through a pretty kauri grove above the second stream. The track then rises gently through the forest with some stream views. At the end, there is a quite steep but short set of stairs down to a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Swimming at the base of the falls is popular in summer when the water is clearer. However, it can get muddy with heavy rain.
Return the same way and head through the pā site and picnic area. Turn left onto the track to Omeru Falls near the bridge over the first stream.
