Discover the Majestic Wairere Falls
Wairere Falls, the tallest waterfall on the North Island, is situated at the southern end of the Kaimai Range. Cascading 153 metres in two stages from the Kaimai escarpment, these falls are a remarkable sight, especially after heavy rain.
One of the unique features of Wairere Falls is that they can be seen from a distance on the Hauraki Plain, a rarity for a waterfall in New Zealand. However, the real allure lies in the hike to the falls, which is one of the best on the North Island.
Hiking to the Low Viewing Platform
You can start by taking the shorter forest walk along the Wairere Stream to the viewing platform near the base of the falls. This walk is relatively easy, but there are boulders, and it can be muddy and slippery after rain. In areas where you pass below cliffs, be aware of rockfall danger and don't dawdle. The walk to the viewing platform takes about 45 minutes, and good footwear is recommended. The distance is about 1.5 km, and you climb about 160 metres.
Climbing to the High Viewing Platform
The track to the high viewing platform starts from the low viewing platform. This section of the trail is very steep and has numerous stairs to assist you in the climb. You climb over another 200 metres, and at the top, there is a 500-metre walk through forest to a well-placed viewing platform with stunning vistas across the Waikato region, surrounded by beautiful regenerating forest. There is room around the rocky top to settle in for a picnic with a view.
The main south-to-north Kaimai tramping track also intersects with the falls track, providing additional exploration opportunities.
Plan to spend 4 to 5 hours for the entire hike. Take plenty of water and food for a picnic at the top.
How to Get There
To reach Wairere Falls from the attractive town of Te Aroha, drive along Te Aroha Road and continue onto Goodwin Road. Follow this road until it ends at the falls car park, and the trail starts there. You can see the falls clearly from the car park, and the drive takes 20 minutes and is 26 km. From Auckland, the drive is 130 minutes and from Hamilton, 60 minutes.
Nearby places to visit include the Waiorongomai Valley and its extensive network of old gold workings, tracks and tramways on the side of Mt Te Aroha. A bit further north, you can also visit Karanhake Reserve, with its gold mining history.
For LOTR lovers, you are also only a short distance from Matamata and Hobbiton.
