Waitangi Falls is a popular waterfall south of the Glenbrook Steel Mill, west of Pukekohe. It is on the edge of the wide and long Waiuku River mouth that feeds into the southern end of the Manukau Harbour. It is also one of several waterfalls around the southern part of Auckland.
The pool at the bottom of the falls is big enough to soak in and deep enough to encourage kids to jump from the front of the waterfall. It is pretty easy to climb up the side and then leap into the waterfall; clearly, the warning sign has no effect.
Drive along Glenbrook Road to Waitangi Falls Road, then park near the end to get there. There is a grassed area above the falls, and you can scramble down to the top. There is also a short path that will take you to the bottom, with more picnic options. Farms surround the area, but quite a large area around the falls has been planted with flowering natives, especially pretty in spring and early summer.
Because it is popular, avoid weekends and holidays if you can.
