Photo credits: Nils Dizon

We are going to hike to the highest waterfall in the North Island!

About Wairere Falls Track

Wairere Falls Track weaves its way through moss covered rocks and tree roots. Large round boulders form natural pools and cascading waterfalls.

Plan for the day

Meeting place: Wairere Falls Track carpark https://goo.gl/maps/Z4CunYHoG15h1JxSA

Meeting time: 10:00 am for a 10:15am start

Distance: about 8km loop; about 436m elevation gain

Duration: About 5 hours including stops

Difficulty: Average (3 on a 1-5 scale with 5 being advanced/expert).

Weather: to be updated closer to the time

Walk description

A spectacular view of the falls can easily be seen from Old Te Aroha Road. From the car park, an undulating track crosses moss covered rocks and tree roots. It meets up with the river and crosses a number of bridges. There is a steady climb up the steps to the base of the cliff, through a grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe, before leading to a lookout platform with a spectacular view of the falls (45 minutes from road end).

The falls drop 153 m over the steep escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault line. The track then climbs further, with plenty of steps and staircases in the steeper section. At the top of the hill, the track passes through forest before reaching the falls lookout after about 90 minutes.

From the top of the falls, we will take the Wairere Track east to the North South Track. This section is not as well maintained as the climb to Wairere Falls.

After the walk, we can stop by a restaurant for early dinner or snack.

Transport

Car pooling fuel $25 paid to the driver directly. Members needing a ride or willing to give a ride, post on a message on the event page with your location/available space on your car and arrange directly with one another.

Cost

This is a free hike but a gold coin donation towards operating costs will be highly appreciated.

What to bring/wear:

• NO COTTON WEAR - jeans/denims/shirts/jumper please
• trainers/sneakers will be fine unless weather has been wet recently, then you will need hiking shoes as it may be slippery
• snacks, packed lunch and at least 2L drink
• Personal FIRST AID KIT + medication
• clothing suitable for summer
• sun and rain protection
• map from https://www.doc.govt.nz/map/index.html?banner=0&layerlist=0&base=Topo&layers=Campsites,Huts,Walking%20and%20Tramping&extent=1853167.7615632506,5819674.4425225,2193,9&search=Walking%20and%20Tramping:0c42aa02-3b23-4767-94ac-ff7a47a51c10
• change of clothes, shoes & cash if carpooling
• +++ lots of positivity and fun

Important Disclaimer:

Pinoy Adventurers NZ (PANZ) and its organisers work voluntarily and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during the events organised. By signing up to attend PANZ events, you are acknowledging that you are a legal adult, have read the details and will take full responsibility of your safety and the safety of the minors with you.