Visiting Whangarei Falls | New Zealand Waterfalls | Tutukaka Day Trip

February 17, 2018 Jacq Comments 0 Comment

Waterfall chasing is an absolute must when traveling around New Zealand. It seems like there’s a picturesque waterfall hidden around every corner of this beautiful island country. So on your epic NZ roadtrip make sure to visit the famous and glorious Whangarei Falls.

The Details

Whangarei Falls is a 26 m high waterfall, just a short distance from Hwy 1 off Ngunguru Road. It’s roughly 20 minutes outside the popular coastal town of Tutukaka. Located in Northland region of the North Island, this is an easy access falls with well groomed trails to multiple viewing points. And the best part, it’s absolutely free to visit!

A short walk from the car park leads you to the view points from above Whangarei Falls. Enjoy some time at the first platform. Here you’ll be looking down at the falls, it’s a rather stunning view. Once you’ve taken in this view you can head across the river, via a metal walkway. Use caution as you are walking over the river above the falls. There are no handrails and the metal can become slippery and very wet when water levels are high. With all of that being said, as you are crossing the walkway it is a pretty cool experience to look beneath your feet and seeing the water flowing below that is about to cascade down the falls.

There are signs that will easily guide you on your Whangarei Waterfall adventure. Make sure to snag photos at the second upper falls look out. Since you’ve crossed to the other side of the falls now you get to experience it from another angle. Grab some more pics and admire the natural beauty around you before you head down to the base.

Now just a short 5 minute or so walk down the trail, and you’ll be at the base of the falls. Admire the beauty! I was lucky that it rained because it allowed the falls to put on a great show. I’ve heard however that if it’s a dry summer you may not be as lucky as I was. Now of course the falls are incredibly beautiful but make sure to take in ALL of your surroundings. You’ll notice that Whangarei Falls is engulfed in native New Zealand bush and it feels pretty magical. So spend some time walking around and exploring before you head back to the car park. You’re roundtrip walking time should be around 30 minutes. But of course you’ll take longer to admire nature, take pictures, and maybe even enjoy a picnic!