Top Things to do in North Island
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What to do and see in North Island, New Zealand: The Best Waterfalls
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Wairere Falls, Shine Falls, Mokoroa Falls, Dawson Falls, Huka Falls tracks, Whangarei Falls, Mahuia Rapids, Rainbow Falls, Kaiate Falls, Fairy Falls.
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1. Wairere Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By peter_coulson - Tauranga, New Zealand
I gift there at 09.30 on a Friday morning and the car park was already filling up. The track is quite challenging due to the boulders and tree roots. There’s lots of places to take photos, and the view of the waterfall itself is spectacular. It took me 40 mins to walk there, and 45 to get back. Well worth the visit.
2. Shine Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By sallytd14 - Nelson, New Zealand
The Shine Falls are about 1.5 hour drive from Napier on the road to Gisborne. We were taking our time so you could get there a bit quicker than it took us. You park at a DOC carpark and have an hours walk ahead of you. You would need a reasonable fitness level but in saying that we bumped into several families who were walking with very young (2 year olds!!) that made the entire trip themselves - albeit that they took a bit longer than the one hour. The falls are spectacular and well worth the walk. The walk starts out through a working farm and then meanders into native bush. It is quite hard going in a few places but not what I'd call "challenging". Certainly a must do if you've never been there. The falls are about 60 meters high!!!!!! Fantastico!!!!
3. Mokoroa Falls
4. Dawson Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By john_mills_nz - Wellington, New Zealand
Very cool trees. Feels like the setting of a fantasy movie/novel. It’s well worth going down the steep steps to the base of the waterfall.
5. Huka Falls tracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,294 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By SteveBaldwin-NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand
Really amazing sights and walk, very relaxing walking along the tracks, great facilities and car park too which makes the visit easy. Never get tired of visiting here
6. Whangarei Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,250 reviews
Reviewed By suzeontheroad - Raglan, New Zealand
A short walk is rewarded with a lovely waterfall which can be further enjoyed by continuing to walk over a bridge and around a bit.
7. Mahuia Rapids
8. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 863 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By MurrayP550 - Porirua, New Zealand
Fantastic run or walk from the Stone Store to Rainbow falls through Totara and Kauri Forest beside the river.
9. Kaiate Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By WendyandAlbieN - Auckland, New Zealand
The walk up and down to see the falls, although steep, was amazing. The sight and sound of the water falling is memorable. There are many native birds to look out for, along with the not-so-native colorful roosters and hens. Some of the paths and steps can be a little challenging - wear good firm footwear, and be of reasonable fitness. The view of the Mount form up there is worth it
10. Fairy Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Jewell1995 - Southampton, United Kingdom
Basically, do this walk! The car park is extremely close to the beginning of the walk, which was very convenient. The walk itself is maybe 45-50 minutes one way trip, but you will want to stay at the base of the falls, as it is beautiful. The stairs are a little slippery, but it had just rained when we had gone. If you want to do a relatively simple walk to a beautiful waterfall, do this!
