Nihotupu Falls

 

Nihotupu Falls

Nihotupu Falls are located in the central part of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Actually, there are three waterfalls there, all of them are seen from the track which leads to the Upper Nihotupu Reservoir. An excellent picnic area can be found near the Reservoir.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 36° 56' 34.0224" E 174° 33' 29.0766"
Parking: Piha Rd, Waiatarua, Auckland
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Easy walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 40min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 6m Type of the waterfall: Cascade

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 36° 56' 34.0224" E 174° 33' 29.0766"
Parking:     Piha Rd, Waiatarua, Auckland
Access:     40min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

This track is closed due to damage from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Nihotupu Falls are roughly a 30-45 minutes’ drive away from Auckland City. The road surface is always sealed.

From Auckland follow the road which leads to Piha. There is a carpark on Piha Rd (1.6 km from the intersection with Scenic Dr) without any facilities nearby. A long drop toilet is located near the Upper Nihotupu Track (10 minutes walk from the car park).

From the parking follow an easy Upper Nihotupu Track to reach the waterfalls. The track is a very easy and well-maintained one. The first part of the track is a gravel path. In 10 minutes you reach the service road which descends to the stream. The first waterfall (please refer to Photo Gallery) is seen from the bridge over the stream in 15-20 minutes from the beginning of the track. You can descend to the base of this falls. There are cool swimming spots available here.

From the bridge, you can see and hear the second waterfall which located downstream. There is an official track immediately past the bridge which leads to falls top. And there is an unofficial one (hard to find) which leads to its base. This waterfall is the hardest to reach but is most beautiful. 

Continue on to the main track, and in 5 minutes you see the third waterfall (on the main photo). There is an easy track which leads to its base and a good waterfall's viewing spot.

Scenic Upper Nihotupu Reservoir is just 15 minutes further walk. The dam itself is outstanding - you'll see the water falling from the high altitude. There is a good picnic area there. Return via the same track.

 


Waterfalls nearby

Fairy Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr 10min return walk
Driving:   6.3 km (8 mins)

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Waitakere Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr 20min return walk
Driving:   8.6 km (10 mins)

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Kelly Stream Waterfall

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     1hr 20min return walk
Driving:   8.6 km (10 mins)

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Karekare Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   12.1 km (16 mins)

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Opal Pool Stream Cascade

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   12.1 km (16 mins)

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Pararaha Stream Waterfalls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     8hrs  return walk
Driving:   12.8 km (17 mins)

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Kitekite Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   14.1 km (17 mins)

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The Cascades Falls

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     40min return walk
Driving:   15.7 km (20 mins)

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Photo Gallery

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