Papakorito Falls is roughly a 4.5-5 hours' drive away from Rotorua or 3.5-4 hours from Napier. Don’t rely on Google trip time estimations. The road is a typical winding one with lots of ‘zigzags’ and unsealed surface. We recommend a 4-WD vehicle for this journey.

Driving from Rotorua: travel south on the SH-5, then turn left into the SH38, a sealed road, which becomes a gravel winding road for the last 50km. The last 20-30 km is a zigzag road, sometimes one-way one, which runs alongside the lake's shore. 

Driving from Napier: travel north on the SH-2, then turn left into the SH38, a sealed road, which becomes a gravel one for the last 28km.

Follow the main road until you reach an Information Center where you need to turn to Aniwaniwa Rd and follow it for the next 1.5km. There is a car park at the end of the road (no toilets). Toilets and picnic tables are found near the Information Center.

An effortless 10-minutes return Papakorito Falls Walk leads to the waterfall's base. The waterfall is easily accessible, and the walk is really enjoyable. The track doesn’t have any stairs, so it’s suitable for wheelchairs/kids strollers. Return via the same track.