Whakapapaiti Waterfall is roughly a 20-minutes’ drive away from National Park Village. The road surface is always sealed.

From National Park Village head east on the SH-47 for 9 km, then turn right into the SH-48 (Bruce Rd) which leads to Whakapapa Skifiled and follow it for the next km11. You don’t need to drive up to the Skiefiled, instead leave your car on a car park which has a sign ‘Round The Mountain Track’. There are no facilities there.

From the car park follow tramping Round the Mountain track (to Whakapapaiti Hut) for the first 1.5-hours, then after the long descend turn right into Whakapapaiti Hut. You'll see the waterfall on the right hand side.

If you wish you can walk up to the waterfall's base – just follow the river bed. However, there is no official track there.

Return via the same track, or you may choose to do it as a loop - in this case follow Whakapapaiti Valley track, then turn right to Silica Rapids Track. You'll see one more waterfall and the rapids in this case. Return track takes 2-2.5 hours.