Birchville Dam Waterfall is roughly a 40 minutes’ drive away from Wellington (with traffic could be more than a one hr). The road surface is always sealed.

From Wellington travel north on the SH-1 for roughly 6km, then turn right into the SH-2 and stay on it for the next 29.5km. Turn left into Akatarawa Rd and follow it for the next 2km. Turn left into Bridge Rd, cross the Hutt River via a bridge. A car park is found in 800m from the beginning of Bridge Rd. The parking is small and doesn’t have any facilities there (no toilets).

From the parking cross a stream via a suspension bridge and follow a well-maintained Cannon Point Walkway (Birchville Dam walk) for 20-25 minutes until you reach the Birchville Dam. The waterfall drops from the dam, and it’s observed from the lookout. Also using the stairs you can walk up to its top. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful trees’ reflection in crystal clear dam’ water.

Return via the same track, or continue to Cannon Point Walkway which can be walked as a loop (3-4 hours).

Almost at the beginning of the walk (within 5 minutes after crossing the bridge) you’ll hear ‘water dropping’ sound and you’ll see a side track (on your left). If you wish, with care, follow this side track (5 minutes return) which brings you to charming cascades. The descend to the cascades can be dangerous – be very careful here!