Whataroa Falls

 

Whataroa Falls

Whataroa Falls is a complex of at least four waterfalls located in a very remote forest, a half way between Tauranga and Rotorua. Despite the fact that the only upper waterfall is easily accessible, walking this track and visiting these falls will be a very memorable event for everyone.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 37° 52' 25.1724" E 176° 12' 53.676"
Parking: Mountain Rd, Oropi
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Tramping track
Road type:4 km Gravel Road Return track duration: 2hrs 

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 15m Type of the waterfall: Horsetail

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 37° 52' 25.1724" E 176° 12' 53.676"
Parking:     Mountain Rd, Oropi
Access:     2hrs  return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Whataroa Falls is roughly a 1-hour' drive away from Rotorua or 40 minutes from Tauranga. The road surface is sealed, except for the last 4 km which is a gravel road.

From Rotorua head north on the SH-5, then on the SH-36 for 36 km. Then turn right into Oropi Rd and follow it for the next 4.5 km. Turn right into Mountains Rd and stay on it for the next 7 km. There is a well signposted parking at Mountains Rd with picnic tables and toilets.

A walking 2-hours return Whataroa Falls track starts from the parking, goes through the bush and leads to the base of the upper waterfall (on the main photo).

There are at least 3 more waterfalls there on the same river. You can find the photos of the middle and the lower one in our Gallery below. BUT only the upper waterfall is easily accessible. There is an unofficial track which leads to the other waterfalls. The second one is more or less easily accessible, while to reach the third one you'll need to have at least a rope. We saw only the top of the fourth waterfall and we would recommend having a special equipment in case if you want to see it.

Return via the same track.


Waterfalls nearby

Omanawa Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     30min return walk
Driving:   29.0 km (29 mins)

Read more ...

Raparapahoe Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   29.7 km (35 mins)

Read more ...

McLaren Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   35.2 km (35 mins)

Read more ...

Marshalls Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   36.7 km (36 mins)

Read more ...

Te Rerekawau Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   36.4 km (40 mins)

Read more ...

 


Photo Gallery

Visitors Comments