William Wright Falls is located about a 1-hour drive from Tauranga, 1.5 hours from Hamilton, and 2 hours from Auckland. The entire route features sealed roads.

From Tauranga, head north on SH2. After approximately 55 km, take the right turn toward Waihi Beach. In Waihi Beach, follow Beach Road until it ends at Pohutukawa Park. There is ample parking available here, along with a playground, toilets, picnic tables, and clear trail signs.

From the parking area, follow the well-marked Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay track. The walk to Orokawa Bay takes about an hour and is relatively easy, with some uphill and downhill sections. Orokawa Bay offers a peaceful beach that is less crowded than Waihi Beach. Facilities nearby include toilets and several picnic spots.

Continue along the main trail to the far end of the beach. About five minutes past the beach, you'll find a side track leading to William Wright Falls. This track was damaged by a landslide in 2013, transforming it from an easy walk into an advanced and challenging trail. The sign now warns that it takes around 40 minutes one way and is suitable only for fit and experienced trampers. The trail begins by passing through very tall grass before returning alongside the stream. The path is often overgrown and can be tough to navigate, requiring climbing and jumping. During wet seasons, expect your feet to get wet.

After roughly 30 minutes, watch for a side stream on your left, marked with orange triangles—this can be easy to miss. From here, it’s a straightforward 5-minute walk on a clearer path to the base of the waterfall.

Return the same way. The total walking time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Keep in mind that William Wright Falls may have little to no water during dry summers. If there has been no recent rain for several weeks, don’t expect a powerful waterfall.