Thorps Quarry Waterfall is roughly a 40 minutes’ drive away from Auckland City Centre. From Auckland travel south on the SH1 until you reach Hill Rd Exit (Botanic Gardens). Take this exit, then turn left onto Hill Rd. On a round-about turn right (next two round-abouts go straight) and follow the main road which becomes Brookby Rd for the next 8.7km. Turn right onto West Rd and follow it for the next 4.1km. Turn left onto Clevedon Rd and follow it for the next 1.7km (on the round-about keep to the left). Then turn left onto Thorps Quarry Road (sign ‘Clevedon Scenic Reserve’). A car part is at the end of the road (300m from Clevedon Rd). The road surface is sealed.

The car park is relatively large one, but on weekends it can be full (you might consider to park on Clevedon Rd and walk 300m to the park entrance). All types of facilities are available here, including toilets, picnic tables, and kids playground.

From the parking follow an easy walking path which leads to Old Thorp’s Quarry. Cross the river via a footbridge, then on the track’s junction turn left (follow ‘Old Thorp’s Quarry’ signs). On the next junction turn right. Then the track follows a stream until it reaches wetlands. There are a wooden path and three picnic tables here. The waterfall is at the end of the clearing. It’s a permanent waterfall, but in a dry season there could be little water here; hence we highly recommend to visit it after a decent rain.

Due to some stairs, the walk is not suitable for wheelchair/kids strollers.

Return via the same track. Or, if you have spare time (and energy, of course) you can return to the track’s junction and continue on to the main walks.