Rerekapa Falls

 

Rerekapa Falls

Unknown to the public, Rerekapa Falls is an exquisite waterfall which is quite ofter overlooked due to more popular Mt Damper Falls. Easily accessible from the main road, the waterfall is set in the Moki Forest between State Highways 3 and 43.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 38° 56.909' E 174° 44.507'
Parking: Mangapapa Rd, Tahora, Taranaki
Vehicle type: 4WD vehicle recommended Track type: Tramping track
Road type:8km of Gravel Road Return track duration: 1hr 30min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 10m Type of the waterfall: Cascade

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 38° 56.909' E 174° 44.507'
Parking:     Mangapapa Rd, Tahora, Taranaki
Access:     1hr 30min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Rerekapa is roughly a 1-1.5 hours drive away from New Plymouth or 2 hours from Te Kuiti. There are two similar options to reach the car park: either from SH 3 or SH 43 (Forgotten World Highway). From either of these highways follow the signs ‘Mt Damper Falls’. From SH 3 - it's 7km along the main road past Mt Damper Falls. From SH 43 turn into Moki Rd and follow it for the next 6km; then turn right into Mangapapa Rd. The car park is on your left, immediately past the bridge. The roads are typical winding roads, sometimes with a gravel surface. We recommend a 4 WD vehicle for this road; however, a usual car can make it if you drive carefully.

The car park has the DOC sign 'Rerekapa Track'. There are no facilities here. However, there is a campsite a hundred meters before the parking. There are two picnic tables and a long-drop toilet.

From the parking follow Rerekapa Track for 45 minutes until you reach the falls. The DOC sign is not very clear saying 1.5hrs without any details, they should add 'return' to this sign. 

The track follows the old road for most of the time (35-40 minutes) which doesn't have any significant hill's section. Then it reaches an old homestay and farm. From here track jumps into a forest and climbs on the hill. The waterfall is just 5 minutes past the homestay. You will see the waterfall on your right.

There is a short side track to the falls' base but be very careful while climbing an electric fence. There is a special spot for climbing the fence marked by a colorful rope. 

Return via the same track, or continue on to the main trail for 2.5 hrs until you reach Kiwi Rd.

Mountain biking options: Rerekapa Track (Grade 3) combined with the Moki Track, these two tracks offer a full day 45 km loop trip for experienced riders. A shorter option is from Mangapapa Rd to Rerekapa Falls (1hr return).


Waterfalls nearby

Mt Damper Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     40min return walk
Driving:   7.0 km (12 mins)

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