Owharoa Falls

 

Owharoa Falls

Owharoa Falls is a set of three waterfalls located just a few kilometres from the well-known Karangahake Gorge. The first and third falls are easily accessible to visitors, while only the top of the second waterfall is visible from the roadside. With its scenic setting and natural beauty, Owharoa Falls is considered one of New Zealand’s must-visit waterfalls.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 37° 25' 10.041" E 175° 45' 50.7312"
Parking: Waitawheta Rd, Waikato
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Easy walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 10min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 6m Type of the waterfall: Fan

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 37° 25' 10.041" E 175° 45' 50.7312"
Parking:     Waitawheta Rd, Waikato
Access:     10min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Owharoa Falls is located about a 2-hour drive from Auckland or roughly 1 hour from Tauranga, with sealed roads the entire way.

If you're coming from Karangahake Gorge, head east on State Highway 2 (SH2) and continue for approximately 5 km. When you see the sign for ‘Owharoa Falls,’ turn right onto Waitawheta Road and cross the one-lane bridge. The car park is located just a few metres beyond the bridge on the right-hand side. Please note that there are no facilities (such as toilets) at this site.

From the car park, follow the Owharoa Falls Walk to reach the base of the waterfall. This short walk takes about 5 minutes each way and is very easy, although it includes some stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers. However, if you're using a wheelchair, you can still enjoy a partial view of the falls directly from the car park.

There are two additional waterfalls further along the Taieri Stream. The second fall is not easily accessible—only the top is visible from the road. The third waterfall, however, is easily reached and can also be seen from the road. To visit it, continue driving a few more minutes along the stream, cross the bridge, and you’ll find another car park nearby. The falls can be viewed from the bridge itself.

Mountain biking option: The Hauraki Rail Trail (Grade 1–2, approximately 2 days) runs from Thames to Te Aroha. A shorter section runs between Paeroa and Waihi (25 km), or you can opt for a brief ride from Karangahake Gorge to Owharoa Falls—an easy and scenic option.

Read more about Karangahake Gorge here.


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