Whirinaki Forest Iconic Waterfall
Whirinaki Forest Iconic WaterfallUnofficially named, Whirinaki Forest Iconic Waterfall is a hidden gem, offering peace and tranquility, and located in Whirinaki Forest.
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Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐ |
Walking and driving instructions
Whirinaki Forest Iconic Waterfall is roughly a 1.5-hrs' drive away from Rotorua. The road surface is gravel for the last 5 km. From Rotorua head south-east on the SH-5 until an intersection with SH-38, then turn left onto SH-38 and stay on it for the next 55.7km. Turn right onto Minginui Rd, which is a sealed road. Follow this road for a few kilometers until you reach a signposted intersection ("Whirinaki Forest"), turn right onto River road (gravel road) and follow it until you reach a DOC car park. There are track signs and a long-drop toilet there. There are two tracks start there which lead to two different waterfalls. First track, to your left (through the main entrance), leads to Whirinaki Falls, while the second one, to your right, leads to Waiatiu Falls. Take the first one and walk alongside the Whirinaki River, over Te Whaiti Nui A Toi to Whirinaki Falls. When you reach the bridge, do NOT cross the river and follow the track on the left bank of the river. From the bridge it takes just 5-7 minutes minutes to reach the waterfall. It is found near a small foot-bridge and has no signs. From here either return via the same route (total walking time is 30 minutes), or continue to walk the main track as a loop and visit one more waterfall - Whirinaki Falls (total walking time is 3hrs). |
Waterfalls nearby
Waiatiu FallsRating:       ⭐⭐⭐ | Whirinaki FallsRating:       ⭐ | |
Mangamate WaterfallRating:       ⭐⭐ | Totarapapa FallsRating:       ⭐⭐ |
 
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