Are you looking for some of the best waterfalls to visit in Auckland?
This busy city may not be the first place you think of when cool waterfalls are mentioned, but Auckland surprisingly doesn’t dissappoint.
There are many awesome waterfalls scatted around Auckland. One is even located right near the city centre. Some of them are more well know than others, but they are all well worth the visit.
Figuring out which ones would be best suited for you to visit can be hard. I have put all my favourites into this list, so you can check out all the best waterfalls Auckland has to offer.
1. Kitekite Falls – Auckland’s Best Waterfall
Kitekite Falls is the without a doubt the best waterfall in Auckland. This stunning 3 tiered waterfall stands at 40 metres high, surrounded by beautiful native bush in the Waitakere Ranges.
Not only does Kitekite Falls look great, but it is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summers day. The pool at the bottom of the falls is safe to swim in, with shallower areas perfect for kids as well.
The bottom waterfall can get very busy during summer, but you can also walk up to the top and swim up there if you don’t mind the extra stairs. The views from up here are pretty good as well.
It takes around 30 minutes to walk to the waterfall from the carpark and you will follow the same route back to get back. The track is mostly flat with a steeper section of stairs close to the waterfall.
If there is one waterfall in Auckland you should go to, it is definitely Kitekite Falls.
2. Hunua Falls
Hunua Falls is another awesome waterfall that is worth checking out. Located in the Hunua Ranges in South Auckland, this waterfall is a lot easier to get to than many of the others in Auckland.
The 30 metre falls are only a few minutes from the carpark, with lots of small tracks leading to different view points. I highly recommend walking to all these different spots as you get a unique perspective of Hunua Falls from all of them.
There is plenty of space around to sit on the grass and enjoy the view. Pack a picnic and just spend some time relaxing by the falls. Unfortunately, this waterfall is not safe for swimming, as the are many hidden dangers in the water.
There are some pretty cool walks, parks and beaches in this area if you are wanting to explore more.
3. Fairy Falls – newly reopened Auckland Waterfall
The newly reopened Fairy Falls is is quickly becoming one of the popular waterfalls to visit in West Auckland. After being closed for a few years, Fairy Falls now has an awesome new boardwalk and stairs that take you right from the top of the waterfall to the bottom.
While the falls aren’t as big and extravagant as some of the others in the Waitakere Ranges, Fairy Falls is unique with multiple smaller waterfalls cascading down the hill. There are a few pools perfect for swimming in too, although they are a little cold.
The new upgrades also have steps that lead right down to the water so you can jump in or just dangle you feet in to cool off.
This spot does get busy so make sure to try get here early in the morning to miss the crowds.
4. Oakley Creek Waterfall – Auckland City Waterfall
Did you know that there is a small waterfall only 15 minutes from Auckland city centre? Oakley Creek Falls is tucked away in the small suburb of Waterview. While it’s not the most spectacular waterfall, it is great if you are unable to go far from the city.
Oakley Falls is 6 metres high and while you will probably see people swimming here in the summer, the water isn’t the cleanest and it is recommended not to swim here.
There are a whole lot of walking tracks around the reserve. You can complete them all, or just stick with the ones that take you too the waterfall.
5. Karekare falls
Karekare Falls is another waterfall that only requires a short walk to visit. Like many of the other larger waterfalls in Auckland, this too is found in the Waitakere Ranges.
The walk into Karekare Falls is less than 1 kilometre and you are rewarded with and awesome 30 metre waterfall at the end. Due to the ease of this walk, it wont surprise you that this spot does get very busy.
Despite how popular it can be, I still love going out to this waterfall and just avoid peak times. Going early in the morning tends to be the quietest.
Take some time to sit and take in this charming waterfall and listen to all the wildlife in the native bush that surrounds you. You can swim at the bottom of this waterfall too. It’s always a great spot to stop and jump in the water after doing one of the nearby walks.
The road to Karekare Falls is currently under maintenance and access to the falls is closed.
6. Karamatura Falls
Hidden in the southern area of the Waitakere Ranges you will find Karamatura Falls. There is an easy 45 minute walk to the falls, and is considered a great spot for escape into nature.
The walk in to the falls is a mix of boardwalk and gravel track with a few hills and stairs along the way.
Karamatura Falls itself stands at 15 metres tall and is tucked in between the native bush. There is a large pool at the bottom, perfect for swimming after your walk in. Along the way, there are a few other small waterfalls scattered along the river.
This spot is a bit quieter than a few of the other Auckland waterfalls, and is great if you want to avoid crowds.
7. Nihotupu falls
Nihotupu Falls is yet another great waterfall in the Waitakere ranges. This waterfall is on the smaller side, but I think it is still well worth the visit.
To get here you will need to walk along the Upper Nihotupu track. This track goes all the way to the dam but you will find the waterfall along the way. After passing a few smaller waterfalls, you will find the main falls further down the track.
Despite its small size, Nihotupu Falls is actually quite a powerful waterfall and is a favourite with families due to its easy accessibility.
8. Lucas Creek Waterfall
If you are looking for a little hidden gem in Auckland, then Lucas Creek Waterfall is the perfect spot to check out. Head here after a good amount of rain and you will be amazed at the waterfall you find, only a few minutes from the main road.
This is not the type of waterfall you would go out of you way to to visit, but it is excellent if you are already in the area. There is plenty of space to chill out and take in the views too.
One of the coolest things about this waterfall though is that you can actually paddle up the stream, all the way to the falls. Just put your kayak or paddle board in the stream at the end of wharf road in Albany, and make your way up. Make sure you go left when the stream splits and you will end up at the falls.
9. Mokoroa Falls – AUCKLAND’s Double waterfall
Heading back out West, this time closer to Muriwai, is Mokoroa Falls. These falls are actually made up of 2 different waterfalls that meet together.
While pools at the bottom aren’t the best for swimming, there are plenty of spots along the stream to dip your feet in. If you don’t mind climbing up over a few rocks, you can get right up close to the waterfalls.
You can view Mokoroa Falls both from the top and from the bottom depending on which tracks you use to get there. The fastest route is along the Goldies Bush Walkway from Horsman Road. You can also do the full hike which includes Mokoroa Falls Track the Mokoroa Stream Track and of course the Goldies Bush Walkway.
Mokoroa Falls is currently closed due to Kauri Die Back
10. Vivian Falls
Vivian Falls is quite out of the way compared to the other waterfalls in Auckland. It is actually located in the Waikato but it is still only an hours drive from the city.
This waterfall is relatively unknown, but it is a cool little spot to pop into if you haven’t been. There are two different ways to get to the falls. You can go the quick 5 minute route from Miller Road, or you can do the longer walk taking around an hour and 20 minutes.
Vivian Falls is about 12 metres high and is best visited after a bit of rainfall. This is one of the best waterfalls to visit if you want to avoid there being lots of people.
11. Wainamu Falls
Do you want to visit a cool waterfall and check out some other awesome spots at the same time? Then Wainamu Falls will be your favourite waterfall in Auckland.
Not only is the waterfall epic but the nearby lake and sand dunes are also a must do. There is a bit of a walk to get to the falls as they are on the other side of the lake, but it is fairly easy and flat.
Once you have checked out the waterfall head back to the sand dunes and spend some time here. Bring along a body board and you can slide down the dune right into the lake. Check out swimsafe to make sure the water is clean to swim in.
Waimanu Falls is currently closed due to damage to the track.
Final thoughts – Auckland Waterfalls
Exploring all the epic waterfalls in Auckland is the perfect way to spend a sunny day. Now that you know the best ones to visit, its time to get out there and check them out. With so many great options, you wont have a hard time finding one you will love.
