Looking for an awesome waterfall walk to do in Auckland? Then Look no further than Fairy Falls.
The Waitakere Ranges is my go to spot to enjoy some of the best walks in Auckland. However, in recent years, many of the popular walks have been temporarily closed. Luckily for you and I, Fairy Falls has recently been reopened with some awesome improvements to the track.
The name says it all with this epic waterfall walk looking like it is out of a fairy tale. This has become one of my new favourites and I know you will love it too.
Get the most out of your time exploring this epic track, by finding out everything you need to know before you go.
So get those walking shoes ready while I tell you all the important stuff.
Essential information
Distance – 3.2 Km
Time – 1 Hour 30 minutes
Elevation – 200 metres
Difficulty – Easy to moderate (lots of stairs)
Track style – One way (Out and back)
Toilets – Yes, 1 long drop near the start of the track
Parking – Yes, roadside parking area
Why you should visit fairy Falls
After many years of closure, Fairy Falls is back open and ready for the public to enjoy. This track was always one of the popular walks in Auckland, and has been made even better with the recent improvements.
The waterfall itself is of course the star of the show, with a series of falls, cascading down the hill side. I don’t think there are many other waterfalls like this in Auckland, so I would highly recommend making the effort to visit.
The walk is short and not too difficult with plenty of spots to stop along the way. It is great for nature lovers of all ages and something for the whole family to enjoy.
My favourite part is the boardwalk going down to each of the different levels. It has been built with stairs leading into a couple of the pools for easy access. Take some lunch or snacks along and you can sit on the edge of the steps with your feet in the water, or you can jump in for a swim.
getting to Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls is around a 40 minute drive west from Auckland City. Unfortunately there is no public transport out here so you will need your own car.
To get there, you will need to head towards the Waitakere Ranges, passing through Swanson. From here, follow Scenic Drive for around 10 kilometres until you see roadside car park and the sign for Fairy falls.
The road is sealed the whole drive, and is safe for all types of vehicles. Once you get onto Scenic Drive in the Waitakere Ranges, the road does become a bit and windy.
Parking
The car cark for Fairy Falls is on the roadside along Scenic Drive, close to the track entrance. Parking is limited so it is best to try and go on quieter days or to get there early to avoid missing out.
The track begins just across the road from the parking area. You will see a large sign making it easy to spot.
There have been some break ins recently, so make sure to look you car and take and valuable items with you.
Fairy Falls Track
The track down to Fairy Falls is an easy to moderate walk and will take around and hour and 30 minutes to complete. The track weaves its way through native bush and along a boardwalk, making its way to the waterfalls.
Walking in is the easy part, with all of the track being flat or downhill. It is is well maintained after recently being renovated, so this part is quite a relaxing stroll.
Once you make it to the top of the falls you can follow the steps down to the base. Each section of the waterfall has a lookout platform with some having stairs leading to the pools where you can swim.
If you don’t want to walk all the way to the bottom of the waterfalls, just stop at one of the lookouts and enjoy your surroundings from there. As the walk is a return track, it does not matter how far you decide to come down.
Getting back is a bit of a tougher walk, heading up the hill the same way you came in. It is very doable for most people as long as you take your time. We passed many kids and older people who were totally fine getting back up to the carpark.
Frequently asked Questions
Is the Fairy Falls Walk Open?
Yes, after being closed for a few years, the Fairy Falls walk re-opened mid 2024. The track has been upgraded and is ready to welcome hikers back. Due to storm damage the walk is now only an in and out track rather than a loop. You can check to see if there is any closures here.
Can you swim at Fairy Falls?
Yes, you can swim at Fairy Falls. The recent upgrades even mean there are stairs leading right in to a few of the pools to make it easier. The water is VERY cold though so you probably wont be able to stay in for long, but it is great to quickly cool off.
Is the Walk to Fairy Falls Child Friendly?
Yes, I have seen plenty of kids doing this walk when I have been here. Although the track does have a lot of stairs to get to the bottom so children who aren’t used to walks might not enjoy it so much.
Is there a toilet at Fairy Falls?
There is a long drop toilet near the beginning of the walk but no others past this point. Please use the facilities provided and keep the area clean.
Is there Parking at Fairy Falls?
Yes, there is parking on the roadside near the track entrance on Scenic Drive. There is also a small area you can park in on Tawari Road.
Are there other walks near Fairy Falls?
Yes, there are so many great walks in the Waitakere Ranges. For some epic views make sure to check out Mercer Bay Loop walk. If you want to see more waterfalls then Kitekite Falls is a must.
Wrap Up – Fairy Falls
Fairy Falls is growing in popularity and is becoming one of the go to waterfall walks in Auckland. The stunning waterfall and surrounding nature is not to be missed and should definitely be on the list as the next walk if you are heading out west.
Now that you have all the information you need, you can have an enjoyable day exploring Fairy Falls. Have FUN!
