Nothing is more relaxing and exhilarating than the sight of a magnificent waterfall. It’s no wonder many tourists go to great lengths hiking just to stumble upon spectacular waterfalls. If you live in Auckland, like myself, you’re in luck because we’re gifted with quite a wide selection of stunning waterfalls, some of them within an hour’s drive from Auckland CBD.
Are you ready to chase waterfalls? Here is a list of the best Auckland waterfalls for the next time you want to soak in nature and escape the city.
Oakley Creek Falls
Yes, you can find a waterfall right within Auckland itself! There are very few waterfalls that are located in the central area that are easily accessible from the inner city. This waterfall is in the suburb of Waterview.
Oakley Creek Falls, also known as the Oakley Creek Esplanade Reserve, is surrounded with lush and beautiful greenery that makes it hard to believe you are so close to the city. To get to the waterfall, you must traverse a well-maintained path that follows the course of the fast-flowing creek. You will find yourself navigating through a series of bridges before you can finally behold the 6-metre high waterfall.
Since this area is a reserve, you will also stumble upon a variety of plant and bird life. If you are keen to do more nature walks, you can follow the 11-km hike to marvel at the views of Mount Albert and Mount Roskill.
Karekare Falls
If you are with kids or you want a short leisurely hike, the Karekare Falls is a great option in Auckland. It is the most accessible one in this list since it is located roadside.
Once you have reached the destination, all you have to do is park your car and walk 10 minutes to get here. It’s that easy!
The Karekare Falls area is family-friendly. You can even take your pets here, including your dogs as long as they are on leash.
There is a small pool at the bottom wherein you can swim. It isn’t too deep so it is safe enough even for kids. The waterfall itself is 25 metres high. It also gained notoriety as the location for the film “The Piano”.
Karekare Falls is part of the Waitakere Ranges located next to the city of Auckland. It is administered by the Auckland Regional Council and you can check out their website if you want to learn about the conditions at the waterfall before you go.
The waterfall is a popular destination for photographers. In fact, it is one of the most photographed Auckland waterfalls. The fact that it is surrounded by a dense bush in an enchanting atmosphere explains why it is a photographer’s favourite.
Hunua Falls
Another spectacular waterfall worth checking out in Auckland is Hunua Falls. It is located near the suburb of Clevedon, which is to the south of Auckland. The waterfall is located within the Hunua Ranges National Park.
At 30 metres high, the water and can be reached by folowing the Hunua Falls Lookout Walk. The other tracks have recently been closed due to kauri dieback so make sure to follow the designated paths to get here.
It’s not just one of the more well-known waterfalls in Auckland, but in all of New Zealand. When you visit the waterfall, you’ll understand why. It is easily one of the prettiest waterfalls you’ll see. The water rushes from above over the rugged exposed rock formations and is surrounded by thick and green bushes.
The waterfall is not the sole attraction within the Regional Park. You can go for a hike in one of the many walking paths to discover impressive structures including the Cosseys Reservoir.
Unfortunately, swimming is not recommended in this waterfall but a lot of people do anyway. However, there are plenty of well-maintained facilities such as toilets and a picnic area. Abseiling is another popular activity for those who visit this regional park.
Lucas Creek Waterfall
While many consider it as a hidden gem, those who’ve had the chance to visit Lucas Creek Waterfall know that it won’t be for long. This awe-inspiring waterfall is located at the heart of Albany. In fact, it is very accessible and you need to hike for approximately 10 minutes off of the Albany highway to reach it.
The waterfall is most spectacular right after a rainfall. A cloudy day also helps you capture the most dramatic photos of the waterfall. It measures 5 metres in height and is categorized as a fan type of waterfall.
Once you complete your hike, you will be greeted by a rushing waterfall that looks like it is taken off a fairy tale book. You can walk to the lookout point and marvel at the view from there. You can reach it via a concrete path adjacent to the bridge that crosses the Lucas Creek.
To get to Lucas Creek Waterfall, it is only about 20 minutes’ drive from Auckland City Centre (or 15 minutes if you’re from Silverdale). The road is sealed so it will be an easy ride to get there.
Kitekite Falls
The Kitekite Falls is a scenic 3-tier waterfall in Auckland that drops to a height of 40 metres. When seen from the viewpoint at the Kitekite Track though, the waterfalls appear taller than this because there are a series of swimming holes that drop water down into a vertical descent before it makes its way into the actual waterfall.
This waterfall is located near Piha Beach. To get here, you must weave your way through gorgeous native bush. It is the perfect day hike for people of all ages. It is easily accessible from the Auckland CBD so it is a great choice for those who want to go for a quick nature break.
The Kitekite Falls Track is a multi-loop trail therefore, you can choose to start from either direction and there are many spots to stop and take in the view. It’s also a great idea to hike up to the top of the waterfall. If you choose to stay at the bottom of the falls, there is a swimming hole that you can submerge yourself in for a relaxing swim. The chilly water is the perfect way to cool off post-hike during a hot summer day.
For more information on getting to Kitekite Falls and the surrounding area, check out my guide to Piha Beach HERE
Wainamu Falls
Also known as Waitohi Falls, it is not just one large waterfall but a series of small ones located very close to each other. You can find it near Bethells Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Auckland. It is a cascade type waterfall.
The conditions need to be perfect to ensure that there is a steady stream of water to the falls – this means there should be adequate rainfall or else it will disappear.
To get here, you must follow the main road that leads to Bethells Beach. The location of the waterfall itself is just a few hundred metres away from the popular beach. Look for the sign “Lake Waimanu Track” when you arrive. Follow the path and make your way over the sand dunes to the lake then look for signs pointing to the Lake Wainamu loop track. Follow this path until you reach the waterfall.
Once there, you will find a couple of swimming holes. Aside from the waterfall, there is also a huge amount of sand dunes in the area. The entire loop of the walking track takes about 2 hours to complete.
Ideally, you must visit during the rainy season or after a heavy rainfall so there is sufficient amount of water. Avoid visiting during the dry summer months. There are no utility or recreational facilities available here.
I hope you enjoyed my list of Auckland Waterfalls. Try and check them all out! Have I missed any hidden gems that you know about? Let me know in the comments section below!