Waterfall Walks
and Idyllic Picnic Places

Sitting underneath and listening to the sound of falling water while resting after a great walk is like a dream come true.

West Auckland has a variety to offer for different demands and level of fitness.

Enjoy the walk in its natural surrounding in varying degrees of difficulty, have a picnic or take a swim.

Opposite of the Karekare car park at the end of Karekare Road on the left hand leads a short five minutes walk to Karekare Falls.

A small basin shaped valley with Nikau palms and Pohutukawa trees. Generously shaded by vegetation it is an ideal place for hot summer days.

With a pond inviting for a cooling swim and a picnic table to enjoy this peaceful spot.





Kitekite Falls at Piha

At the bottom of Piha Road turn right into Glen Esk Road. From the car park of this history loaded place start several tracks.

One is the Kitekite Track. In about 25 minutes one of the most magnificent views of Kitekite Falls is honoured accordingly with a picnic place to enjoy.

Following the track down to the foot of the falls a swim inviting basin stretches out.

For a further waterhole follow the Connect Track to the Usher Cross. It is a steep fifteen minutes uphill walk.


Get more ideas for outdoor activities in and around Auckland.

This is a wonderful waterfall walk for the whole family.

In a leisurely pace adjusted to young children this loop takes about 2 hours. After heavy rain the “Fairy Falls Track” may be slippery at some parts.

Suitable places to rest are at the foot of the Kauri tree at the waterhole ore at the bottom of the stairs.

The children love playing in and around the waterholes.

Makaroa Falls

This is probably a more demanding tramping track than a waterfall walk.

A trail twenty five minutes downhill through regenerating Kauri forest presents a picturesque view of the Makaroa Falls.

Another ten minutes steep downhill path opens in a basin valley. This is one of the attractive picnic places.

The track leads further through bush and water crossings to a further waterhole deep enough to take a swim.

A good level of fitness helps to enjoy this trail.

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