karamatura falls

KARAMATURA FALLS via mt donald mclean lookout

DURATION: 2.5 hours return, includes swimming stop under the falls (summer necessity)

Karamatura Falls is a little over 1 hours' drive from Auckland city.

This is another track that really has a bit of everything.  There are a few ways you can access the falls but the way we did it was starting from the Mt Donald McLean carpark (situated at the end of Donald McLean Rd, off Whatipu Rd).

Head up the short track to the top of Mt Donald McLean and you will be welcomed with beautiful panoramic views of Auckland's waterways.  Looking out both over Whatipu and the Manukau Heads as well as views back towards the city.  On a clear day, it is just spectacular and oh-so-perfect for 'gramming.

Be careful not to fill your phone up too much because as you head down the way you came, across the carpark to McLean track, you start your descent towards Karamatura Falls.  It is pretty easy walking for most of McLean track with a few boggy bits after heavy rain.  The fun starts when you hit Fletcher track.  You can take the loop track of Bob Gordon to see the Kauri affectionately known as Tom Thumb - he's a big boy and beautiful, worth the extra 10-20 mins.  Either way you end up at Karamatura Forks where you want to start making your way down the Karamatura track.  It starts to get steep quickly and there's a few good spots where a bit of clambering over rocks is required.  Again, boggy and slippery after rain so take care.

The bush continues to deliver in stunning scenery that can oftentimes take your breath away at how beautiful it is and the birds are often out singing in this part of the bush.

Follow the signs to the waterfall where you'll need to climb over a few rocks.  There isn't a huge amount of 'picnic' space - it's not a waterfall for the masses - so the key is to find a flat rock and perch yourself there before jumping into the cool (and I mean cool) waters of the Waitakeres.  Incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

We made our way back out the same way we came in due to time restrictions, but you can link it up with the other part of the Fletcher track and give yourself a good uphill challenge!  Either way, you have to make it back up that hill and you'll be thankful you've burned so many calories to be able to enjoy a cold beer once you're done!