wairere falls

DURATION: 2 hours return, depending on your stair fitness!

Wairere Falls is around 2.5-hours' drive away from Auckland.

This track is pretty good for most levels of fitness, although be prepared for stairs and if heights aren't your thing, then this could also present a wee challenge...but by crikey, those views are amazing and how many times can you say you walked on top of a waterfall (although if you do this, do so at your own risk...it's still a waterfall, it's still nature and it's still blimmin high and accidents can happen).

It starts out pretty easy going in some stunning bush - most spectacular in the cooler months with all the moss-laden trees. There are a few bridges which give you great glimpses (and photo opportunities) of the bustling river. There are also a few spots where you can do a little rock hopping and find a good flat rock to picnic on amongst the rapids.

As previously mentioned, there are a few stairs that will take you to a viewing platform and this is often where people stop but don't... carry on and head on to the top of the waterfall, it is absolutely worth the uphill slog, and it is a slog! Once at the top you will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Waikato plains and get those bragging rights of being at the top of the highest waterfall in the North Island (just a cool 153m high), pretty cool yeah!