If you’re looking for the best waterfalls in Auckland then look no further than this informative, yet straight forward list of the most beautiful Auckland waterfalls. These 5 breathtaking Auckland waterfalls will leave you in awe of their cascading beauty so close to the city scape of Auckland city. From the tranquil surroundings to the roaring sounds of the waterfalls you will leave feeling energized and fulfilled after a day of adventure.

The Waitakere Ranges is Auckland’s answer to the Amazon rainforest; however there are no nasty animals or insects to harm you. This list of easy to get to waterfalls in Auckland sit within 27,720 hectares of public and private land comprising native bush engulfing a vast array of wild beaches, and countless bush walks and multi-day hikes. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or simple seeking a refreshing escape, these waterfalls will leave you feeling content while taking your breath away.

Where to Find the Best Waterfalls in Auckland

I wouldn’t blame you if you were surprised when you came across this list, Auckland is more well known for its concrete playground and gridlocked motorways than it is for its rainforest and natural beauty. But fortunately for us, Aucklanders native forests and bushlands take up more dense space in Auckland than the city ever could. 27,720 hectares of beautiful native bush to be exact, so finding waterfalls and walking trails is pretty darn easy. You can go as far west as Bethels beach or as far south as Hunua falls; the options are endless.

I grew up on the edge of the Waitakere ranges and spent a lot of my childhood going on bush walks, flying kites on empty farmland, and spending time at the beaches, so whenever someone asks me for ideas on how to spend a day in Auckland my top suggestion is always to get out of Auckland city and visit one of Auckland’s amazing waterfalls and a nearby beach. Especially if you’re visiting in summer. So get ready to start exploring 4 of the best waterfalls in Auckland…

Karekare Falls, Karekare

Walking Distance to Karekare Falls: 200m
Grade: Super Easy

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Karekare waterfall is the easiest waterfall hike in Auckland and the most accessible waterfall on this list. Being a roadside waterfall it’s an easy 10-minute walk from the carpark where there is plenty of parking, even on a summer’s,mers day. The Karekare beach and waterfall areas are both family and dog friendly, as long as they are kept on a leash (the dog, not the children). The small pool at the bottom of Karekare falls isn’t too deep and doesn’t have a strong outlet which makes it perfect for children who are relatively confident in the water. Karekare is a popular place for photoshoots, amateur photographers and drone flyers due to its simple and uncomplicated access.

The wild Karekare beach is a short walk back across the carpark and is perfect to fly kites or backyard cricket.
Karekare falls is surrounded by a dense bush of native kauri trees creating a pleasant and almost euphoric atmosphere. This West Auckland waterfall stands at 30m tall where fresh water drops into a deep pool below.

Karekare Falls Track

The track to Karekare falls is one of the easiest walking track out of any of these Auckland waterfalls. Part of the Karekare Falls track has been closed off due to Kauri dieback disease, which is a disease infecting and killing our native kauri trees. It’s transmitted through dirt particles and transported and transferred through rivers and people’s shoes or feet, so please scrub your shoes at all of the scrubbing stations when entering and leaving these hiking and walking trails in West Auckland.

Read more about Karekare Falls here.

Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere

Walking Distance to Mokoroa Falls: 1.5km
Grade: Easy

Mokoroa falls are two waterfalls side by side deep in the Waitakere ranges. Visiting this cascading west Auckland waterfall is a great way to spend a day in the picture-perfect location of where my husband proposed. An easy stroll to the falls brings you to the main viewing platform above both falls, and a short but steep descent leads you to the base of the falls where you can do some fun, but risky rock hopping.
A rockfall occurred at Mokoroa falls in 2014 leaving several large rocks and boulders at the base of the falls, making perfect platforms for anyone who wants a picture under this gushing Auckland waterfall.

Mokoroa Falls Track

The track to Mokoroa Falls is pretty easy until you start your descent to water level. The climb down is only a metre or two but will require sturdy shoes unless you’re pretty talented with your jandals or flip-flops. Comfortable sturdy shoes are a smart option when taking on any waterfall walks in Auckland due to the uneven ground surface, so it pays to have a paid on you just in case.

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Kitekite Falls, Piha

Walking Distance to Kitekite Falls: 1.8km
Grade: Medium

Also known as Piha waterfall, Kitekite Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Auckland and is my by far my favourite out of any of the Auckland waterfalls. Kitekite Falls is a 3 tiered waterfall sitting snug within the valley next to Piha beach. The 3.6 return walk allows access to the base pool and a shorter but more inclined trek to the top tier where you can get the famed picture sitting on the edge of the cliff face.

The Kitekite bush walkrequires the most effort out of any other on this list but it’s definitely worth it. Popular among the young, old, families, and naturists most Thursdays; Kitekite manages to draw in crowds by the thousands every summer.

Kitekite Falls Hike

The Kitekite falls bush walk is one of the best bush walks in Waitakere ranges if you’re looking for fun, relaxation and a bit of fitness all rolled into one. The first section of the Kitekite falls walk takes you to the bottom of the waterfall where there is a large pool you can swim and relax. If you’re wanting to reach the top of Kitekite waterfall you’ll have to cross the small stream and make your way up the path, it’s slightly shorter but a lot steeper so needs an average fitness level to complete.

Swimming is allowed at both the bottom and very top pools, however access to the middle tier is prohibited due to safety reasons. So please pay attention to safety requests as it would be a long and painful wait for assistance if you did get yourself into trouble.

Read more about Kitekite Falls here.

Waitakere Falls, Waitakere

Time to Walk Track: 2.5 – 3 hours
Grade: Easy

Waitakere Falls are ingrained in my childhood memories as being the main feature out the lounge window of a Doc Rangers house my family would often house sit. The cascading falls are one of the tallest waterfalls in West Auckland standing at 95 metres tall. Unfortunately, this west Auckland waterfall can only be marveled at from a distance but can easily be viewed from numerous places around Waitakere ranges; either from a lookout near Pukematekeo Lookout carpark or by taking one of the scenic walks around Waitakere dam starting at either Falls Rd or Scenic Dr.

For more information on these scenic walks visit Freewalks.nz.

Hunua Falls, Hunua Ranges Regional Park

Time to Base of Falls: 2 minutes
Grade: Easy

As mentioned previously, Hunua falls in South Auckland gets a special mention because although I wouldn’t swim here, the photography opportunities are just too good to pass up. This incredible 30-meter-high waterfall sits in the Hunua Ranges and is the most southern out of these Auckland waterfalls, feeding into the Hauraki Gulf as part of the Wairoa River. The pool at the bottom of the falls is popular for swimming, although there are many risks with swimming here because of the strong rips and currents created by the power of the waterfall and sudden drop into the pool.

Hiking at Hunua Falls

Hunua Ranges has plenty of hiking trails to keep you living for adventures. 17 trails rangeand from 20 minutes to 7 hours depending on your walking speed, some take you to the top of the falls, others let you wind through the vast ranges exploring the forest floor and views surrounding the south Auckland forest.

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If these Auckland waterfalls don’t quite float your boat and you’re wanting something a bit more wild which carries a lot more risk; any of the beaches bordering the west coast are worth the trip. The Waitakere ranges is home to one of New Zealand’s deadliest beaches, Piha. Where the popular reality TV series Piha Rescue was filmed from 2003 until it’s 12^th and final season in 2017. Karekare, Anawhata, Muriwai and Bethels are all awesome locations to spend a day even if swimming isn’t on the cards.

This list doesn’t even scrape the bottom of the barrel of the best bush walks in Auckland or even the best waterfalls in New Zealand. But one thing’ for certain I will never stop hunting for amazing places like these to visit. If you know of any other nearby waterfalls not mentioned, or some other amazing waterfalls in New Zealand comment them below!