Whangarei Falls

Bring a picnic to this beautiful waterfall and spend some time relaxing over lunch after exploring the surrounding forest to spot indigenous flora and fauna.

Whangarei Falls is a picturesque waterfall with elevated platforms, scenic walking paths and picnic areas. The falls were traditionally a popular location for local Māori people to catch eels. Visit today to watch the power of the tumbling water and to find many indigenous plants, including kauri trees and nikau palms, as you explore the area.

For outstanding views of the waterfall and surrounding forest, stroll along the nature trail that leads from the car park. The Whangarei Falls Loop, a well-maintained walking track, circles the waterfall. Stop at its many platforms to bird-watch and take in the wonderful views of the falls. At 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) long, the Whangarei Falls Loop takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.

The platforms and grassy areas are great for nature watching. Look for bird species that reside in the forest, such as kukupas (native wood pigeons) and riroriros (grey warblers). Examine indigenous plants, including koukas (cabbage trees) and pongas (tree ferns), as you amble along the pretty nature path.

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with spectacular views of the water cascading 26-metres (86-feet) down the basalt cliffs. The site has benches and well-kept lawns. Restroom facilities are also available near the car park in Whangarei Falls Reserve.

If you wish to venture away from the waterfall, take the Sands Road Loop. At 4.8 kilometres (3 miles) long, this walking track is more challenging than the Whangarei Falls Loop. The Sands Road Loop takes around 3 hours to complete and is recommended for walkers with moderate fitness levels.

Both scenic walkways begin at the free public car park located within the reserve. Find Whangarei Falls Reserve, just 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the centre of Whangarei. Wear suitable hiking footwear and pack supplies, so you can spend a day exploring Whangarei Falls and the surrounding forested areas.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Whangarei Falls

Whangarei

From sandy beaches to sacred mountains, there aren't many places that can hold a candle to Whangarei's natural beauty.

Whangarei Quarry Gardens

Enjoy the fruits of this remarkable community garden project as you explore areas planted with species of indigenous and subtropical plants.

Town Basin Marina

Stroll through this picturesque yachting marina and along its pedestrianized river inlet, a place where seafaring, heritage, arts and culture come together.

Claphams National Clock Museum

Take a guided tour of this unique museum to see one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Reyburn House

Visit Whangarei's oldest settlers house at its scenic riverside location in the Town Basin, to browse one of New Zealand’s delightful art galleries.

Hotels near Whangarei Falls

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre

9 Riverside Drive

Rated 3.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Riverside, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum, Whangarei Art Museum, and Claphams National Clock Museum. Mair Park and Reyburn House are also within 10 minutes.

Discovery Settlers Hotel

61 Hatea Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum and Whangarei Art Museum. Tuatara Gallery and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Cherry Court Motor Lodge

35 Otaika Road

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lupton Lodge

555 Ngunguru Rd

Rated 4.9 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this guesthouse is within 9 mi (15 km) of Whangarei Falls, A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park, and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Whangarei Art Museum and Kiwi North: Museum are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Motel Six

153 Bank Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum, Tuatara Gallery, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Burgundy Rose Motel

100 Kamo Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Kensington, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Claphams Clock Museum and Tuatara Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Lodge Bordeaux

361 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this luxury guesthouse is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Reyburn House and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Bella Vista Motel Whangarei

322 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this eco-friendly motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Kauri Nest

43 Riverside Drive

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whangarei, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Claphams Clock Museum and Mair Park. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Grand Hotel, Whangarei

2 Bank StreetNorthland, Northland

Rated 3.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Whangarei, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 15 minutes.

Comfort Hotel Flames Whangerei

8 Waverley Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Onerahi, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of Camera Obscura Timatatanga Hou, Claphams Clock Museum, and Reyburn House. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Whangarei Falls Holiday Park

12 Ngunguru RoadGlenbervie, Glenbervie

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Situated in a rural location, this campground is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Whangarei Falls and 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park. Whangarei Quarry Gardens and Claphams Clock Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Marina Court Motel

56 Riverside Drive

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Riverside, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Camera Obscura Timatatanga Hou, Claphams Clock Museum, and Mair Park. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Tutukaka Coast Motor Lodge

2015 Ngunguru Road

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Ngunguru, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Whangaumu Bay and within 3 mi (5 km) of Tutukaka Marina and Dive Tutukaka. Tutukaka Headland is 2.6 mi (4.2 km) away.

Central Court Motel

54 Otaika RoadWoodhill, Woodhill

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Motel Sierra

26 Western Hills DriveWhau Valley, Whau Valley

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Whau Valley, this motel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Whangarei Quarry Gardens and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mair Park and Claphams Clock Museum. Tuatara Gallery and Whangarei Falls are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Whangarei Holiday Houses

Paranui Cres

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Tikipunga, this vacation home is within 2 mi (3 km) of A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park, Mair Park, and Whangarei Falls. Claphams Clock Museum and Tuatara Gallery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Bk's Pohutukawa Lodge

362 Western Hills Drive

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Avenues, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Whangarei Art Museum, Claphams National Clock Museum, and Whangarei Quarry Gardens. Whangarei Falls and Waipu Caves are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Kingswood Manor Motel

260 Kamo Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Whau Valley, this aparthotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Whangarei Quarry Gardens, Mair Park, and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Falls and Tuatara Gallery are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Motel Villa Del Rio

118 Maunu Road

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery and Claphams Clock Museum. Whangarei Art Museum and Claphams National Clock Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Cheviot Park Motor Lodge

Corner Western Hills Dr. & Cheviot St.

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Woodhill, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tuatara Gallery, Claphams Clock Museum, and Whangarei Art Museum. Claphams National Clock Museum and Reyburn House are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Continental Motel

67 Kamo RoadKensington, Kensington

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park, Whangarei Quarry Gardens, and Whangarei Art Museum. Whangarei Falls and Dive Tutukaka are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka

1 Marina Drive, Rd3

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Tutukaka, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Tutukaka Marina and Dive Tutukaka. Tutukaka Headland and Whangaumu Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Cypress Court Motel

29 Kamo Road

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Regent, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mair Park, Claphams Clock Museum, and Tuatara Gallery. Whangarei Art Museum and Whangarei Quarry Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km).