On our day 4 in North Island, new Zealand, we left our accomodation at Matamata early to do a bit of short hiking, on our en route back to Auckland.
We headed to Wairere Falls. The waterfall is located between Te Aroha and Matamata.
Look at that blue sky! So blessed to have a sunny day after 3 gloomy days on our journey at North Island. So nice vista view!
The Wairere Falls track takes walkers through a beautiful, diverse range of natural scenery. Besides the spectacular 153 m high falls there are beautiful river falls and cascades, a fine grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe, and an upper section of track takes you through tree ferns and totara in native forest.
From the carpark a well formed track weaves its way through moss covered rocks and tree roots. It meets up with the river and bridges assist with river crossings. There is a steady climb up the base of the cliff where sets of steps lead to the top of the gorge. The track passes through a grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe before leading to a lookout platform with a spectacular view looking from the base of the falls. The falls drop 153 m over the steep escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault line.
The track climbs further with plenty of steps and staircases in the steep section. At the top of the hill the track winds through a rich mosaic of forest species with tawa. The track then branches to the falls lookout. From this point the return tramp to the lookout will take you 2 hours. There is a magnificent view looking back over the valley and the Waikato Plains.
Over the summer there are plenty of pools to paddle in and the track can be explored further upriver.
(Source: http://www.doc.govt.nz)
We only aimed to reach the first lookout as we need to rush to catch our flight from Auckland to Queenstown.
One thing you have to consider if you wish to visit New Zealand, it’s the walking timing to the attractions, so far we found almost all places need to be reached by walking or even hiking (if you have more time allowance).
The more you walk or the more you hike/climb the more beautiful views you will enjoy!
Sport shoes and sport wear is a must! No regret i brought a few with me during this trip!
This beautiful open field taken in front of the carpark, look like countryside indeed. Love this mood!
How to Get There?
Wairere Falls Track is on Goodwin Road off Te Aroha-Okauia road, south of Te Aroha.
Hiking Rate
Lower Lookout – Easy 3/10
We picked the lower lookout, it was a good 45mins easy climb hiking.
But if you have more time allowance you can visit the top lookout. We wish too! But we have limited time because we would like to visit more places!
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#Hobbiton #MataMata #WairereFall #Auckland #Queenstown
XOXO,