27/10/2026
Summer is coming, and these 7 North Island waterfalls belong on your list 🌿💦
Save this for your next road trip and swipe through 👉
Taranaki Falls, Tongariro National Park 📍
Getting there: Start at Whakapapa Village. The loop track takes about 2 hours.
Drive: about 15 min from National Park Village, 1 hr 20 min from Taupō
Coffee stop: Whakapapa Village or National Park Village
Karekare Falls, Auckland 📍
Getting there: Park on Karekare Road. The falls sit a 5 to 10 min walk from the carpark.
Drive: about 45 min from Auckland C*D
Coffee stop: Titirangi village on the way out west
Whangārei Falls, Northland 📍
Getting there: 2 min walk to the top viewing platform, or a 30 min loop down to the base
Drive: about 10 min from Whangārei C*D
Coffee stop: the cafés at the Town Basin
Tarawera Falls, Bay of Plenty 📍
Getting there: Get your road access permit from the Kawerau i-SITE first. Follow the forestry road to the carpark, then walk about 20 min.
Drive: about 30 min from Kawerau, mostly gravel
Coffee stop: grab one in Kawerau before you head in
Owharoa Falls, Karangahake Gorge 📍
Getting there: 2 min walk from the carpark on Waitawheta Road
Drive: about 10 min from Waihī, 20 min from Paeroa
Coffee stop: Waikino Station Café, 2 min down the road
Maraetotara Falls, Hawke’s Bay 📍
Getting there: about a 10 min walk from the carpark
Drive: about 20 min from Havelock North
Coffee stop: Havelock North village
Huka Falls, Taupō 📍
Getting there: 2 min walk from the carpark to the bridge, or a 1 hr riverside walk from Spa Park
Drive: about 5 min from Taupō town
Coffee stop: Huka Prawn Park or Huka Honey Hive, both 5 min away
Which one is your favourite? Tell me in the comments 👇
Follow Vince Ray | NZ Travel Guide for more NZ hidden gems.
Share this with the friend or family member you want on your summer road trip 💛
