Wairere Falls

Wairere drops 153 metres over the western escarpment of the Kaimai Range in two main stages, which makes it the tallest waterfall in the North Island and visible from well out across the Waikato plains. Two walks start from the same car park. The lower one is about forty-five minutes each way through bush along a boulder-strewn stream to a viewing platform facing the fall - moderately steep, with steps and a bridge, and the one most people do. The upper track carries on to the top of the falls, another forty-five minutes of steady climbing to a platform at the lip looking back over the plains, and it is a genuine climb rather than a stroll. The escarpment here is the old fault edge of the range, which is why the drop is so abrupt. The stream and rocks are slippery after rain and the upper section gets muddy.

What you actually see

• The 153-metre fall - the tallest in the North Island, in two stages.
• The lower platform - forty-five minutes up, facing the drop.
• The top lookout - at the lip, over the Waikato plains.
• The boulder stream - the bush track alongside it.

When to go

October to April. After rain the fall is heavy and the track slippery. Start early for the upper track - it is hotter and harder than the distance suggests.

Honest expectations

Even the lower walk is steep with steps and roots; the upper is a real climb. There is no barrier culture at the top - stay back from the lip. No facilities beyond a toilet at the car park.

Nearby

Matamata and the Hobbiton set are west; Te Aroha is north along the range.