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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -35.21412, 173.94263. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 400 m one way return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min one way
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Kerikeri area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This short, easy walk suitable for buggies, leads to the stunning Rainbow Falls on the Kerikeri River.
This DOC directory entry covers Rainbow Falls Walk in Northland, within Kerikeri area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 400 m one way return via same track
- Walking time: 10 min one way
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This short walk, starting at the Rainbow Falls car park, is accessible by wheelchair. There are picnicking areas and a toilet at the end of Rainbow Falls Road.
You can stroll along the riverbank to the spectacular Rainbow Falls. There are two viewing points that overlook the falls. There is a third viewing point near a historic weir.
The third viewing point has direct access to the water and there are steep drops along the track, so stay on the track and supervise children.
Rainbow Falls is not a recommended swimming place. There are significant risks associated with waterfall swimming and weirs.
Rainbow Falls Walk connects with Kerikeri River Track. This is a more challenging track and has fewer barriers.
10,000 Steps Northland: This track equates to about 533 steps.
Getting there
From Kerikeri township, head north-east to the Heritage Bypass, then turn left into Waipapa Road. Rainbow Falls Road is on the left off Waipapa Road. Access to the Rainbow Falls is from the parking area at the end of Rainbow Falls Road or from the Kerikeri River Track itself.
Know before you go
There are steep drops near the track and direct access to the water. Supervise children.
Dogs are not allowed on the walking tracks in the Kerikeri Basin due to the risk they pose to kiwi and other wildlife.
Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.
No fires, no camping, no biking.
Nature and conservation
You may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting about while you walk.
Puriri, totara, karaka, and manuka shelter the path to the viewing platforms.
History and culture
The third platform is at the head of an historic weir that supplied the first electrical power to the early Kerikeri township. Remnants of the Kerikeri hydro-electric station and weir are still visible and an information panel is situated at the rest area.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
