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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: -35.53156, 173.44014. 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
- 546 m to waterfall return via same track
- Walking time
- 30 mins
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Waimā & Mataraua Forests
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. 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
Walk to the beautiful Waiotemarama Waterfall which cascades 20 m down through the pristine rainforest.
This DOC directory entry covers Waiotemarama Waterfall Walk in Northland, within Waimā & Mataraua Forests. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 546 m to waterfall return via same track
- Walking time: 30 mins
- 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
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track follows the Waiotemarama Stream up through a gorge to a waterfall. There are stunning views of the beautiful, 20-metre falls and the surrounding bush. The vegetation here is mainly tawa and taraire, and other assorted hardwoods.
At the waterfall the Hauturu Highpoint Track begins where the track crosses an unbridged stream. The track is rough in places and can be extremely slippery in wet weather.
Getting there
From the north: Follow SH12 towards Opononi. 4 km before Opononi turn left onto Waiotemarama Gorge Road. Follow it for 6 km to the start of the Waiotemarama Waterfall Walk (sign posted).
From the south: Follow SH12 towards Opononi. Pass through the town of Waimamaku, and 6 km before Opononi, turn right onto Waiotemarama Gorge Road. Follow the road for 4 km to the start of the Waiotemarama Waterfall Walk.
Know before you go
Check the weather forecast before you go − heavy rainfall an cause Waiotemarama Stream to flood rapidly.
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
How to cross rivers safely
NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
Nature and conservation
The vegetation here is mainly tawa and taraire, and other assorted hardwoods.
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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
