Exploring Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls, located on the Waitangi River near Waitangi, is a waterfall in the Bay of Islands in Northland. The waterfall, which translates to "big noise" in Māori, is a striking feature where the river cascades over ancient basalt rock formations. Standing 5 metres high and approximately 30 metres wide.
A Quick and Convenient Visit
Haruru Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in New Zealand. It is just a short two-minute walk from the car park, located 400 metres along Haruru Falls Road from State Highway 11. Haruru Falls is surrounded by substantial rock platforms that are easily accessible from both sides. Due to its easy access, the area can become busy, although most people do not stay for extended periods.
At the base of the falls, a large pool flows into the Waitangi estuary, providing a generally safe spot for swimming, except after heavy rain when the currents can become stronger.
Walking the Haruru Falls Track
For those interested in a longer exploration, the Haruru Falls Track is a scenic walk from the car park to Waitangi. This easy track is about 5.6 km each way and takes you along the edge of the Waitangi estuary. The walk includes sections through regenerating native forest and mangroves and takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete in each direction.
Getting to Haruru Falls
To reach Haruru Falls, head to the car park located 400 metres along Haruru Falls Road from State Highway 11. From Paihia is a 7-minute, 5 km drive along the highway. From Kerikeri, it takes 17 minutes to drive 19 km along State Highway 10, connecting to State Highway 11.
Nearby, you can visit the Waitangi Museums, Te Ti Bay, Opua, Okiato and Russel.
