Discover Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri
Rainbow Falls, known in Māori as Waianiwaniwa, meaning "Waters of the Rainbow," is a stunning 27-metre waterfall located on the Kerikeri River in Kerikeri, Northland. This natural wonder is easily accessible and is a captivating experience. The falls are not only a visual spectacle but also provide a chance to explore the surrounding area, including a regenerating totāra and kauri forest and the historic sites of Kerikeri Basin.
Exploring the Falls and Surroundings
The waterfall is reached via a short, well-maintained but steep track that connects the top and bottom. At the top, you can enjoy several vantage points of the water cascading over a basalt rock face. Further up the river, you'll find an old weir and some gentle rapids. For those interested in a longer walk, you can continue west along a calmer section of the river on Te Araroa.
An Amphitheatre and a Swimming Spot
One of the highlights of Rainbow Falls is the large amphitheatre and pool at its base, surrounded by forest and moss-covered rocks. This area is perfect for swimming. You can also scramble around the rocky amphitheatre's edge to get behind the falls for a unique photo, though you should be careful to protect your camera or phone.
Alternatively, you can take an unmarked track from the pool below the falls alongside the river for a short distance. This path provides a picturesque view of the river and falls framed by the forest.
How to Get There
From State Highway 10 in Waipapa, take Waipapa Road, then turn right onto Rainbow Falls Road, which has a large car park. There is a short wall to the river and the top of the falls, then a steep track down to the base of the falls. If you're up for a longer walk, you can reach the falls in about an hour from the historic sites of Kerikeri Basin via the Kerikeri River Walk, which is part of Te Araroa. The basin is at the end of Kerikeri Road.
The historic sites include Mission House, the Stone Store and the Kororipo Pā. There are also three other waterfalls in Kerikeri - Wharepoke Falls on the Kerikeri River Track, Charlies Rock and Te Wairere Falls.
