The North Island is stacked with hidden-gem waterfalls, but plan a trip around the right ones, and you get one of the best days out in the country.
Rotorua alone punches well above its weight among North Island NZ waterfalls, and if you’re mapping out waterfalls near Rotorua, you’re in luck. Add in a couple of North Island heavyweights further afield, and you’ve got a proper top five worth building an itinerary around. Here’s our pick of the best waterfalls in New Zealand’s North Island, plus how to experience the best one from the water itself.
One of our favourite hidden gems in New Zealand is Okere Falls, situated at the Kaituna River in Rotorua. Okere Falls is made up of a series of impressive cascades that host a number of thrilling adventure sports, including the white water rafting expeditions we at Kaituna Cascades provide.
Within that stretch sits Tutea Falls: the 7-metre drop believed to be the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and the setting for the single best waterfall activity in the country. Tutea Falls takes its name from the Māori chief Tutea, whose resting place lies in a cave along the walking track above it, giving the reserve as much history as adrenaline.
Prefer to stay dry? The Okere Falls Scenic Reserve has walking tracks along the gorge with several lookout points over both falls. Either way, it’s one of the best waterfalls to visit near Rotorua, full stop.
In the Rotorua region, lucky visitors may happen upon Tarawera Falls, a waterfall that bursts directly from a fissure in a sheer rock face. This awe-inspiring image demonstrates the power of Mother Nature in New Zealand.
What makes Tarawera Falls, located amidst the beautiful Tarawera River, a New Zealand hidden gem is that you must hike through the equally picturesque Tarawera Forest to get there. It’s a longer detour than most Rotorua waterfalls, but it’s one worth the drive for anyone chasing North Island NZ waterfalls off the well-trodden path.
A short drive south of Rotorua, Huka Falls is where the mighty Waikato River gets squeezed from a 100-metre-wide channel into a 15-metre canyon before dropping with a force of up to 220 cubic metres of water per second.
It’s not the tallest fall on this list, but it’s one of the most powerful, and the viewing platforms right above the surge make it an easy add-on for anyone road-tripping between Rotorua and Taupō in search of the best waterfalls in the North Island, NZ.
The only waterfall in this list outside of the Rotorua region, Whangārei Falls is a much-needed honourable mention! Located on the outskirts of Whangārei on the Hātea River, this monumental Northland waterfall plunges over 26 metres; it is classically beautiful and, for the lucky adventurers who travel to Whangārei Falls, is known as the most photogenic waterfall in New Zealand.
Concealed behind vegetation, basalt cliffs and a surrounding park, Whangārei Falls remains an appreciated but hidden gem of New Zealand.
Just outside Kerikeri, Rainbow Falls, known in Māori as Waianiwaniwa, or “waters of the rainbow”, drops 27 metres in a single sheet over a striking basalt-and-mudstone cliff. It’s an easy ten-minute walk from the car park, or the starting point for the longer Kerikeri River Track past native forest and historic sites.
If you’re after waterfalls in Northland, NZ that pair an easy visit with a genuine wow factor, this is it.
Not every waterfall on this list is one you just look at. Whangārei and Rainbow Falls are built for a short walk and a photo stop, Tarawera rewards a proper hike, and Huka Falls is best seen from the jet boats that run right up to its base. But, out of all the things to do in Rotorua, if you want a waterfall activity that puts you inside the experience rather than beside it, nothing on the North Island beats rafting the Kaituna River.
If Okere Falls and Tutea Falls caught your eye, here’s the good part: you can raft them. At Kaituna Cascades, our trips take you through Grade 5 rapids and over the 7-metre Tutea Falls: the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall!
Our crew is as focused on having fun as they are on getting you home safely. We operate under Adventure Mark auditing and hold Qualmark endorsement, so the thrill comes with the systems and experience to back it up. It’s the best way we know to experience one of New Zealand’s best waterfalls, and we’d love to show you.
Book your trip online now or get in touch with our team for more information about our white water rafting trips!
This was a great couple bonding experience that took us both to the edge of our comfort zones. Could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the guiding team - yet making the whole experience one of such fun.
MY FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE IN NZ SO FAR. TOOK THE 9AM TOUR TODAY AND ALREADY CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK. THE RAFTING WAS SO MUCH FUN AND THE TOUR GUIDES ARE HILARIOUS. NEVER FELT IN ANY DANGER JUST ENJOYED THE RIDE! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY. I WENT AS A SOLO TRAVELLER AND IT WAS STILL REALLY ENJOYABLE.
Brilliant! We had heaps of fun. Guides were friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable. Highly recommended to all!
Fantastic outfit. The crew were cheeky as but super professional. We felt safe throughout the entire experience. 11/10 and a big shoutout to Rob for being a GC.
White water rafting at its best. Wonderful guides. A must do when in or around Rotorua. Felt safe, but had the best time.
Great experience! Made me feel safe when I was scared!! You the m san Owen! So glad I did it. It is beautiful!
The guide, Sam, went out of his way to make the trip as fun and exciting as possible. The whole team were friendly and inclusive.
Cole was a really good guide, talked us through everything and had a good laugh. The water was nice, not cold at all. They provide wetsuits, footwear, helmets, life jackets and polo fleeces. Worth the money and would do it again. Recommend going in a group so that you can split the cost of photos.
Unbelievable experience rafting the 7m waterfall this morning! Even more fun when the boat flipped!! Highly recommend! Great fun and great instructors!! Shout out to Pete From the Irish girls.
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