Owharoa Falls Track
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Karangahake Gorge (40m) · 3.8km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This picturesque waterfall in the Karangahake Gorge is a lovely picnic spot.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
A short track leads from the road to the spectacular Owharoa Falls.
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 2 onto Waitawheta Road. Follow Waitawheta Road for 170 m (1 minute). There is a small area beside the road for parking and a DOC sign at the start of Owharoa Falls Track. It is a short walk to the waterfall.
The road around Owharoa Falls is often very busy with cars, bikes and walkers. Travel slowly and watch for other road users.
Know before you go
Water safety
Take care if you decide to swim at the waterfall. There are deep holes, slippery rocks and unseen obstacles. Currents and undertows can be very strong and swimmers can become trapped under the water – a person drowned while swimming here in 2012.
The river rises substantially after heavy rain and storms. Very large volumes of water travel over the falls during these times – we strongly recommend staying out of the water during these events and always check the weather prior to visiting.
See Water Safety New Zealand's jumping and swimming webpages for information on how to stay safe while river swimming.
Keep to the track
Keep to the track as the rocks are slippery.
No fires
No fires are allowed.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track