Rainbow Falls Walk

This short walk, starting at the Rainbow Falls car park, is accessible by wheelchair. There are picnicking areas and a toilet at the end of Rainbow Falls Road.

You can stroll along the riverbank to the spectacular Rainbow Falls. There are two viewing points that overlook the falls. There is a third viewing point near a historic weir.

The third viewing point has direct access to the water and there are steep drops along the track, so stay on the track and supervise children.

Rainbow Falls is not a recommended swimming place. There are significant risks associated with waterfall swimming and weirs.

Rainbow Falls Walk connects with Kerikeri River Track. This is a more challenging track and has fewer barriers.

10,000 Steps Northland: This track equates to about 533 steps.

From Kerikeri township, head north-east to the Heritage Bypass, then turn left into Waipapa Road. Rainbow Falls Road is on the left off Waipapa Road. Access to the Rainbow Falls is from the parking area at the end of Rainbow Falls Road or from the Kerikeri River Track itself.

• There are steep drops near the track and direct access to the water. Supervise children.
• Dogs are not allowed on the walking tracks in the Kerikeri Basin due to the risk they pose to kiwi and other wildlife.
• Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.
• No fires, no camping, no biking.

You may hear tui call, and see fantails flitting about while you walk.

Puriri, totara, karaka, and manuka shelter the path to the viewing platforms.

The third platform is at the head of an historic weir that supplied the first electrical power to the early Kerikeri township. Remnants of the Kerikeri hydro-electric station and weir are still visible and an information panel is situated at the rest area.