A waterfall that makes some noise
Contemplate a blend of history and nature, or just mess with the roosters, at a horseshoeshaped waterfall in New Zealand’s far north.
Where/what is it?
Haruru Falls is a small but wide waterfall. It’s where the Waitangi River is at its strongest, feeding into a significant lagoon that ebbs its way out to the Bay of Islands beside Te Ti Marae and the Waitangi Treaty grounds. A small town with accommodation options is built around it.
The Falls are about 5km from the town of Pahia, and worth a trip to see. You can take a car and walk two minutes down a track to the Falls, passing a rope-swing installed bravely on a tree hanging off the cliff into the lagoon below.
If you’re prepared to wait for the Falls to unveil themselves, you can walk a track for 90 minutes from the Treaty Grounds themselves, past the golf course and over a boardwalk through a quite spectacular forest of mangroves. You can even hire kayaks in Pahia and spend half a day paddling your way upstream to the Falls.
Why go?
Haruru means ‘‘big noise’’ in Maori and during the north’s heavy rains, the place quickly turns into a torrent of raging water. On sunnier days the amount of water cascading down is still impressive.
New Zealand has a plethora of waterfalls, but few with the history of Haruru. The lagoon around the Falls was New Zealand’s first river port, used heavily by Maori and missionaries alike. The rocks above the Falls are flat and easy to walk over, a good place to sit and reflect. Samuel Marsden boiled a billy to have a cup of tea on the rocks in 1815 and thousands of Kiwis have used it as a relaxation spot since.
Insider tip
If you have kids, then pack a picnic and bring a bit of extra bread with you. There’s a brood of roosters who spend their lives in the Haruru Falls car park and they’re very friendly to anyone with food. Take care when you’re driving out as your child wouldn’t take to kindly to you running over the rooster they just fed.
The lagoon around the Falls was New Zealand's first river port, used heavily by Maori and missionaries alike.
On the way/near by
Some of the country’s most famous attractions are within walking distance of Haruru Falls. The Treaty Grounds’ panoramic lawn and newly opened museum are the highlight; a must-do for all Kiwis. For Kiwi foodies, there’s good fish and chips and burgers at Haruru Falls Takeaway.
How much?
Not even the Government has found a way to charge to see our waterfalls yet, thank goodness for that. If you’re wanting a kayak you’ll pay $45-$80 for a half-day experience, depending on which provider you go with.
Best time to go
Go on a clear night after a heavy rain. There’ll be fewer tourists around and the stars will add to the magic. - Chris Hyde