Located in the Coromandel Town area of the Coromandel region, Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove Lookout Walk is a popular stop off for those traveling the popular 309 road.

It's a small (6 meters high) but beautiful waterfall with a popular swimming hole.

• track category: Easy

• track length: 200m

• walking time: 10-min return

• track start location: see map below

• km from town: 10km

Note:

Parking at Waiau Kauri Grove walk is limited. Additional parking is available at the Waiau Falls track carpark, 600 m northwest along the 309 road.

Be aware when parking at the Waiau Falls track, you will need to walk along a gravel road with blind corners to the entrance. Stay to the outside of the road, look out for vehicles and keep children close.

Tip: Make sure to check out Bayliss Reserve for a hidden gem waterhole! Its 20minutes down the road and generally pretty quiet as it's not on any tourist map!

Reviews:

"Really pretty. Very short walk, trail sign said 80 meters, but is steep and has steps so be mindful of this. So lovely to visit and just off the road. Waterfall was stunning and looks like people often swim but it was raining when we went. Barely anywhere to park so keep that in mind, enough space for 2-3 cars max. Also it’s off the 309 road which we found out from locals later has quite the reputation. Currently has roadworks along it and it has some sealed bits and others are partially sealed but quite gravelly on top, very windy. I’m sure many attempt in a camper van but I wouldn’t suggest it, better in a car/SUV and do not attempt if you aren’t a careful and confident driver. Apparently many tourists freak out on the road." - Rhiannon, Alltrails

"Beautiful waterfall and swimming hole a two-minute stroll from Road 309! There is a sign marking the spot, as well as parking for a handful of cars. We were here on two consecutive days. The first day it had been rainy heavily, and the falls were out of their banks, ferocious, and a little scary in their speed and power. The next day, the falls was back to a more normal flow, with lovely clear water instead of the brown runoff from the day before. I was glad we had the opportunity to see it both days — it was beautiful in both cases." - Marsha, Google Reviews

Handy sites:

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/coromandel-town-area/tracks/waiau-falls-and-kauri-grove-lookout/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/waikato/waiau-falls-walk

https://waterfalls.co.nz/waterfalls-by-region/87-new-zealand-waterfalls/north-island/waikato/118-waiau-falls