Rainbow falls
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Rainbow Falls

4.7
·3k reviews·Kerikeri, New Zealand

A stunning waterfall with an easy, accessible path, offering breathtaking views and a chance to see a magical rainbow.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rain

More powerful cascade

CrowdMedium
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Rainbow falls

Rainbow Falls

Best Time

After rain

More powerful cascade

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning waterfall with an easy, accessible path, offering breathtaking views and a chance to see a magical rainbow.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Fabulous, breath-taking beautiful falls with easy access for everyone!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking & Access

Large car park available, with a very short, mostly paved walk to the falls. Great for all ages! 🚗

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

While the main path is easy, some areas and longer trails can be slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 3,265 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Cascade

The Main Cascade

Main viewing platform

Witness the powerful water tumble down, creating a breathtaking spectacle, especially after rainfall.

The Swimming Hole

The Swimming Hole

Base of the falls

A refreshing spot to cool off, bordered by lush vegetation. Be cautious of currents.

The Weir Viewpoint

The Weir Viewpoint

Downstream from the falls

Offers a different perspective of the river's flow and the surrounding natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Best Views

Visit after rain for a more powerful cascade, but be mindful of slippery paths. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photos and fewer crowds. Check local conditions before you go.

Accessibility and Trail Options

The main path to Rainbow Falls is short, well-maintained, and even wheelchair accessible, making it great for families. Longer, more challenging hikes also start from the trailhead for those seeking more adventure.

Best Times

When
After rain
Why
More powerful cascade
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Soft light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Travelled 3385 km for this Meghalaya #meghalaya #meghalayatourism #meghalayatrip #mapofkattalan #bookofjourney #sevensisterwaterfalls #rainbowfalls #weisodongwaterfall #doubledecker #shilong #keralatomeghalaya #insta #instamood #instalike #thanks
the__travel_nomad
547 likes • 11.5K views

🚗 Easy Parking & Access

Large car park available, with a very short, mostly paved walk to the falls. Great for all ages! 🚗

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

While the main path is easy, some areas and longer trails can be slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:

Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap looking pretty amazing today after the big rains! 💦 This 4.4 mile roundtrip hike is a tough one but doable if you take it slow or are an experienced hiker. It's great for kids and the waterfall is quite the stunner - totally worth the effort! You will either need a @scstateparks pass (100% worth getting) or pay an entrance fee. If you go on a weekend, you'll need to p...
kidaroundsc
6K likes • 200.4K views
📍: Rainbow Falls, Transylvania County, NC⁠ —⁠ 📷: @wildwoodblessing —⁠ #northcarolina #nc #celebratingnc #thisisnc #explorenc #ourstatemag #transylvaniacounty #rainbowfalls
ourstatemag
2.3K likes • 20K views

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Visit when the sun is out and the mist is high for a chance to see a beautiful rainbow! 🌈

💧 Wash Feet in Pools

If you visit the pools area, it's recommended to wash your feet in the designated bay. 🌊

Rainbow Falls on a stormy day did not disappoint. I’m staying on the North Island of New Zealand, in Whangārei, and after a bit of research we found this gem nearby. The moment we arrived, we noticed a cave tucked behind the waterfall — and it looked incredible. #travel #cinematic #newzealand #rainbowfalls #reels
tonyolsenfilm
1.6K likes • 30.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking & Access

Large car park available, with a very short, mostly paved walk to the falls. Great for all ages! 🚗

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

While the main path is easy, some areas and longer trails can be slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Rainbow

Visit when the sun is out and the mist is high for a chance to see a beautiful rainbow! 🌈

💧 Wash Feet in Pools

If you visit the pools area, it's recommended to wash your feet in the designated bay. 🌊

🚶‍♀️ Explore Longer Trails

The trailhead also marks the start of longer hikes along the KeriKeri River for more exploration. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Rainbow Falls for its stunning beauty and accessibility. The short, well-maintained path makes it a hit with families and those seeking an easy nature experience. While the main attraction is the powerful cascade, the chance to see a rainbow adds a magical element. Some caution is advised near the water due to currents.

"Beautiful and easy walk! The short track from the car park is wheelchair accessible and well maintained. There are picnic areas and toilets nearby, which makes it great for families. The walk follows the riverbank and leads to the stunning Rainbow Falls — absolutely worth the visit! There are three viewing points with amazing views of the waterfall."

Sivan Travelholic

"Large car park and just a 3 min walk to the falls. Worth a visit. Water tumbles down from a height and the river is fast flowing over rocks. Path is very easy and mainly tarmac and boardwalk. Other longer walk start from here."

Jerry Lovegrove

"Fabulous , breath-taking beautiful falls.
3 spots to view - falls, pool and weir. A short walk and must wash feet in the wash bay for the pools area. Car park great and toilets good!"

Lancia

What People Like

Beautiful and breathtaking falls
Easy, accessible walk
Great for families

What People Dislike

Slippery rocks near water
Strong currents

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rainbow Falls is easily accessible with a large car park. The main path from the car park is a short, well-maintained, and even wheelchair-accessible walk, taking only about 3 minutes to reach the falls. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a large car park available at the Rainbow Falls trailhead, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit+1

Yes, you can drive directly to the Rainbow Falls trailhead where ample parking is available. Reddit

Rainbow Falls is located in the North Island of New Zealand, near Whangārei and is a popular spot for those exploring the region. Instagram

Yes, you can easily find directions to Rainbow Falls online, and the trailhead is well-marked for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no admission fee required to visit Rainbow Falls, and the main viewing areas are freely accessible. Reddit

Rainbow Falls is typically open year-round during daylight hours, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee for Rainbow Falls. Access to the main viewing areas is free for all visitors. Reddit

Swimming is possible in the pool below the falls, but caution is advised due to strong currents and slippery rocks. InstagramReddit

Visitors are advised against entering or standing near the riverbanks, especially above the falls, due to hazards like flash flooding and strong currents. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main walk to Rainbow Falls is a short, easy, and well-maintained path, suitable for most visitors, including those with wheelchairs. Longer trails also start from here. Reddit+1

The primary trail to the main viewing area of Rainbow Falls is very short, approximately a 3-minute walk from the car park. Longer hiking trails are also available. Reddit+1

Yes, Rainbow Falls is very family-friendly due to the short, accessible walk, picnic areas, and toilets nearby. Reddit

You can see the main waterfall, a swimming pool at its base, and a weir further downstream, offering multiple viewing perspectives. Reddit

Yes, there are toilets available at Rainbow Falls, adding to the convenience for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography, while midday sun can be harsh. Visiting after rain can enhance the waterfall's power for dramatic shots. Instagram

Yes, if the sun is shining and there's mist from the waterfall, you have a good chance of seeing a rainbow, especially during certain times of the day. Reddit

There are multiple viewing platforms offering different angles of the falls, the pool, and the weir, providing diverse photographic opportunities. Reddit

Extreme caution is advised near the water. Entering or standing too close to the riverbanks is hazardous due to strong currents and potential flash flooding. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. Instagram

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