Haruru Falls
A charming waterfall and scenic mangrove walkway, offering easy access and a touch of local legend. A delightful natural stop in the Bay of Islands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More powerful waterfall
Haruru Falls
Best Time
More powerful waterfall
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterfall and scenic mangrove walkway, offering easy access and a touch of local legend. A delightful natural stop in the Bay of Islands.
"More impressive than in the pictures, with a really big family of chickens that come really close!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walkway is lovely but can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The falls and mangrove walkways offer stunning natural scenery. Don't forget your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Haruru Falls
Main waterfall area
A beautiful, powerful waterfall easily accessible from the car park. Best seen after rain for maximum impact.
Haruru Falls Walkway
Trail starting near the falls
A scenic walk, often through mangroves, offering a peaceful nature experience and great photo opportunities.
Abundant Birdlife
Around the falls and walkway
Keep an eye out for the surprisingly friendly chickens and other local birdlife that frequent the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Embrace the Walkway Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walkway is lovely but can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The falls and mangrove walkways offer stunning natural scenery. Don't forget your camera!
🐔 Chicken Encounters
You might meet a friendly family of chickens! They often come close and are quite cute.
🚗 Easy Access
Just a short walk from the car park, making it a convenient stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walkway is lovely but can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the trails.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The falls and mangrove walkways offer stunning natural scenery. Don't forget your camera!
🐔 Chicken Encounters
You might meet a friendly family of chickens! They often come close and are quite cute.
🚗 Easy Access
Just a short walk from the car park, making it a convenient stop.
🛶 Kayaking Potential
The area is popular for kayaking, offering a unique perspective of the falls and surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Haruru Falls to be a beautiful and easily accessible natural spot, often more impressive than expected. The short walk and scenic walkway are highlights, though some note the falls aren't massive. The presence of friendly chickens adds a unique charm to the experience.
"Stopped by at the spur of the moment and glad we did. Easy walk down to the falls. Wasn’t too busy when we were there but I’m sure it gets busy during the tourist season. Well worth the stop!"
Susan Rogers
"Great walk. Excellent well maintained track. Suitable for young children, but not pushchairs."
Margaret Johnston
"Easily accessible waterfall, not very tall but pretty powerful. Enjoying the sound of flowing water :)) There were heaps of chicken for some reason? lol"
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haruru Falls is conveniently located just about 5km from Paihia in the Bay of Islands. You can drive there in minutes, and it's a popular spot for visitors staying in the area.
Yes, there is a car park located very close to the falls, making access straightforward. It's just a minute's walk from the parking area to the main viewpoint.
Yes, you can embark on a longer walk from Waitangi to Haruru Falls. This one-way trek typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a more immersive nature experience.
Absolutely! Haruru Falls is considered a hidden gem and a worthwhile stop on any Northland adventure, especially if you're exploring the Bay of Islands.
Many visitors enjoy the Haruru Falls Walkway, which often winds through beautiful mangrove forests, offering a serene natural setting. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Haruru Falls is a natural attraction and generally does not require an entrance fee, making it an accessible and free destination for visitors.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Haruru Falls is typically accessible at any time, though it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Haruru Falls as it's a free-access natural site.
While official guided tours might not be common, local information and maps can sometimes be found. Some social media creators offer 'guide' access to their curated maps.
You'll find benches and picnic tables near the falls, providing comfortable spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography, but the falls are impressive throughout the day. Visiting after rain enhances the visual drama.
Yes, the Haruru Falls Walkway is a popular choice, offering a scenic route through the natural landscape, often featuring mangroves.
In Te Reo Māori, 'haruru' means 'big noise.' This refers to the sound of the waterfall, which can be quite powerful, especially after rainfall.
According to Māori legend, a taniwha (water monster) resides in the lagoon beneath the falls, adding its roar to the sound of the water.
Visitors often report seeing a surprising number of chickens around the falls, which are known to be quite friendly and approach visitors. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Experiment with different viewpoints from the main viewing area and along the walkway. Capturing the mist and the surrounding greenery can add depth to your shots.
A tripod can be helpful for capturing longer exposures to smooth out the water flow, especially in lower light conditions or to get sharper images of the wildlife.
For the waterfall, try a slower shutter speed to create a silky water effect. For the lush greenery and wildlife, a faster shutter speed and good aperture control will be beneficial.
The main viewpoint offers a classic shot of the falls. The mangrove sections of the walkway also provide unique photographic opportunities with their textures and light patterns.
While beautiful year-round, visiting after significant rainfall will make the falls more dramatic and photogenic. The surrounding greenery is vibrant throughout the warmer months.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables, making it a relaxed family stop. The nearby walkway also offers a gentle adventure, allowing kids to explore a bit more of the natural environment in a safe and accessible way.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1The walkway through the mangroves provides a serene environment for contemplation and photography. It's a great spot to enjoy nature's sounds and sights without the need for extensive planning or strenuous effort, making it ideal for a solo adventure.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1Don't forget to capture the surprisingly photogenic and friendly chickens that frequent the area! Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve silky water effects or freeze the motion of the local wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Haruru Falls Walkway Experience
+1This walkway provides opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, and the sounds of nature create a peaceful atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to extend your visit beyond the main falls viewpoint and appreciate the broader natural beauty of the area. The length of the walkway can vary, with some sections offering longer loops for those who wish to explore further.
Many visitors find the walkway to be a highlight, appreciating the chance to connect with the natural landscape. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, photography, or simply to enjoy the quietude away from more crowded tourist spots.
Understanding the Name and Legends
Adding to the mystique of the falls is a local Māori legend. It is said that a taniwha, a mythical water guardian or monster, inhabits the lagoon beneath Haruru Falls. The taniwha's roar is believed to contribute to the 'big noise' of the falls, weaving a layer of folklore into the natural spectacle.
This blend of natural beauty and cultural storytelling makes Haruru Falls more than just a scenic spot; it's a place with a rich history and a touch of enchantment, appealing to those interested in local legends and Māori heritage.
Wildlife Encounters at Haruru Falls
These chickens seem accustomed to human presence and can be a source of amusement and a unique photo opportunity. While the focus is often on the waterfall, these charming birds add an extra layer of character to the experience.
Beyond the chickens, the natural environment of the falls and the surrounding walkway also supports other local birdlife, contributing to the overall natural ambiance of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit