Cascades Loop Track on Waiheke Island
Located in Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf of Auckland, the Cascades Loop Track is a delightful short walk that takes you through a scenic forest to a series of small waterfalls nestled in a rocky gully. The modest yet charming waterfalls make for a perfect spot to relax, with a seat and picnic area available at the base of the falls.
Accessing the Track
You can begin your walk on the Cascades Loop Track via the Nikau Track, starting at the Sculpture Car Park on Gordons Road in Rocky Bay / Whakanewha Bay. Alternatively, if you have less time, start towards the east end of Carsons Road. Both routes offer appealing forest walks, but the latter is about half the length. Another alternative is to start at the beginning of Carsons Road for a walk of similar length to the Nikau Track. Plan for about an hour to complete the loop for the longer options.
How to Get There
From either Ostend Road or Onetangi Road, take Obrien Road south to Gordons Road. Continue to the main Whakanewha Regional Park entrance at the Sculpture Car Park, or turn off at the intersection with Carsons Road. The park is about a 15-minute drive from Oneroa and 10 minutes from Onetangi.
Other places to walk on Waiheke include Stony Batter, Te Ara Hura on the north side of Mātiatia Bay and on the south side.
