Discovering Maketū Falls
Maketū Falls is located at the intersection of Ararimu Road and Pratt Road, just east of Drury and the Auckland southern motorway. This picturesque spot is situated between three waterfalls near Pukekohe and Wairoa Falls in the Hunua Ranges. A visit to Maketū Falls also provides an attractive walk through native forest leading to the falls.
Exploring the Falls and Surroundings
The journey to Maketū Falls begins with a short walk from a small historic cemetery, passing through remnants of native forest. Although the falls are modest compared to others in Auckland, they are set in a scenic location with a large pool at their base.
The falls are not immediately visible; you need to walk around the pool to get a good view. For those interested in a bit more exploration, a hike to the top of the falls reveals the rock-strewn Maketū Stream above.
Maketū Falls is a popular spot among locals, especially on weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.
How to Get There
From Downtown Auckland, take the southern motorway to the Ararimu Road off-ramp. Head east on Ararimu Road for 1.6 km to the corner of Ararimu Road and Pratt Road, and park next to the cemetery and Maketū Falls track access. The trip is about 50 minutes and 43 km.
You can also explore three waterfalls from the town of Patumāhoe, west of Pukekohe. These are Waitangi Falls, Secret Waterfall Garden and Henrys Scenic Reserve.
