Rediscovering Te Wairere Falls
Te Wairere Falls is a 20-metre waterfall located on the edge of Kerikeri, in the Bay of Islands in Northland. This waterfall, found on the Wairoa Stream within a strip of native forest, was largely forgotten from the 1940s until the 2010s. In 2015, Vision Kerikeri and local community groups reestablished track access, bringing the waterfall back into public awareness. The waterfall cascades over a basalt platform formed by the ancient Kaikohe-Bay of Islands Volcanic Field, which dates back two to ten million years.
Historical Significance of the Wairoa Stream
Before European settlement, the Wairoa Stream was part of a Māori track connecting Kerikeri Basin to Waimate North. This route played a role in the Flagstaff War of 1845 when colonial troops moved cannons and supplies from Onewhero Bay to Waimate North to attack Hone Heke's pā near Lake Ōmāpere.
The track and stream fell into disuse but were later rediscovered by settlers in the late 1920s, who established orchards in the area. The stream, with its two swimming holes, became a popular recreational spot for early orchard workers and remained a favourite until World War II, until it was again forgotten to be rediscovered a second time.
The track is also featured in Fiona Kidman's book "Mandarin Summer," which explores early Kerikeri scandals.
The walk to the waterfall takes about 10 minutes along a sometimes rough track. Keep an eye out for a side track leading to a smaller waterfall.
How to Get There
From central Kerikeri, take Cobham Road southeast to Kerikeri Inlet Road. There, turn northeast and follow the road for about 500 metres to a small car park at the trailhead on the left. The total drive is 2.8 km and takes 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk the ancient trail from Koropiro Heritage Reserve, just south of the Mission House and Stone Store.
Other walks around Kerikeri include the Kerikeri River Walk to Rainbow Falls and Charlies Rock.
