Pōkeno Falls: A Scenic Walk Just Off SH1
Tucked on the edge of the small North Waikato town of Pōkeno, Pōkeno Falls is an easy-to-reach stop between Auckland and Hamilton. Located only a few minutes off State Highway 1, this small waterfall offers a peaceful pocket of nature, complete with streamside bush, layered rock, and historic remnants from the area’s colonial past.
A Hidden Waterfall in Farmland
Pōkeno Falls lies on Leathams Stream, where the water tumbles over a wide, six-metre-high rock ledge into a shallow basin. Local farmland catchments feed the stream, and the falls flow steadily, and strongly after rain. Although the area is increasingly affected by new residential development, a strip of native planting beside the stream is slowly regenerating the space, attracting birds and helping restore the landscape.
A second, smaller cascade lies a short distance upstream, accessible via a short side track.
A Quick Walk with Historic Features
The walk to the falls begins from a small reserve at the end of Te Ara Aukati Terrace, just off Pōkeno Road. The return walk takes around 10 minutes along a wide, flat path, suitable for all ages. A short wooden bridge crosses the stream and leads to a fenced viewing area at the base of the main waterfall. For those wanting a slightly different angle, another short path leads above the second cascade. Beside the main track, you will spot stone remnants from a 19th-century flour mill.
You can also access the top of the falls from the car park, via a short, rough track.
The Story of the Flour Mills
An information panel beside the flour mill ruins reveals a little-known aspect of New Zealand history: European and Māori iwi invested in flour mills operated by Māori. This mill was an example, built by an Englishman for 400 pounds for the local Māori. There were 37 mills in Auckland Province by 1860, many of which were partly financed by the government.
In 1862, Pōkeno became a strategic site for government forces in preparation for the Waikato invasion. Nearby Queen’s Redoubt was one of the largest British military forts in the country, positioned to secure the southern edge of colonial control.
At the time of the government invasion of the Waikato in 1863, the mill and another at Tuakau were owned by Te Wheoro, who supported the government during the New Zealand Wars. The conflict effectively ruined his mills and many others.
How to Get There
Pōkeno Falls is located just off SH1, about 45 minutes south of central Auckland and 55 minutes north of Hamilton. Take the Pōkeno exit from the expressway, and head northeast on Dean Road, then right onto Fraser Road. Follow Fraser Road onto Market Street East, then turn southeast onto McIntosh Drive. Continue until you see the right-hand turn onto Te Ara Aukati Terrace. A small parking area is located at the end of the street.
Nearby places to visit include Alexandra Redoubt, Les Batkin Reserve, Harker Reserve and Vivian Falls.
