10 October 2026
Cloud increasing, and showers developing this evening. Northeasterlies.
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1 / 47Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Fairy Falls Track
Fairy Falls is located in the central part of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and consists of significant lower falls and a series of shorter upper waterfalls. Come and visit one of the most popular waterfalls in Auckland Region.
Distance
3 km
Walking time
1 hour 30 mins return
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Lower viewing platform and swimming area remain closed due to fire damage.
Due to fire damage to infrastructure in November 2025, access to the lower viewing platform and swimming area is closed. Please do not cross barriers or attempt to access the river. This area is part of a kauri protection zone with highly valued kauri trees.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Fairy Falls Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Fairy Falls Track
Fairy Falls is located in the central part of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park and has incredible cascading waterfalls. From the Scenic Drive carpark, cross the main road to the start of the Fairy Falls Track. The first part of the track is an easy and enjoyable walk through bush. The second part consists of stairs and boardwalk that help you meander down to the falls with views of Auckland. On reaching the falls, you'll come face-to-face with an ancient kauri tree. Much work has been done to upgrade the tracks making it safer and easier to access the waterfalls while protecting the magnificent mature kauri. Return the way you came. Do not venture along the old track past the bottom of the falls. This is closed to protect other kauri in the vicinity and does not link up with other tracks in the area.
Essential information for Fairy Falls Track
Parking: Carparking is limited, so get there early. Smokefree regional parks: Our regional parks are smoke-free. Waste: All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region. For more information about the park and track, head to the Auckland Council website .
Kauri protection guide
When visiting areas with healthy kauri trees, please make sure you follow these steps: Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Getting there for Fairy Falls Track
Fairy Falls carpark is situated in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park on Scenic Drive, about 20 minutes from Henderson. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Fairy Falls Track
On leash
Before you walk Fairy Falls Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.