08 October 2026
Fine, apart from areas of morning fog, then some evening cloud. Light winds.
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1 / 5Waitangi
Haruru Falls Track
This beautiful walk follows the Waitangi River from Waitangi to Haruru Falls. The track passes through forest and wetlands, including a grove of mangroves, making for a varied and scenic journey.
Distance
5.19 km
Walking time
2.5 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Northland forecast
Issued 8 Oct 2026, 11:31 am
09 October 2026
Fine, apart from areas of morning fog, then some afternoon cloud. Light winds and sea breezes.
10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northerlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
A few showers. Westerlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Haruru Falls Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Haruru Falls Track
This beautiful riverside track follows the Waitangi River from Waitangi to Haruru Falls. Haruru means “big noise,” and after heavy rain you will hear the falls before you see them. The 5.2 km one-way walk takes about 2.5 hours. It is an easy track through forest and wetlands, with boardwalks through a mangrove grove and rest spots along the way. The track finishes at Haruru Falls, a wide horseshoe-shaped waterfall about 5 m high. Return the same way, 10.4 km in total, as there is no safe walking route along the road, or arrange to be picked up.
Essential information for Haruru Falls Track
One of the best times to walk to Haruru Falls is after heavy rain, when the volume of water increases and you can fully appreciate why Haruru means “big noise.” Be prepared with wet weather gear, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear, as the track can be slippery in places. The track can be muddy and slippery after rain. Keep children close near drop-offs and water. Plan your timing carefully. The one-way walk takes about 2.5 hours, and you may need to allow time for the return. In autumn and winter the sun sets just after 5 pm, and there is no lighting on the track. It is shaded in the mangroves even at midday. In summer the mangrove forest offers welcome shade and shelter, but other parts of the track are fully exposed. Carry a sunhat and sunblock.
Getting there for Haruru Falls Track
Access is from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds car park or from Haruru Falls Road. Toilets are available at both ends. Use this location on Google Maps to help 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 . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive 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 .
Before you walk Haruru 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.