Go chasing waterfalls

Please note, three popular waterfalls - Shine Falls, Te Ana Falls and Tangoio Falls - all remain inaccessible following damage to the tracks suffered during Cyclone Gabrielle. Please do not attempt to access them at this time.

Waipunga Falls

Just sneaking inside the northwest Hawke's Bay region boundary on SH2 (Napier-Taupo Road) are the Waipunga Falls - easily viewable from a carpark just off the main highway. Be sure to walk around the viewing spot to ensure you also see the neighbouring Waiarua Falls. Note, the carpark access is located in the middle of a particularly fast stretch of the highway, so are best viewed when travelling from Taupo to Napier as vehicles can safely pull off to the left. Look for the 'Scenic Lookout' sign approximately 400m back from the carpark towards Taupo - an approximate 55km drive from Taupo.

Te Reinga Falls

North of Wairoa are the 35-metre Te Reinga Falls, fed by the merging Hangaroa and Ruakituri Rivers just above. The falls are a roughly 25-30 minute drive north of Wairoa - take SH38 to Frasertown before turning right into Tinoroto Road. Stay on Tinoroto Road for approximately 25km until you reach Te Reinga, where you turn left in Ruakituri Road and cross the bridge over the river. The carpark is on your left at the end of the bridge, where it's just a few minutes' walk to the lookout.

Aniwaniwa Falls

Found in Te Urerewa near Lake Waikaremoana, a series of waterfalls make for an incredible day trip for those staying in Wairoa District. Make your way to the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre - approxiately 60mins drive north of Wairoa on SH38. Note, much of the drive is unsealed and is a particularly windy road, so considerable care is required.

There are two options to see the waterfalls - check those out on waterfalls.co.nz

Papakorito Falls

Also in Te Urerewa, and easily accessible from the old Visitor Information Centre at Aniwaniwa, follow Aniwaniwa Rd for 1.5km. There is a car park at the end of the road (no toilets). A 10-minute return Papakorito Falls Walk leads to the waterfall's base. The track doesn’t have any stairs, so it’s suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Return via the same track. With thanks to waterfalls.co.nz

Centennial Gardens Falls

Set in Napier's Centennial Gardens, this is a man-made waterfall that tumbles 40 metres down a mossy rockface to the pool at the base. You can see the falls from the street, but the short walk to the falls is a must. The gardens and waterfall are less than 1km from the Napier isite Visitor Centre, and easily accessible.

Maraetotara Falls

A massively popular summer spot, Maraetotara Falls is a must-visit for those who want to take a dip into paradise. Hop in the car and take a short drive from Havelock North, and you will spot a carpark on Maraetotara Road. Follow the wooden stairs, and set off on the historic walk for 10 minutes until you reach the base of the waterfall. Make sure you have your bathing suit handy as there is a brilliant swimming hole at the base of the waterfall – perfect way to cool off on a scorching summer's day.