Haruru FallsAbout Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Waitangi River in the Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand, notable for its broad chute rather than a high single drop. The falls are roughly a few metres in height and form an attractive short-stop for visitors exploring the Bay of Islands.
A short walking track and river access link the falls with the nearby towns of Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, making it a popular half-day outing for visitors. Canoe and small-boat trips along the Waitangi River provide an alternate approach and different views of the falls.
The falls are set within lowland native vegetation and tidal waterways typical of the Bay of Islands area, close to Paihia and other tourist services.
- Access and proximity: The falls are located on the Waitangi River near the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and are often reached by a short walking track from Paihia or by small boat along the river.
Nearby Attractions to Haruru Falls
Best Time to Visit Haruru Falls
Any time of year is fine for Haruru Falls; choose winter or after rain for the fullest cascade, or shoulder seasons to avoid the day-trippers.
Weather & Climate near Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1431 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 15° - 23° | 19° | 91 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 16° - 23° | 20° | 107 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 15° - 22° | 19° | 132 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 13° - 20° | 17° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 130 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 181 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 144 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 9° - 15° | 12° | 137 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 16° | 13° | 109 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 12° - 19° | 16° | 96 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 14° - 21° | 18° | 101 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls is about 5 km (roughly 10-15 minutes by car) from central Paihia in the Bay of Islands. From Paihia follow State Highway 11/Waitangi Road toward the Waitangi area, then take Haruru Falls Road to the small car park and boardwalk. There is no formal public transit direct to the falls; many visitors combine it with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or use a taxi/ride-share from Paihia.
Tips for Visiting Haruru Falls
- Walk the short boardwalk loop rather than trying to scramble down to the base - the viewing platform gives the best, safe vantage and is only a 10-15 minute stroll from the car park.
- Combine the visit with the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (about 5-6 km away) for a fuller Bay of Islands half-day.
- Go early morning or late afternoon to miss coach groups; after heavy rain the falls are louder and more dramatic but the paths get muddy.
- Bring insect repellent - sandflies can be persistent in the estuary vegetation.