Kitekite Falls
Waterfall Multi-tier waterfall near Piha, popular walking track
Near Piha, Kitekite Falls drops in three tiers through native forest and is reached by a well-formed track; locals and visitors hike, swim in pools and combine the walk with nearby surf beaches.
Kitekite Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall on Kitekite Stream in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, near the coastal village of Piha in the Auckland Region. It is one of the better-known cascades in the park and is set within native kauri and nikau forest.
The site offers a main viewing platform above the falls and a clear pool at the base used for swimming when conditions permit. A marked track through forest and regenerating bush leads from Piha to the falls, with steps and boardwalk sections providing the main access.
The falls sit on a volcanic and sandstone landscape carved by stream erosion; management and visitor facilities are provided by regional park authorities. The area is part of the broader Waitakere Ranges protected area and subject to conservation rules and occasional track closures for maintenance or hazard.
The falls lie just inland from Piha beach on Auckland’s west coast, roughly 30-40 km west of central Auckland. The trailhead is accessed from Piha village and the site sits within rugged, forested hills of the Waitakere Ranges.
- Safety and access: There is a viewing platform above the falls and a pool at the base that is used for swimming in warmer months; conditions can be slippery and swimmers should exercise caution.
- Trail length and difficulty: The walking track from Piha village is a forested trail with steps and boardwalk sections and typically takes 45-90 minutes return depending on pace.
How to Get to Kitekite Falls #
From Auckland CBD, drive west along Scenic Drive via Titirangi to Piha (about 40-50 minutes without traffic). Park at the Kitekite Falls carpark on Kitekite Road; a well-signposted track leads from the carpark to the falls (approx. 40-60 minutes return depending on pace). Public buses to Piha run from Titirangi on a limited schedule.
Tips for Visiting Kitekite Falls #
- Start the walk from the Kitekite Falls carpark on Kitekite Road and follow the well-signposted track through native bush - the return loop includes a ladder section that's worth doing.
- Arrive early on summer weekends to avoid crowds and secure parking in Piha.
- Stay on the marked tracks: the Waitakere Ranges are ecologically sensitive and the area is part of a regional park with kiwi protection programs.
Best Time to Visit Kitekite Falls #
Best in summer for swimming and warmer weather, but spring and autumn are excellent for quieter walks and fuller falls.
Weather & Climate near Kitekite Falls #
Kitekite Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1335 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (178 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
