Mōkau Falls

Waterfall Scenic waterfall set within Gisborne's native bushland

Waterfall in Gisborne District set in river gorge; visitors come for short walks, river scenery and local birdlife.

Main image
Mōkau Falls
-38.7282, 177.0902

How to Get to Mōkau Falls #

Typically accessed by local roads off State Highway routes in the Gisborne District; exact access depends on the farm track or reserve entrance. Local signage from nearby towns will direct to parking and the walking approach.

Tips for Visiting Mōkau Falls #

  • Access can be muddy after rain; local farms sometimes charge small access fees - ask politely.
  • The falls are best seen in higher river flow (late winter/early spring) for maximum water volume.
  • Combine the visit with nearby coastal or hill walks in the Gisborne District.

Best Time to Visit Mōkau Falls #

Visit in spring for stronger flows; summer is best for walking and swimming nearby.

Late winter to spring
August-October (Southern Hemisphere) · 10-18°C
Higher river flows make the falls more dramatic.
Summer
December-February · 18-28°C
Warmer weather for longer walks, though flows may be reduced.

Weather & Climate near Mōkau Falls #

Climate

Mōkau Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1684 mm/year), wettest in March.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (184 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

184 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

147 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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