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.
Mōkau Falls at a Glance#
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.
Air Quality:
AQI 26
Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 108 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 10° - 20° | 15° | 144 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 9° - 18° | 14° | 184 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 132 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 142 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 3° - 9° | 3° | 121 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 2° - 8° | 1° | 137 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 9° | 3° | 154 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 11° | 5° | 144 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 14° | 7° | 147 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 122 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 18° | 14° | 149 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
