Mokoroa Falls

Waterfall Forest waterfall and swimming spot near Auckland

Set in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland, Mokoroa Falls reward walkers with cascades, forest tracks and rock pools popular for short swims.

Main image

Mokoroa Falls is a waterfall in the Auckland Region of New Zealand located within the forested area of the Waitakere Ranges. It is a local natural attraction reached on foot via marked walking tracks.

The site offers a short bush walk through native kauri and mixed broadleaf forest that finishes at the waterfall and a small pool. The setting is compact and forested rather than a large scenic overlook, so visits are typically short walks and photography stops.

The falls and surrounding tracks lie within the traditional lands of Tāmaki Makaurau iwi and later became part of the regional park network managed for recreation and native forest protection. Tracks and visitor access have been maintained and occasionally rerouted for conservation and safety.

The falls sit in the western Auckland hill country of the Waitakere Ranges, west of central Auckland, within regional parkland that is reached by road from the Auckland metropolitan area. Parking and trailheads are at nearby park access points.

  • Access: Accessible via walking tracks inside the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park; the track can be muddy after rain so wear sturdy shoes.
  • When to go: Best visited after moderate rainfall when the falls have stronger flow; avoid during heavy rain due to track and stream hazards.
Mokoroa Falls
Mokoroa Falls, Auckland Region
-36.8282, 174.4702
Open daily (walking track)

Tips for Visiting Mokoroa Falls #

  • Check the Auckland Council website for current track status and kauri-protection rules before you go - parts of the Waitakere/West Auckland network close intermittently and require footwear cleaning to protect kauri.
  • Avoid visiting immediately after heavy rain: the Mokoroa Falls track can become very slippery and sections may be impassable or washed out, so aim for a dry spell and start early to let tracks dry out.
  • Use the designated trailhead and carpark shown on council maps rather than guessing roadside access; parking at popular West Auckland trailheads is limited and enforcement is common.

Best Time to Visit Mokoroa Falls #

Visit in winter-spring for the best waterfall flow; summer offers easier hiking but lower water levels.

Winter (peak flow)
Jun-Aug · 10-15°C
Cooler, wetter months give the falls stronger flow and lush surroundings - good for waterfall viewing and photography.
Spring
Sep-Nov · 11-18°C
Mild temperatures and still decent water flow from winter rains; tracks can be muddy but scenic.
Summer
Dec-Feb · 18-26°C
Warmer, drier conditions; trails are easier but the falls may be reduced after dry periods.

Weather & Climate near Mokoroa Falls #

Climate

Mokoroa Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1356 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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