Owharoa Falls

Waterfall Scenic waterfall in Karangahake Gorge

Small waterfall in the Karangahake Gorge area, reached by short walking tracks and mining-era tunnels. Hikers and swimmers visit for river pools, photogenic cascades and the region’s industrial heritage trails.

Main image
Owharoa Falls
Owharoa Falls, near Karangahake Gorge / Coromandel Peninsula area, Auckland Region, New Zealand
-37.4182, 175.7502
Daylight hours (dawn-dusk)
Free (public access to waterfall and reserve areas)

How to Get to Owharoa Falls #

Owharoa Falls is reached via local rural roads from either the Karangahake Gorge or Coromandel directions depending on exact access point. Parking is at small public lots and a short walk along marked footpaths leads to the falls-check local signage for the current recommended access route.

Tips for Visiting Owharoa Falls #

  • Arrive after morning mist burns off for clearer photos of the falls cascading over tufa and native bush.
  • The footpath can be muddy after rain-trail shoes with grip make the short walk far less tricky.
  • Combine the visit with neighboring Karangahake Gorge walks if planning a half-day of waterfalls and goldfields history.

Best Time to Visit Owharoa Falls #

Spring through autumn is most pleasant for the short walk to the falls; check conditions after heavy rain.

Spring
September-November · 10-18°C
Native forest in fresh growth; water levels are moderate and scenery is green.
Summer
December-February · 18-25°C
Warmer weather makes the short walk easier and the pools more inviting.
Autumn
March-May · 12-20°C
Leaf colour and softer light for photographs; fewer weekend visitors.

Weather & Climate near Owharoa Falls #

Climate

Owharoa Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1576 mm/year), wettest in March.

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

January

January is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

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

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (179 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August 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
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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