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 at a Glance#

Address: Owharoa Falls, near Karangahake Gorge / Coromandel Peninsula area, Auckland Region, New Zealand

Hours: Daylight hours (dawn-dusk)

Admission: Free (public access to waterfall and reserve areas)

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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.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 13° - 23° 18° 116 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
February - 14° - 23° 18° 100 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
March - 12° - 22° 17° 179 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
April - 10° - 19° 14° 120 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
May - 7° - 16° 12° 129 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
June - 5° - 14° 7° 119 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
July - 4° - 13° 6° 158 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
August - 5° - 14° 7° 147 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
September - 7° - 16° 11° 165 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
October - 9° - 17° 13° 112 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
November - 10° - 19° 15° 118 mm - - 5.3 m/s - -
December - 12° - 21° 17° 113 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -