Rere Falls Waterfall

New Zealand waterfall with easy-access scenic plunge

A short drive from Gisborne, Rere Falls offers a broad, horseshoe waterfall, a popular natural water slide and picnic spots-appealing for swimming, short walks and family outings.

Main image

Rere Falls at a Glance#

Address: Rere Falls, Rere Road, Gisborne District, New Zealand

Website: https://www.gdc.govt.nz/

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public access)

How to Get to Rere Falls#

From Gisborne, drive northwest on State Highway 2 and follow signs for Rere and Matawai; the falls are clearly signed off Rere Road with a small car park. The site is best reached by car; there is limited public transport to nearby towns and then a local taxi is required.

Facilities are basic: a parking area, short walking path and informal picnic spots. Check local council pages for any temporary closures or safety advisories.

Tips for Visiting Rere Falls#

  • Combine a visit to Rere Falls with the short walk to the Rere Rock Slide - the slide is better for sliding when water flow is moderate, not after heavy rain.
  • Use the signed car park off Rere Road; parking is limited on busy summer weekends.
  • The water can be cold even on hot days; supervise children near the falls and avoid the top edges.

Best Time to Visit Rere Falls#

Summer is busiest for splash‑and‑slide activity; spring and autumn are best for quieter visits and photography.

Summer (Dec-Feb)
December-February · 60-80°F (16-27°C)
Warm weather and the most popular time for families to visit the rock slide and swim - expect crowds on weekends.
Spring (Sep-Nov)
September-November · 45-70°F (7-21°C)
Water levels are good after spring rains and wildflowers lift the surrounding farm country.
Autumn (Mar-May)
March-May · 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Quieter than summer; pleasant walking weather though the water cools quickly.

Weather & Climate near Rere Falls#

Climate

Rere Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1324 mm/year), wettest in August.

Air Quality: AQI 27 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 13° - 24° 18° 85 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
February - 13° - 24° 18° 89 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
March - 12° - 22° 17° 116 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
April - 9° - 19° 14° 112 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
May - 6° - 16° 11° 105 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
June - 4° - 13° 7° 144 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
July - 4° - 13° 6° 129 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
August - 4° - 14° 7° 171 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
September - 6° - 16° 11° 110 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
October - 8° - 18° 13° 79 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
November - 10° - 20° 15° 75 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
December - 12° - 22° 17° 109 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -