Last updated October 2026
The Owharoa Falls Track is a 5-minute walk from Waitawheta Road to the spectacular Owharoa Falls in the Karangahake Gorge. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and describes the falls as a lovely picnic spot.
The track starts from a small parking area beside Waitawheta Road, just 170 m off State Highway 2, marked by a DOC sign. It sits within the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park area, about 46 km from Tauranga, so it pairs well with a day trip to the gorge. Keep to the track, as DOC warns the rocks are slippery.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Owharoa Falls Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Small parking area beside Waitawheta Road (DOC sign), 170 m from SH2
- Distance from the city
- About 46 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 5 min one way
- Track length
- 0.2 km
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Karangahake Gorge closures for State Highway 2 rock scaling; DOC listed Owharoa Falls Track as open). Check DOC before you go.
About Owharoa Falls Track
This is a very short walk. From the roadside parking area, a short track leads from the road to the spectacular Owharoa Falls.
DOC describes the falls as a picturesque waterfall and a lovely picnic spot.
Because the walk is so short, it works well combined with other gorge walks on the same day.
Day Trip from Tauranga
Turn off State Highway 2 onto Waitawheta Road and follow it for 170 m. Park in the small area beside the road, where a DOC sign marks the start of the track. DOC warns that “The road around Owharoa Falls is often very busy with cars, bikes and walkers”, so travel slowly and watch for other road users.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, a DOC alert about Karangahake Gorge closures for rock scaling on State Highway 2 listed Owharoa Falls Track as open, and advised checking NZTA highway conditions for road closures that may affect access.
Swimming and Water Safety
DOC says: “Take care if you decide to swim at the waterfall.” The pool can have deep holes, slippery rocks, unseen obstacles and strong currents and undertows.
The river rises substantially after heavy rain and storms, and DOC strongly recommends staying out of the water at those times, so check the weather before you visit. DOC also warns: “Keep to the track as the rocks are slippery.” No fires are allowed. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Owharoa Falls Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Karangahake Gorge: other DOC walks and historic sites in the gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Owharoa Falls?
DOC gives 5 minutes one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate. Keep to the track, as the rocks are slippery.
Where do I park?
In the small area beside Waitawheta Road, 170 m from State Highway 2, by the DOC sign.
Can I swim at the falls?
DOC warns of deep holes, slippery rocks, unseen obstacles and strong currents, and recommends staying out of the water when the river is up after heavy rain.
Is it a good picnic spot?
DOC describes the falls as a lovely picnic spot.
How far is it from Tauranga?
About 46 km in a straight line, in the Karangahake Gorge off State Highway 2.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.