Image: Jeffrey Cornwell
Kerikeri River.
Kerikeri River Track

Located in Kerikeri area in the Northland region

Follow the bank of the Kerikeri River through regenerating forest and discover the remains of an historic power house, and Wharepuke and Rainbow Falls.

This is part of Te Araora Trail.

The track starts at Kerikeri Basin Reserve.

It passes through stands of young kauri, tōtara and associated native vegetation. As you walk along the track, you will pass the remains of the historic Kerikeri hydro-election station, built as part of the hydro-electric generation scheme that operated between 1930 and 1967. The building’s remains are open to the public.

You can see interesting rock formations close to the Wharepuke Falls.

Ten minutes westward along the river from the Wharepuke Falls, the Kerikeri River Track goes under the Heritage Bypass and takes you to a seating area at the Fairy Pools.

The track ends at Rainbow Falls.

There are some steep drops near the track and the track is narrow in places. Stay on the track and supervise children.

You can also walk the track in the reverse direction.

10,000 Steps Northland: This track equates to about 4,667 steps.

Fishing is allowed in the Kerikeri River. Fishing permits and information are available from Fish & Game New Zealand.

The Kerikeri River Track starts in the Kerikeri Basin Reserve and ends at the Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri.

Access the track from

  • the carpark at the start of Landing Road
  • Rainbow Falls Road
  • Heritage Bypass, north of the bridge
  • Edkins Road, signposted between 33 and 37 Edkins Road
  • Dogs are not permitted on the walking tracks in the Kerikeri Basin due to the risk they pose to kiwi and other wildlife.
  • Parking, picnicking and a BBQ area in the Kerikeri Basin Recreation Reserve at the eastern end of the track. To get there – travel along the Heritage Bypass, turn right into Waipapa Road, then right into Landing Road. The Kerikeri Basin Recreation Reserve is at the far end of Landing Road.
  • Parking, toilets and picnic facilities are also at the western end of the track – access from Rainbow Falls Road.

Safety

  • Carry warm, waterproof clothing, and food and drink, even on short walks. Stout shoes or walking boots are advisable.
  • There are significant risks associated with waterfall swimming and weirs. Learn more about river swimming risks.
  • There are steep drops and sections of narrow track. Stay on the track and supervise children.
  • Before leaving for your walk, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables out of sight.

Related links

The Kerikeri River, at the Wharepuke Falls, and the larger Rainbow Falls, tumbles over basalt lava fields, which flowed into the river valley following volcanic eruptions some 200 million years ago.