Maraetotara Falls
A picturesque Hawke's Bay waterfall with clear pools, offering a refreshing swim and a serene escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for cooling off
Maraetotara Falls
Best Time
Perfect for cooling off
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Hawke's Bay waterfall with clear pools, offering a refreshing swim and a serene escape into nature.
"Maraetotara Falls is an absolute gem – stunning scenery, crystal-clear water, and such a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature. "
🎯 Find the best path
Head to the third clearing on Maraetotara Road for the easiest access to the falls and swimming areas. :walking:
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track can be slippery, especially when wet. Good footwear is essential for a safe visit. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Waterfall
Base of the falls
A picturesque cascade into crystal-clear pools, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Swimming Holes
Pools below the falls
Inviting, clear water offers a natural swimming experience. Be cautious of currents.
Jumping Spots
Designated areas
For the adventurous, there are spots to jump into the water. Exercise caution and assess risks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Best Access
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the best path
Head to the third clearing on Maraetotara Road for the easiest access to the falls and swimming areas. :walking:
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track can be slippery, especially when wet. Good footwear is essential for a safe visit. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Pack bug spray
Mosquitoes can be present, especially in warmer months. Be prepared to protect yourself.
♻️ Leave no trace
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the best path
Head to the third clearing on Maraetotara Road for the easiest access to the falls and swimming areas. :walking:
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track can be slippery, especially when wet. Good footwear is essential for a safe visit. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Pack bug spray
Mosquitoes can be present, especially in warmer months. Be prepared to protect yourself.
♻️ Leave no trace
Help keep this beautiful spot pristine by taking all your rubbish with you. :recycle:
⚠️ Swim with caution
While refreshing, the water can have strong currents. Be aware of risks, especially with children or pets. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maraetotara Falls is widely praised as a stunning natural gem with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and enjoying nature. Visitors appreciate its beauty and peaceful atmosphere, though some note it's not always well-signposted and can get busy in summer. A few negative reviews exist, with one mentioning it being 'not worth the time' and having an unpleasant smell, which contrasts sharply with the majority of positive feedback.
"Maraetotara Falls is an absolute gem – stunning scenery, crystal-clear water, and such a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature. It’s not super well signposted, so take your time – the best access point is the third clearing, where a short track leads you straight to the falls. Definitely worth the extra few minutes to find it!
The water is beautiful and refreshing – perfect for a swim. There are a couple of great jumping spots if you’re up for it, though it’s definitely at your own risk, so take extra care if you’ve got young kids with you. The track down is short and manageable but can get slippery when wet, so good footwear is a must.
Sadly, I did notice some rubbish left behind – I picked up what I could and binned it properly. Places like this deserve to be cherished and respected. I imagine in summer it turns into a hot hive of activity – but even in the off-season, it’s well worth the visit. A real Hawke’s Bay treasure."
Nicholas Mark
"Looks like it will be a great spot in the summer... Not much to do when it's raining!"
Fraser
"Absolutely not worth spending the time to visit it. I could not recommend going somewhere less and I've been to Birmingham. Also, much like Birmingham, it's pretty stinky."
Justin Collins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maraetotara Falls is located on Maraetotara Road, about a 10-minute drive from Havelock North in Hawke's Bay.
Yes, there is parking available along Maraetotara Road. Some reviews suggest parking near the toilets for convenient access to the falls.
While it's a popular summer swimming spot, Maraetotara Falls can still be visited in winter. Some local groups even organize unique winter sauna sessions here!
The walk from the road to the falls is generally short, around 5 minutes. However, the track can be slippery, especially when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Many visitors recommend looking for the third clearing on Maraetotara Road as the most straightforward access point to the falls and swimming areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Maraetotara Falls is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's a free public access area.
As a natural outdoor location, Maraetotara Falls is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to visit Maraetotara Falls. It's a natural gem that can be enjoyed by everyone.
No booking is required for general visits to Maraetotara Falls. It's a natural spot that you can visit spontaneously.
While there are no official restrictions, visitors are encouraged to be mindful of the natural environment, practice 'leave no trace' principles, and be aware of safety when swimming or jumping.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the stunning scenery, swim in the crystal-clear pools, and for the adventurous, there are spots for jumping into the water. It's a great place for nature photography and relaxation.
Yes, the clear, refreshing water makes it a popular spot for swimming, especially in the summer. However, be aware of potential currents and swim at your own risk.
Absolutely! The waterfall, lush greenery, and clear pools offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
While beautiful, caution is advised with young children due to slippery tracks and potential water currents. Always supervise children closely.
Bring swimwear, a towel, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, and a bag for any rubbish. A camera is also a must for capturing the beauty!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Maraetotara Falls. It's a natural attraction, so it's best to pack your own snacks or plan to eat in nearby Havelock North.
Yes, you can bring your own food for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean.
The closest town with dining options is Havelock North, which offers a variety of cafes and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, ideal for capturing the waterfall's beauty. However, the lush greenery makes it photogenic throughout the day.
You can capture wide shots of the waterfall and surrounding landscape, close-ups of the water's flow, and details of the lush vegetation.
The main viewing area at the base of the falls provides excellent perspectives. Exploring slightly different angles along the track can also yield unique shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire scene, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the falls. A tripod can help with long exposures to smooth the water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and aviation authority rules before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
The lush greenery and the dynamic flow of the waterfall provide endless opportunities for stunning photography. Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur, and consider a tripod for silky smooth water effects. Don't forget your bug spray, as the natural setting can attract insects. 🚗 Day-Trippers from Nearby Towns
It's a perfect spot for a quick stop to stretch your legs, enjoy a refreshing dip, or capture some beautiful nature shots. +1 Plan your visit to align with the best access points and be prepared for the short, potentially slippery walk down. Combine it with a visit to local wineries or other attractions in the region for a full day of exploration.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Maraetotara Falls Experience
The journey to the falls is part of the adventure, with a short, albeit potentially slippery, track leading from the roadside parking. Beyond the visual appeal, the falls offer opportunities for reconnecting with nature. Some brave souls enjoy the thrill of jumping into the refreshing pools, though this comes with inherent risks.
It's a place where you can truly 'just go with the flow.' While the falls are a natural wonder, visitors are urged to be responsible stewards of the environment. Reports of litter have surfaced, highlighting the importance of the 'leave no trace' principle.
Navigating to and Around the Falls
The most commonly recommended access point is via Maraetotara Road, with travelers suggesting the third clearing as the best place to park and find the short track leading down to the falls. Once at the falls, the main attraction is the cascade into a series of clear pools. These pools are ideal for a refreshing swim, though visitors should be mindful of the water's strength and potential currents.
It's worth noting that the falls can be a hot hive of activity in summer, so visiting during weekdays or the off-season might offer a more peaceful experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit