Kaiate Falls, Bay of Plenty

What: 45 min loop walk via the bottom of the Kaiate Falls

Where: 7km down Waitao Rd, off Welcome Bay Rd


When: Any time of year

How: The entrance to this track is well sign posted from the car park. In the first few minutes you will be led to where the Kaiate stream drops over a small bluff and begins its cascade into 9 magnificent waterfalls. From here the track continues down to the base of the falls via a series of steep steps. Along the way there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views of these falls. Be sure not to miss the zigzagging trio of falls mid way down. As you near the bottom you will be able to hear the power of the bottom waterfall as it hits the waterhole below. This is a great swimming hole to cool off in on a hot summers day.


From here, a bridge crosses the stream and you can either continue on the loop back up to the top or head down stream for another 50m or so to a variety of small swimming holes. If your fitness isn't what it should be as you climb up the stairs, there are plenty of places to rest and enjoy the beautiful views. Make sure you take time to admire the lovely big puriri and kohekohe trees.

Above the car park is a picnic area where you can enjoy the views of the Port of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

William Wright Falls, Waihi

What: 2-2.5 hours return walk to the bottom of William Wright Falls

Where: Track starts from northern end of Waihi Beach, off Waihi Beach Rd

When: Any time of year (summer for swimming)

How: This popular walking track boasts spectacular panoramic coastal views, mature native bush, great rock fishing and plenty of picnic spots along the way.


This track is well marked from the Northern end of Waihi Beach. Access to the start of the track may occasionally be delayed due to high tides and a strong swell. The gently rising track winds around the headland to a lookout point where there are breathtaking views of Mt Maunganui and Mayor Island. A steep descent will lead you to a beautiful, pohutakawa lined, white sandy beach - Orokawa Bay. Although this beach is not considered safe for swimming due to the steep grade of the sea floor, is it a picturesque spot for a picnic.


At the northern end of this beach,above the Orokawa Stream there is an area where the track to the William Wright Falls begins. The easiest way to cross the stream without getting your feet wet is to walk downstream a bit further to find the narrowest part and practice your long jump!





This slightly undulating track is surrounded in luscious native bush; featuring many nikau palms and an abundance of bird life as you wind your way up the river towards the falls. There are 12 river crossings to complete and if you chose to do this walk after a big rain fall, you will most likely be wading in the water!


At the end of the track you will reach the stunning 30m high, William Wright Falls. During those warmer days these falls would be an ideal place to cool off. There are also several small swimming holes along the way.

Return to Waihi Beach via same route!