Haruru Falls Walk, Northland, New Zealand

“Water is the most perfect traveler because when it travels it becomes the path itself!”  ― Mehmet Murat Ildan, 

Step by step I am very slowly walking my way through a list of the highlighted trails of Northland, New Zealand, trails that are within an hour or so away from our home in Totara North.   

I love a walk that incorporates waterfalls;  the spectacle and sound of cascading water is both exhilarating and beautiful; the symphony of nature. 

Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls, which is located near the Bay of Islands town of Paihia, is a small but stunning waterfall that pours in a wide horseshoe shape. The name “Haruru” means “big noise” in Māori, which perfectly describes the constant, soothing roar of the falls as they cascade into the Waitangi River. It’s not Niagara-sized, but it’s wide and picturesque and a beautiful start or end to the lovely walking trail.   

You can drive and park at the falls and it takes just a minute to walk from the car park to view the waterfall or take the lovely trail like I did. 

This beautiful trail, stretching for around 6 kilometres, connects the Haruru Falls to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It’s mostly flat and well-maintained, making it perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone wants a relaxing scenic walk. 

Entering the beautiful trail

Some useful information........ 

Distance:  6km one way 

Difficulty:  An easy walk for all abilities, the terrain is flat with just some slight undulations. 

Type of trail:  An out and back trail through shady forest and along a boardwalk  

My walk..... 

I started at the Haruru end of the trail so I could take in the view of the falls before commencing the walk, which is well signposted from the car park. 

As you step onto the path you enter another world of lush, dense, subtropical bush.  The forest path is alive with vibrant shades of green, from towering native trees to delicate Nikau palms that sway gently in the breeze.  Ancient trees line parts of the track, their gnarly trunks, textured bark and tangled toots hint at centuries of growth and look almost other worldly.  

As you move deeper along the path, the canopy of leaves above creates a natural tunnel of dappled sunlight and looking up blue sky peeks through the denseness.  

It is the kind of place where you can’t help but slow down and listen to nature’s orchestra; the leaves rustling in the breeze, the swelling chorus of the cicadas and the beautiful unique calls of native birds.  We were amazed to hear the unmistakable call of a Kiwi which is unusual in the daytime.  We stood and waited, hoping to spot it but it kept well out of our sight.   

Another bird observation; the walk was filled with bird song from the New Zealand native Tui and in this area the call is distinctively different to other parts of the region.  Tui’s are known to have different dialects depending on the region and habitat and here it sounds like a car alarm. 

As the trail continued, we got views of the lovely Waitangi River before moving onto a long stretch of mangroves.  

The track then opens out and changes to a lovely wooden boardwalk as it winds through the mangrove forest.  Walking above the tangled mangrove roots with the mangroves lining each side of the boardwalk is a fabulous experience and beautiful on this sunny summer day. 

The boardwalk crosses the Waitangi River, a perfect place to pause and take in the river view before continuing back onto the forest trail and skirting the edge of the Waitangi Golf Club as it reaches the end of the trail.   

We were more than happy to retrace our steps back to the Haruru Falls.  It is a lovely scenic walk, alive with birdsong and surrounded by the beautifully abundant and wild nature of New Zealand. 

The Haruru Falls Walk is one of those experiences that feels quintessentially New Zealand.  It isn’t a challenging walk and there are no summits to conquer but it is a walk that is about connecting with nature, soaking up the beauty, finding some tranquillity and experiencing the wonderful waterfall which we got to see both at the start and end of our walk. 

A few thoughts.... 

As always, when I walk, further options unfold...

This walk could be combined with a round of golf at the beautiful Waitangi Golf Club a course that has stunning views and excellent golf. 

From Waitangi a trip into Paihia is a must for its history, a chance to mooch around this quirky town full of character and also the option to catch a ferry into beautiful Russell.   

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, at one end of the track, are rich in history and significance. Take time to visit, explore and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, which is foundational to New Zealand’s story. 

Walked 9th January 2025 🥾