We wandered to this waterfall over Easter weekend while we were staying in Te Anga on a friends family farm. (Said farm has its own private waterfall, which I’ve included some snaps of below).
Track Facts
- Easy walk, kid friendly (but there are steps so not stroller friendly)
- Just over 1km return
- 20min walk time
- Located in the Tawarau Forest
There are soo many awesome walks and things to do in this area. (Other waterfalls, limestone caves, natural bridges, black water rafting, glow worms) Being almost 8 months pregnant at the time, we didn’t get to do many walks, and spent the time chilling on the farm and catching up with our friends. A family trip to Waitomo will need to be on the cards at some point in the future.
Marokopa Falls is located in the Waikato, about half an hours drive from Waitomo towards the coast. From Waitomo, travel along Te Anga Road for 30km, and there is a sign posted car park on your left.
The falls are 35m high and are a classic block-shaped waterfall. Block shaped waterfalls tend to be characterised by the river cascading over a vertical rock wall and is what most people consider the “classic” waterfall look. That’s probably why people online describe this waterfall as “one of New Zealand’s most beautiful” waterfalls. I think it probably helps that it’s also very accessible, and not a cliché as it’s not overly popular (to be honest I had never heard of it, we just saw the sign as we drove past! Sometimes that’s the best way to find hidden gems)
The track itself is a pleasant walk through native Tawa and Nikau forest. The hike is relatively easy (probably very easy without a 6 pound baby in your pelvis) and nice and short. It’s all down hill to the waterfall’s viewing platform, and only about 1km return. It took us 20mins of walking time (and that was taking the 200m elevation back uphill pretty slow).
Looking at the map there is a second track that takes you to the base of the falls. However, I am aware there had been recent significant flooding in the area and there was damage to the platform, and the entrance to the second track was blocked off.
Let me know if you wander to this waterfall, or if you’ve been there before!
Oh, and here are some snaps from our friends farm and “Gilbert Falls”
Happy waterfall chasing
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Moochelle