Timing

When the water level is low, a concrete track over the river at the top of the falls is exposed. This enables the loop to be completed. If the concrete is covered by water then the river level is too high and you must return by the same track.

Access

From Whangarei follow Bank Street and Mill Road to Tikipunga and turn right into Kiripaka Road. The falls are signposted 500 metres further on the right.

There are toilets and a picnic area by the carpark.

Track

The metalled track snakes from the viewing platforms at the top of the falls, through native forest to a footbridge over the Hatea River at the base of the falls. A climb to the eastern side of the river leads to another viewing platform.

When the water level is low, a concrete track over the river at the top of the falls is exposed. This enables the loop to be completed. If the concrete is covered by water then the river level is too high and you must return by the same track.

Geology

The Whangarei Falls are 26-metres-high and cascade in a frothing maelstrom over a solidified basalt lava flow, thought to be around 2.5 million years old.

European History

This park is named after A H Reed, a well-known New Zealand author, publisher and long distance walker. The site of his parents homestead is on the opposite side of Clapham Road from the upper car park. A H Reed was a significant player in protecting the falls from quarrying and retaining the kauri trees in the forest.