Haruru Falls Tours and Activities

Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls featuring kayaking or canoeing, a waterfall and a river or creek
Haruru Falls
Haruru Falls which includes a waterfall, a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
Haruru Falls showing a cascade, a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing


Walk along the banks of the scenic Waitangi River and admire this beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall. Continue on the trail to the famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Haruru Falls is steeped in Māori history and famous for its striking waterfall. Find great views of the falls and embark on a nature walk that leads through the nearby mangrove forest. Alternatively, approach the falls by kayak.

Learn about the rich Māori history of Waitangi River and Haruru Falls before visiting. The beautiful area was known as an “aramoana” (pathway of the sea) by inland Māori tribes. It functioned as one of New Zealand’s first river ports and was the location of an early Māori trading settlement.

The settlement is near many other attractions, including the popular tourist town of Paihia and Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the latter of which is about 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Haruru Falls. After taking photographs of the picturesque cascades, follow the scenic trail that leads from here to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The Waitangi to Haruru Falls track runs along the bushy banks of the Waitangi River. The 6-kilometre (4-mile) walking track includes a boardwalk section that passes through the interior of a mature mangrove forest. Look for water birds, such as herons, hunting for small crabs in the mudflats. The trail takes about 2.5 hours each way and is suitable for families.

Stroll along the trail all the way to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. These grounds are famous for being the site where the Treaty of Waitangi, an important document signifying an agreement between Māori “rangatira” (chiefs) and the British, was signed in the mid-19th century.

Drive from Haruru Falls to Paihia in less than 10 minutes. The attractive tourist town features golden beaches, excellent restaurants and gift shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Big game fishing and dolphin-watching charter companies can also be found here. Restaurants with oceanfront views and exceptional local cuisine are scattered around the wharf and waterfront area.

Find Haruru Falls in the Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island. Stay in small self-catered cabins, luxurious oceanfront hotels, cottages and less-expensive apartments in Paihia. Haruru Falls is a great place to stop and picnic in between visiting other Bay of Islands attractions.

Plan a trip to see Haruru Falls

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QT Auckland
Luminous on Anzac
Delamore Lodge

Tours & day trips

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Reviews of Haruru Falls

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
72
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
79
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
28
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We did the Waka trip - paddled up to the falls from Waitangi with 2 excellent tangata whenua guides.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Be aware. While we were there another visiting couple had the window of their car in the car park smashed and a wallet and phone stolen. This occurred in a 5 minute period they were at the falls. A useful reminder not to leave valuable items in your car.

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Top Haruru Falls Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
4 out of 5
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Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
3.5 out of 5
104 Marsden Road, Paihia
Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia
Riverside Lodge Paihia
Riverside Lodge Paihia
3 out of 5
66 Haruru Falls Rd, Haruru, Northland
Riverside Lodge Paihia
River Palms Retreat - Paihia Holiday Home
River Palms Retreat - Paihia Holiday Home
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River Palms Retreat - Paihia Holiday Home
Sea Spray Suites
Sea Spray Suites
4 out of 5
138 Marsden Road, Bay of Islands, Paihia
Sea Spray Suites
Waterfalls Estate - Motel & Campground
Waterfalls Estate - Motel & Campground
3.5 out of 5
336 Puketona Road, corner of Puketona & Old Wharf Road, Haruru
Waterfalls Estate - Motel & Campground
Cook's Lookout Motel
Cook's Lookout Motel
3.5 out of 5
9 Causeway Road, Haruru
Cook's Lookout Motel
Ash Grove Boutique Motel
Ash Grove Boutique Motel
4.5 out of 5
2 Ash Grove Circle, Puketona Road, Haruru Falls, Northland, Haruru
Ash Grove Boutique Motel
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
4 out of 5
58 Seaview Road, Paihia
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.