The Wairere Falls Walk

If you've only got Hobbiton on your Matamata list, do yourself a favour and add the Wairere Falls walk. At around 153 metres it's the highest waterfall in the North Island, and the track is one of the best short hikes in the Waikato. Here's what to know before you go.

Where it is

The Wairere Falls car park is a short drive from Matamata, out toward the Kaimai Range. It's an easy detour if you're already in town for Hobbiton — many visitors do the falls in the morning and the movie set in the afternoon, or the other way round.

How hard is it?

There are really two walks in one:

• To the lower lookout: roughly 1–1.5 hours return. A steady climb through native bush alongside the stream, with a great view of the falls. Achievable for most reasonably fit walkers.
• To the top of the falls: a steeper, longer haul — allow around 3 hours return — but the view out over the Waikato plains from the top is the payoff.

The track is well formed but it climbs, with steps and some rocky sections. Decent footwear makes a big difference.

What to bring

• Sturdy shoes or boots — it can be slippery after rain.
• Water and a snack, especially if you're going to the top.
• A layer; the bush is cool and the top can be breezy.
• Sun protection for the open sections.

Best time to go

Mornings are cooler and quieter. After heavy rain the falls are at their thundering best, but the track is muddier — trade-offs either way. Give yourself enough daylight, particularly if you're tackling the full climb.

Refuel afterwards

You'll have earned a feed. We're a short drive back in the centre of Matamata, and our kitchen does exactly the kind of generous meal that goes down well after a climb — see the menu or our guide to where to eat in Matamata.

Make a weekend of it

The falls pair perfectly with a Hobbiton tour and a wander around town. If you'd rather not rush it all into one day, stay the night with us — budget rooms, central location, and an easy start to both the falls and the Shire. For more ideas, see things to do in Matamata.

Questions about staying over? Call 07 888 9972 or check our rates.