RAINBOW FALLS WALK & KERIKERI RIVER TRACK
BAY OF ISLANDS COASTAL WALKWAY
Walkers can stroll for mere minutes to admire the thundering falls, or venture further downriver for 3.5km to see the town basin.
A full-day walking circuit, including ferry links, that goes from Paihia to Ōpua then Ōkiato to Russell, and includes beaches, boardwalks and birdlife.
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TRACK OVERVIEW The Kerikeri River is a cool spot for walking and swimming. The very short walk to the falls with its three lookouts is the perfect spot to take a break and stretch your legs when driving long distances. But if time is on your side, opt for the longer river walk (7km return) which takes you from Rainbow Falls to the town basin. The bush is alive with birdsong, including tui and pīwakawaka (fantails), as they flit among the kauri and tōtara trees. Interpretation panels at the falls provide interesting information about the advent of hydroelectricity, an innovation that transformed the region from 1930. Historical remnants of the first station can still be seen today. Be sure to have your swimsuit handy if the weather is warm, as there are many pools for taking a dip; always exercise caution when swimming near waterfalls and be aware of the falls’ power, especially after rain.
Where is it? Start at Rainbow Falls Rd for the falls, or start at Kerikeri Basin Reserve if doing the full river track.
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Where is it?
Easy walking along well-formed paths, much of it is stroller-friendly.
Start in Paihia in the Bay of Islands, Northland. This trail is wellsignposted with maps available from the information centres.
Good to know
Terrain
Terrain
This trail is part of Te Araroa, the walking path that goes from Cape Rēinga in the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island.
No dogs, this is a kiwi area 5-10min to Rainbow Falls from car park. 3hr; 7km return for full walk Basic fitness, suitable for all ages Easy walking
Coastal paths, paved sections, boardwalks and a few steps.
No dogs Approximately 6hr; 16km Reasonable fitness required Undulating with a fair few steps
Kingfisher/kōtare © Getty Images
Catch a 40-minute ferry from Paihia or Russell to Urupukapuka Island. There are various walks to undertake, or you can grab your snorkel and go for a swim. At Otehei Bay the beach café has beanbags and rentable kayaks.
THE KAURI WORKSHOP
TRACK OVERVIEW Set off from Paihia and head towards Ōpua. This leg of the journey takes you along the beach along a well-formed coastal path with views across to Russell. Pass several beaches including Sullivans and Te Haumi. From Te Haumi it’s largely paths through bush, as well as along an elegant boardwalk through mangroves. It takes about 2.5hr and includes some decent climbs so pack plenty of water. At Ōpua you’ll find shops and bathrooms. Then board the ferry to Ōkiato; they run every 10min. Enjoy the brief break before starting the second leg to Russell. From the ferry, walk uphill for about 10min before turning left onto Pipiroa Rd to walk down to the beach. This segment takes about 3.5hr with a mix of flat and steep segments, notably the steps up through native bush. High above Ōrongo Bay look out for the historic manganese mine site and make sure you have your wallet if you care to stop at the oyster farm. As you walk down to Russell, you may feel like an explorer who has chanced across the most charming historic village where numerous opportunities for refreshing yourself can be found. Stay a night in Russell or take the ferry back to Paihia, where your journey began.
Poor Knights Islands © Getty Images
• Plenty of gift ideas for all budgets. • Wide range of handcrafted wood made from New Zealand native timbers including kauri, rimu, totara and pohutukawa. • Overseas shipping available. • Come on in and see our woodturner at work.
www.kerikeri.co/kauri-workshop 500 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri • P: 09 407 9196 • E: kauriw@xtra.co.nz WALKING MUST-DO'S 13
