Waterfall Walk, Mokau Falls, Lake Waikaremoana

• Mokau Falls is a roadside waterfall on the Lake Waikaremoana to Murupara road, about 77km and a 2 hour drive from Wairoa.
• You can see the falls from the road, but the best view is from the far side of the gully, not the bridge.
• The drive takes you through native bush, over trout streams and along the edge of Lake Waikaremoana.
• No dogs allowed anywhere in Te Urewera, and most of the road is unsealed gravel.

Quick facts

Getting there

Mokau Falls sits on the road between Lake Waikaremoana and Murupara, the back route that cuts across from the East Coast to the Bay of Plenty. From Wairoa, head west through Tuai village and along the edge of Lake Waikaremoana. The falls are about 77km in, roughly a 2 hour drive.

The road is narrow and mostly unsealed gravel once you’re past Tuai, with winding sections right along the lake shore. A 4WD is recommended, especially if it’s been raining. Take it slow, there’s no mobile coverage along most of this road so you’re on your own if something goes wrong.

If you want to make a full day of the drive, the same road also passes Papakorito Falls and Aniwaniwa Falls, two other roadside waterfalls worth a quick stop on your way to or from Mokau Falls.

The walk

This isn’t really a walk so much as a drive with a worthwhile stop. You’ll see Mokau Falls from the road itself, so you don’t have to get out of the car if you’re pressed for time. The view from the bridge is nothing special though, drive around to the far side of the gully instead and you’ll get a much better look at the falls dropping into the bush below.

What you’ll see

The drive in is half the attraction. You pass through kilometres of native bush, cross mountain streams that hold rainbow trout, and skirt the edge of Lake Waikaremoana itself. Keep an eye out for tui, bellbird, fantail, tomtit, kaka, kakariki, robin, falcon and rifleman. If you’re quiet and lucky you might hear a morepork, and this is genuine kiwi country too, though they’re rarely seen.

At the falls, the water drops through a bush filled gully. The inlet below Mokau Falls is a popular spot for trout fishing and a quiet overnight camp if you’re set up for it.

Who it’s for

This suits anyone already driving the Waikaremoana to Murupara road, families on a road trip, trout fishers, or hunters heading into Te Urewera after deer and pigs. It’s not a destination walk on its own, it’s a good excuse to stop and stretch your legs on a long drive.

When to go

Any time of year works, though the gravel road is easier going in dry weather. Summer gives you the best chance of a swim or a paddle on Lake Waikaremoana afterwards. Check the current park rules before you go if you’re planning to camp or fish, conditions on this road can change after heavy rain.

Important stuff

• Dogs are not permitted on walking tracks in Te Urewera, this protects ground dwelling native birds.
• The road is largely unsealed gravel with narrow, winding sections along the lake shore. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.
• There’s no mobile coverage along this road, let someone know your plans.
• Toilets are available near the falls, but there’s no shop or fuel until Wairoa or Murupara.

Common questions

How do you get to Mokau Falls?
Drive the Lake Waikaremoana to Murupara road from Wairoa, through Tuai village. It’s about 77km and takes around 2 hours, with the falls visible from the road.

Can you take dogs to Mokau Falls?
No. Dogs and other domestic animals are not permitted on walking tracks in Te Urewera, to protect ground dwelling native birds.

Is the road sealed all the way to Mokau Falls?
No. The road around Lake Waikaremoana is largely unsealed gravel with narrow, winding sections along the lake shore, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

What is Mokau Landing campsite?
Mokau Landing is a conservation campsite near Mokau Falls, used by people fishing or camping overnight rather than those just stopping at the falls for the day. It costs $8 per night for adults, payable at the Te Urewera Visitor Centre at Te Kura Whare, next to Waikaremoana Holiday Park.

My honest take

I drove this road on my way from Wairoa through to Murupara and Rotorua, and Mokau Falls was a welcome break halfway along. You genuinely can see the falls from the road, so don’t feel like you have to stop, but it’s worth the few minutes it takes. Just don’t bother getting out at the bridge, the view is ordinary from there. Drive around to the other side of the gully and you’ll get a proper look.

If you’ve got a mountain bike on board, the stretch from Taupeupe Saddle down toward Ruatahuna is a fun downhill run. I didn’t time it, but it was exciting enough that I’d put new brake pads on before you try it.

The inlet below the falls looked like a good quiet spot to pitch a tent for the night if you’re after trout. I’d happily stop here again on the next trip through.

Other walks nearby

• Lake Waikaremoana Drive, the full scenic road this waterfall sits on.
• White Pine Bush Reserve Walkway, another easy native bush stop in the area.

Back to Te Urewera walks.