2024 update 👉  Now, the track to Omanawa Falls is officially closed. There are signs warning people to not attempt the trek. The hike down, and Omanawa Falls itself are very unsafe (I came out of it with a ton of bruises and scratches). A few people have had accidents around Omanawa Falls and some fatal, so please attempt this at your own risk. Please check TripAdvisor for real time updates from the Tauranga council on whether the new Omanawa Falls track has been completed. 

When travelling New Zealand, you can literally take your pick of beautiful, insta-worthy places to see. Whichever way you’re travelling, there’s always the standard stops: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Milford Sound etc. One thing I’ve noticed since living here is that there are so many hidden gems that get little to no attention from tourists/locals alike. Hidden gems which are often much better than the tourist trail. Omanawa Falls is one of them. 

How To Get To Omanawa Falls

Tucked away in the kiwi-bush about 30 minutes outside of Tauranga, Omanawa Falls dazzles as a hidden oasis. The moment it catches your eye, an unimaginable urge to jump down and bathe in its crystal-clear waters overwhelms you. But how do you get to Omanawa Falls? 

To reach Omanawa Falls, head inland from Tauranga towards the middle of North Island. Turn off Highway 29 onto Omanawa Road, and find a parking spot on the side of the road. You might think Omanawa Falls doesn’t exist as Google Maps insists “you have arrived” even if it seems you haven’t. Yet, the local residents have placed lovely signs outside their houses to ensure you’re heading in the right direction, suggesting there have been quite a few instances of people asking for directions.

Why Was Omanawa Falls Closed? 

Now, the track to the falls is officially closed. There are signs warning people to not attempt the trek. The hike down, and the falls itself are very unsafe (I came out of it with a ton of bruises and scratches). But why was Omanawa falls closed in the first place? Well, a few people have had accidents around Omanawa Falls and some fatal, so please attempt this at your own risk. 

At your own risk, once you bypass the warning signs, a short walk will take you to a viewing platform. Even from up there, the view is breathtaking. Omanawa Falls definitely takes the cake for the prettiest waterfall in NZ!

An incredible feat considering how many waterfalls there actually are in New Zealand.

Now, Phil and I are not rock climbers. Or expert hikers, at that. We were so hilariously unprepared for the walk that it was debatable whether we would make it down or not. We would never have made it down to the falls safely if we hadn’t met two locals at the viewing platform, who were happy to help us.

Having a local guide really helped us amateurs, so I would recommend having someone who knows what they’re doing along for the ride (or at least someone to give you a leg up some rocks).

How Long Is The Omanawa Falls Walk? 

When wonder how long is the Omanawa Falls Walk, it depends what you want to do. These days there are a few official tracks to viewing platforms which are safe and easy to get to. But these don’t take you down to the water or the base of the falls. The hike all the way down to Omanawa Falls is only about 30 minutes, but it’s a gruelling one. Before you even start you will need to literally scale a rock-face. During the hike, I was clinging onto rocks, branches, and trees to steady myself. All while sweating absolute buckets.

Each hike at Omanawa Falls offers a unique perspective and level of difficulty, meaning you choose their adventure based on your preferences and physical capability.

Short and Easy 10-Minute Walk to the First Viewing Platform:

This route is ideal for those looking for a quick and easy way to catch a glimpse of the falls from above. It’s suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, providing a straightforward path to a viewing area that offers panoramic views of Omanawa Falls in its entirety​​.

Longer Trail to a Second Viewing Platform (Approximately 40 Minutes Return):

For those seeking a bit more adventure without committing to a strenuous hike, this intermediate trail leads to a second viewing platform. The path is longer and might require a moderate level of fitness but rewards hikers with a more dramatic perspective of the falls, showcasing the waterfall’s power and beauty from a unique vantage point​​.

Challenging Track to the Base of the Falls (About 30 Minutes):

Now this walk is aimed at those with a good level of physical fitness (and definite disdain for authority), this challenging hike takes you all the way down to the base of Omanawa Falls. The track is steep and can be demanding, involving a descent that takes roughly 30 minutes. It’s a rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty of the falls, though it’s important to note that this particular track is currently closed due to safety concerns. This is the hike that we did, but you must always check current conditions and advisories before embarking on this hike​​. 

On the way down, it was so steep the best I could do was just shimmy down on my bum. After our trek through the bush, we then had to climb down two rusty ladders, which then led us to the base of the falls (if you’re jittery I recommend you don’t look down). 

Can You Swim At Omanawa Falls? 

Swimming at Omanawa Falls is not permitted for several reasons.

Safety Concerns: The surrounding area of Omanawa Falls poses significant dangers to swimmers. Slippery rocks around the falls present a high risk of slipping accidents. Additionally, the water at the falls’ base can feature strong currents, making the area particularly hazardous. Previous accidents and fatalities at the site have led to the implementation of these safety precautions. Warning signs around the falls caution visitors against swimming for their own safety.

Cultural Significance: The local Maori tribe, Ngāti Hangarau, considers Omanawa Falls a sacred site. Swimming in the falls disrespects the cultural beliefs and traditions of the Ngāti Hangarau people. Therefore, authorities prohibit swimming at the site to honour its cultural significance.

If you’re seeking places to swim while in the Tauranga area, many safer alternatives exist, such as the beaches at Mount Maunganui and Papamoa Beach. These locations offer a safe and enjoyable environment for swimming and other water activities, free from the risks present at Omanawa Falls.

Omanawa Falls: The Verdict

Now, I know I say this a lot, guys – but the falls were magical! They epitomised what it means to travel in New Zealand. Showcasing a fair share of nature’s beauty and grace, complete with zero obnoxious tourists.

For a good hour, we shared the falls with only the locals that helped us find our way down. They were even kind enough to help us carry our camera equipment over the rocks, as I was scared I was going to drop it in the water. 

In the concave underneath the falls, you could hear the booming sound of the rushing water. We were extremely lucky; it had rained the night before and filled up the reserves for natures spectacular water feature.

Whichever option you choose for your Omanawa falls walk, it will be a truly magnificent experience which you’ll never forget, and most importantly you’ll get to drink in New Zealand at it’s absolute best.

If you liked this, make sure to pin it for later! 

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