Haruru Falls

Haruru Falls is a waterfall on the Waitangi River that measures about 5 meters in height and 15 meters in width, forming a rectangular cascade near Paihia. The water drops into a deep basin framed by rock walls and surrounded by thick green vegetation.

The lagoon area downstream from the falls served as New Zealand's first river port and was heavily used by early missionaries and Māori traders. This early activity established the location as an important trading point during the period of early European and Māori contact.

The name Haruru comes from the Māori language and describes the constant roaring sound of water falling into the pool below. This word reflects how local people connected the natural phenomenon directly to what they heard when visiting this place.

Visitors can reach the falls by taking a sealed road to Haruru Falls Road, where a gravel parking area accommodates vehicles. The site is easily accessible year-round, though water flow is more powerful after heavy rain.

A walking track of about 6 kilometers connects the falls to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, following the northern edge of the Waitangi Estuary. This path links two important locations and provides views of the coastal wetland landscape.