Last updated November 2026
Wairua Falls, which the council’s tourism page calls Omiru Falls, are a broad 7 m waterfall on the Wairua River at Titoki, about 24 km west of Whangārei.
The falls pour over the edge of an old basalt lava flow and are seen from a lookout right beside the car park at the end of Wairua Falls Road, off Mangakahia Road, so there is almost no walking involved.
GeoTrips lists the lookout as wheelchair accessible. A hydro-electric scheme takes much of the river’s water, so the falls are often low and are at their best after rain. Check the Whangārei District Council page before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Wairua Falls Road, off Mangakahia Road, Titoki
- Distance from the city
- About 24 km west of Whangārei (Whangārei District Council)
- Walking time
- A few metres from the car to the lookout
- Height of the falls
- About 7 m
- Accessibility
- Lookout listed as wheelchair accessible (GeoTrips)
- Facilities
- Picnic tables at the car park; no toilets (waterfalls.co.nz)
- Reserve
- Wairua Falls Scenic Reserve (Department of Conservation)
About Wairua Falls
The council describes the Wairua River as 80 km long. According to GeoTrips, written by geologist Bruce Hayward for GNS Science, the water falls over the edge of a basalt lava flow from the Whatitiri shield volcano, erupted about 500,000 years ago. The river has since eroded the softer rock of the old valley side that the lava flowed down.
Lava from the Whangārei volcanic field also dammed the Wairua River upstream, which GeoTrips says created the Hikurangi Swamp.
The council notes the place was once a major defensive point for iwi during inter-tribal warfare, and that the river was a food source and a route for waka.
When to Visit
Water from the river is diverted down a race to a hydro-electric station, so the falls are often close to dry. The best time to come is during or after a wet spell, when much more water goes over the lip. In a dry summer there may be little or no water.
Getting There
From Whangārei, head west on SH14, turn right onto Mangakahia Road and follow it for about 12 km, then turn left onto the signposted Wairua Falls Road. The last 2 km are gravel.
The lookout is next to the car park; GeoTrips warns to watch for cars backing and turning in the car park. Stay behind the fence at the lookout: waterfalls.co.nz asks visitors not to climb over it, as it is dangerous.
From locals
Can you walk down to the bottom of Wairua Falls or only view from the top?
Has anyone taken a dog to Wairua Falls? Are they fine on a lead at the lookout?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the walk to Wairua Falls?
Only a few metres. The lookout is right beside the car park.
How high are the falls?
About 7 m.
Why are the falls sometimes dry?
Much of the river is diverted down a race to a hydro-electric station, so the falls are often low except after rain.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
GeoTrips lists the lookout as wheelchair accessible.
Are there toilets?
No toilets are listed; there are picnic tables at the car park.
How do I get there?
Take SH14 west from Whangārei, turn right onto Mangakahia Road for about 12 km, then left onto Wairua Falls Road. The last 2 km are gravel.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Whangārei District Council (Whangārei NZ): Waterfalls: Omiru Falls on the Wairua River and the other waterfalls around Whangārei.
- GeoTrips (GNS Science): Wairua Falls: the geology of the falls and the lava flow they pour over.