Paranui Falls — also known as Pukenui Falls — is a 24-metre horsetail waterfall tucked into the kauri forest of AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park, a short drive from central Whangārei. A 25-minute return walk from the Clapham Road carpark takes you through the park to a lookout across the gorge, where the full height of the falls is visible from the opposite bank. Like all kauri park visits, cleaning your footwear at the boot-cleaning stations is mandatory before entering the kauri zone.
Practical Information
| Location | AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park, Whangārei — access via Clapham Road |
|---|---|
| Waterfall height | Approximately 24 metres (horsetail type) |
| Walk distance | Approximately 1.3 km return (Paranui Falls Loop) |
| Time | 25–30 minutes return |
| Difficulty | Easy — some uneven ground and river stones near the base |
| Viewpoint | Lookout across the gorge — best view of the full height |
| Kauri dieback | Boot-cleaning stations at all entry points — cleaning is mandatory |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Whangārei District Council |
About the Falls
Paranui Falls drops in a narrow horsetail over a 24-metre cliff face, feeding into a gorge below that joins the Hātea River system. The best view is from the lookout on the far side of the gorge, reached via a short track from the Clapham Road carpark. The path crosses through forest and along a riverbed section — the river stones can be slippery, so watch your footing near the water.
The falls sit within AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park, which protects one of the closest stands of mature kauri forest to any New Zealand city centre. The park also features a canopy walkway that carries visitors through the upper level of the kauri forest — well worth doing if you have extra time. The Hātea River Walk passes through the park on its route from the Town Basin to Whangārei Falls.
Kauri Dieback — Important
Paranui Falls is within the kauri zone of AH Reed Memorial Park. Phytophthora agathidicida (kauri dieback disease) spreads through contaminated soil and has no known cure. Clean your footwear thoroughly at the boot-cleaning stations provided at every entry point to the kauri area, both before and after entering. This is mandatory — not optional — and is the single most important thing visitors can do to protect these irreplaceable trees.
What Visitors Say
“A hidden gem in a tranquil setting — the kauri park is lovely and the falls lookout gives a great perspective across the gorge. Short and easy walk, well worth the stop if you’re visiting AH Reed.” — Rexby NZ Adventures
“Lovely walk through kauri forest with large trees and a nice waterfall lookout at the end. The river section near the base is a bit slippery — worth being careful if you go off the main track.” — AllTrails reviewer
Where to Learn More
Whangārei District Council — AH Reed Memorial Park has information on the park, kauri dieback precautions and facilities.
AllTrails — Paranui Falls Loop has GPS mapping and recent visitor reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paranui Falls?
In AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park, accessed from Clapham Road, Whangārei. It’s approximately 10 minutes’ drive from central Whangārei.
How long is the Paranui Falls walk?
About 25–30 minutes return from the Clapham Road carpark to the falls lookout.
What is kauri dieback and why does it matter?
Kauri dieback is caused by the soil pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida. It spreads via contaminated soil on boots and kills kauri trees — there is no cure. All visitors must clean boots at the stations provided before and after entering the kauri zone.
Is there a canopy walk at AH Reed Memorial Park?
Yes — the park has a boardwalk that carries you through the upper level of the kauri forest canopy. It’s separate from the Paranui Falls loop but worth doing on the same visit.
Can you get to the base of Paranui Falls?
The main viewpoint is from a lookout across the gorge. The riverbed below can be accessed but involves walking on slippery river stones — take care if you venture down.
See all waterfalls in the district on our Whangārei waterfalls page. The Hatea River Walk passes through AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park on its way from the Town Basin to Whangārei Falls.
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