Far from the hustle of Waitomo Caves lies a hidden gem tucked away in the forests: Marokopa Falls. This impressive 35-meter high waterfall is rightfully one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the North Island of New Zealand. Still looking to fill your day at the Glow Worms caves? Then definitely visit this beautiful waterfall!
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The journey to Marokopa Falls
The journey to Marokopa Falls is an adventure in itself. Keep your eyes on the road, because the bends can be sharp! You have to take a pretty winding road this way. The road itself is otherwise fine.
After arriving at the parking lot (suitable for about 6 cars) follows a short 10-minute walk downhill. Enjoy the beautiful nature you walk through. Soon you hear flowing water that brings you closer and closer to the waterfall.
Arrived at the waterfall
Once arrived at the viewpoint you are overwhelmed by the beauty of Marakopa Falls. The water plunges powerfully downward into a deep basin, surrounded by swaying trees and ferns. In the sun rays, the mist around the waterfall even creates a small rainbow, which completes the picture.
Unfortunately the platform at the waterfall has been broken for a year already (November 2023). But rest assured, you can still walk around it to admire the waterfall up close.
Practical information
- Accessibility: Marakopa Falls is about 31 km west of Waitomo and 15 km east of Marokopa. The waterfall is accessible via Te Anga Road.
- Opening hours: Always open.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Facilities: There are no toilets or other facilities at the waterfall, so make sure you bring everything you need.
- Best travel time: The waterfall can be visited all year round. The walk to it is also quite simple.
- Parking: The parking lot is quite small. For us this was no problem, given how remote the waterfall is.
Nice stop along the way
Marakopa Falls is more than just a beautiful waterfall. Along the way you also come across 2 more stops.
- Piripiri Cave Walk: Take an exciting walk through this cave, but only go if you’re not alone and bring a flashlight. (Unfortunately I didn’t have one.) With a bit of luck you can spot glow worms here, but you can do that better in nearby Waitomo.
- Mangapohue Natural Bridge: Admire this natural limestone bridge, which unfortunately was closed in November 2023. Are you in the area? Check online if it has been reopened to the public by now.
Marakopa Falls is a beautiful waterfall and perhaps the most beautiful waterfall on the North Island. Due to its quite remote location you won’t encounter masses of tourists here. So definitely put it on your bucket list for the North Island in New Zealand!
Staying near Waitomo and looking for Glow Worms? Then read our blog about the most beautiful Waitomo cave to spot glow worms!
And a hiking enthusiast? Then the 1-hour Ruakuri Bushwalk shouldn’t be missing from your to-do list in Waitomo either!
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