Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Range, Aotearoa

The Mokoroa Falls consists of two falls : the main Mokoroa Falls fed by the Mokoroa stream and a smaller fall named Houheria which is fed by Houheria stream on the Waitakere range.

Both Mokoroa and Houheria Falls can be seen here.

There are two main entrances to reach these set of waterfalls on foot. On this day, we opted for the longer route, starting from Constable Rd instead of Horsman Rd. The trailhead from Constable Rd. is clearly marked, and it is part of the greater Goldie Bush Walkway. The path is extremely easy to follow, well graded with wooden steps installed where the section is in a steep inclined.

Nicely built pathway,

After an easy stroll through lush verdant forest, we came to a junction. This is where Goldie Bush Walkway meets Mokoroa Stream Route. In Kiwi terms, a route is basically a rough trail, unmaintained, lack of signage and often muddy. En-route to the falls, we took the Walkway, crossing a suspended bridge over the stream and on the return, we took the route via the stream. The stream route is more difficult, but clearly much more fun!

Junction to complete the loop

Cool suspension bridge.

The Goldie Bush Walkway is entirely paved with gravel, well graded and had proper drainage to control erosion. Even during heavy downpours, the pathway remains dry. Not long into the pleasant walk, we reached a wooden platform overlooking into a basin where both falls merged.

View from the wooden platform. Unfortunately, only Mokoroa Falls can be seen.

We climbed down towards the base of both falls for a closer look. I found a nice perch on top of a sandstone which allowed me to capture both falls in one frame.

Both falls can be seen in this photo.

The falls would have been more impressive if it had been raining for the past few days but we were more than contented to be out here enjoying the serenity surrounded by beautiful nature. On the way out, we took the trail by the stream, crossing it several times, with the water reaching up as high as our waist. The water was refreshingly cold to say the least.

Crossing Mokoroa stream.

There were many spots to take a refreshing plunge and we also passed by a few cascades. We were glad we took this route on the return leg.

One of the few cascades we crossed over.

This route would be dangerous to take during the raining season as I believe the stream could swell up and posed a dangerous situation.

Completing the loop and back to the junction where the suspension bridge is.

All in all, a time well spent in nature not too far from the city of Auckland and a hike suitable for almost everyone.