Best Family-Friendly Waterfalls in Kerikeri: Scenic and Safe Spots for the Whole Family

The lush environment and close proximity to nature makes Kerikeri the perfect spot to adventure around if you’re on the hunt for a slice of spectacular nature. Whether it’s checking out the hidden gems or visiting the popular icons, all you need to discover these beautiful waterfalls around town is your family, your Thrifty rental car, and a hunger for adventure.

Marvel in Awe at Rainbow Falls

There’s no going past the tremendous Rainbow Falls when you’re visiting Kerikeri. This showstopper of a waterfall is located less than a ten minute drive from the town centre and promises to impress with a whopping 27 metre plunge of water from the rocks into the pool below. Not only is this a beautiful scenic spot to relax by, it’s also a thrilling one. Check out any of the three viewing platforms to get up close and personal with the waterfall— from a safe and secure distance, of course. The short, easy walk is flat and accessible, meaning the whole family can come along for the journey, even little ones in strollers. But wait, there’s more! The pool of water beneath the falls isn’t only a picturesque place to watch the water tumble into, but it's also a great spot if you’re wanting to take a refreshing dip in the water. Just always remember to watch children around the water for both a safe and enjoyable experience of the falls.

Find a Hidden Gem at Charlie’s Rock

Just a five minute drive north of the heart of Kerikeri lies one of the town’s best kept secrets when it comes to incredible waterfalls for the whole family to explore. Charlie’s Rock is a smaller waterfall that attracts smaller crowds, so you can share in more of this beauty with just the fam. Locals love this spot for its spectacular beauty and scenic picnic spot nearby. Only a short and breezy walk from the car park, you won’t have to hike a mile with little kids to get a taste of this beauty. The base of the waterfall is made up of a shallow, calm pool of water that is great for swimming, so don’t forget to bring your bathers! The rocks can be slippery around the water’s edge, so it’s best getting the whole family involved in taking a dip in the water so you can give a hand to little ones. Secluded and serene, and above all else thrilling, Charlie’s Rock will have you feeling like a local as you chill out by these calming waters.

Drop Your Jaw at Wharepuke Falls

Prepare yourself for the ultimate scenic spot at Wharepuke Falls, a magnificent beast of a waterfall just a few minutes drive out of town. As a neighbour of Rainbow Falls, this one often gets overlooked by the crowds, which means it makes for a serene place of peace and quiet. The walk toward the falls will take you through a stretch of native bush. The area around the falls also delivers incredible outlooks over the Kerikeri River.

Discover Serenity at Haruru Falls

While a little bit of a further drive out of the town at twenty minutes away, Haruru Falls is another incredible waterfall to check out if you can make the time. The best time of day to visit this sensational landscape is around sunset when the light is soft and the water shines golden. The easiest way to reach this spectacular beast is by driving straight up to the car park and then walking another couple of minutes toward the falls. However, there’s also a scenic route through beautiful forest for you to explore if you’re after that extra dash of adventure. The falls itself may not be the tallest of them all in the area, but they are certainly one of the widest. The viewing platform is where you’ll find yourself reaching for your camera—you’ll definitely want to capture this moment of utter delight for eternity! The area around the top of the falls is great to explore and sit down by as the roar of the water soundtracks your visit.

Whether it’s gaping in awe at magnificent beauties or tucking into a picnic by the pools of water, Kerikeri is home to a plethora of safe, scenic and thrilling waterfalls that the whole family can enjoy in your Thrifty rental car.