I had been in Auckland for all of 72 hours when we decided to take our first adventure. No sense in wasting any time.
A mere 45 minute drive from Auckland lies Piha, a bay in the Waitekere Ranges on the western side of the island. Luckily, Hannah had just recently purchased a car, making adventures like this much more plausible.
You’ll pass through the reserve and up and over the mountains. You drive down steep and narrow streets to the shore. As you go around each twist and turn, you’ll catch a glimpse of this little hidden treasure.
Once you arrive at the shore, there is a small parking area. And in a second, you’re on the beach. The shallow shore stretches for what seems like miles into the sea. This is one of the main surfing beaches in the area, so you’re sure to find a few surfers just past the break.
There are huge boulders towering over the beach and plenty pf places to climb. Most of the places allow you to climb at least halfway up, but there are warnings to go any higher. Don’t threaten me with a good time.
But seeing as I was in flip flops (called ‘jandals’ here), it didn’t seem like the best idea to tempt fate and opted out, saving those adventures for another trip.
We hiked around the rocks a bit to catch some new views. And coming from Seattle winter, my little feet are used to comfy boots and cozy socks.
But on this day, I was hiking across barnacles. Barefoot.
I was coerced into the hike to Kitekite Falls with the promise that it only a 10 minute walk. Considering I was in jeans and rather inappropriate footwear, I felt fully unprepared for much more than that. But I’ll pretty much never say no to a waterfall, so off we went.
At the entrance, there is a small stand to scrape and rinse your feet to protect the forest from a pathogen that is putting the Kauri trees at risk. They take conservation very seriously here in New Zealand. Which is a good thing.
Nearly 40 minutes, a few hundred feet of elevation gain, and a minor rain burst, we traversed the final corner down wooden steps to the base of the falls.
I mean, I guess it was worth it.
Bear in mind – this is not actually tough hike at all, I was just being a baby about it because I like to be prepared and have proper equipment and attire. No one likes to hike in jeans. Especially in humidity.
But I would absolutely recommend this if you make it out to Piha.
At the top of the multi-tiered falls (not pictured because it wouldn’t all fit in one shot) there are apparently a few swimming holes. You bet your ass I’ll be back here in the summer. I mean, a swimming hole perched atop a waterfall? Twist my arm.
There is no doubt I’ll be heading back here to stay for a weekend. There are little cafes, a place for burgers and beer and even a little library just across from the beach. I want to explore each trail and take in everything that I can of this place.
I knew that New Zealand was going to be gorgeous, but it seems to be effortlessly putting the rest of the world to shame.
Not bad for my 3rd day abroad.
18 comments
Oh wow such pretty views!… The trek seemed strenuous as I tried picturing it.. but I will believe you as you say – “it was not as tough” :)…
And yeah, that picture of you with the falls behind you looks too good!
It was totally worth it, even though I was being a big baby!
It seems like a lovely place. And you walked barefooted over those boulders! The photographs are really nice.
I couldn’t believe my feet made it across! Haha
I love the photography in this article. The green of the ferns are amazing!
Thank you! The green was even better in real life!
Amazing photos! You have capture this wonderful experience really well. Thanks for sharing it with your readers! 🙂
Wow only 10 minutes hike and you get to see that stunning waterfalls? That’s quite easily accessible! It might be painful and slippery to walk on those rocks, but glad you made it!
I have heard so many awesome things about New Zealand and your post is just more proof that I need to go! Love the water fall – I would definitely say it was worth it too! haha
Love your photos, especially the one with the surfers. Sounds like you made the most of the adventure even though you weren’t prepared. Looks like the beauty of the spot made the trek worth it.
I took like 20 photos of those surfers!
Sounds like a gorgeous day out from Auckland, although your comment about hiking in jeans and flipflops made me laugh! Glad you made it! And a great suggestion for visitors to NZ.
This looks like a great little getaway – you get the mountains and the water. The waterfall is beautiful. So glad to know the hike isn’t that back (as long as you come prepared to hike). I’ll definitely pack my swimsuit for the swimming holes!
I seriously can’t wait to head back for some swimming!
I went here on my second day in New Zealand I think! I’m so glad I did. I didn’t really like Auckland all that much, and some guys we were staying with said they were going here so I jumped at the chance! You think of the beauty of NZ and think of the south island, so I was pretty thrilled when the north island threw this at me straight away! Your photos are amazing by the way. I wish I’d got closer to that waterfall.
Haha apparently this is a lot of people’s first adventure here! I’ll be spending a good amount of time on the south island a little later into my trip for sure.
Wow! I know quite a few people who have been to New Zealand and loved it. Your pictures are incredible, especially of the waterfall! Will have to save this if I ever make it over.
There is definitely a reason people keep coming here!