We visited the tallest waterfall on the North Island of NZ, Wairere Falls. The hike takes about 45 minutes. Google maps says the trail is "Temporarily Closed" but it has been reopened by the DOC recently. There are still many bridges and paths under construction. The hike to the scenic overlook near the top takes about 1 1/2 hours, depending on your pace. Most of the hike is uphill and there are numerous creeks, rocks and washed out paths you have to navigate. Once the raised pathways are completed, the trail will be a lot more kid friendly but there are some parts that required immediate supervision, especially when climbing the rocks or at the washed out areas. Matamata is only around 10km away from Wairere Falls, so this is a good add on trip if visiting Hobbiton. We also visited the Opel Hot Springs and Holiday park to swim at their thermal heated pool. The pool is large and has a metal slide at the deep end. There are two smaller pools that are hotter than the regular pool. You can pay to just visit the thermal pools and bringing in food or drinks are fine so many people spend a day there to have a picnic. Lastly we visited the large playground at Waihi, which is best known for the large gold mine there. There is a nice downtown just off the main road making it a more pleasant area to walk around with less through-traffic. If you go the the park with the old mining tower, you can see into the deep mine next to it. Accommodation here tends to be cheaper than nearby Waihi beach or the towns on the way to Tauranga, which is less than an hour drive away. There are also some great walks in the nearby Karangahake Gorge which you pass through on the way to Paeroa if heading away from Tauranga. All the hikes are very well maintained and kid-friendly, but some are still closed for maintenance when they had torrential downpours and slips in the area. There is a 1km tunnel you can walk or bike through and there are a selection of trails and parking areas leading to different trails. Overall, a good way to walk and explore some of the areas. Another great waterffall that is highly recommended and very easy to reach is Owharoa Fall, which is only a couple minute walk from the road. Set google maps to get there so you don't miss the turnoff from SH2. It's a great spot to hang out or even go for a swim if visiting in the warmer months.
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Author:is on a decades old journey to experience the world.
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