Last updated July 2026
Pohuehue Falls is a small cascade in the Pohuehue Scenic Reserve, reached by a short easy bush walk off the Old State Highway 1 / Twin Coast Discovery Highway just north of the Pohuehue viaduct, between Waiwera and Warkworth. Managed by the Department of Conservation, the reserve protects regenerating native forest and offers a quiet stop roughly 66 km north of central Auckland. A lookout platform provides views of the falls, and the track can be extended into a longer loop for those seeking more of a challenge.
Practical Information
| Location | Pohuehue Scenic Reserve, western side of Old SH 1 / Twin Coast Discovery Highway, just north of the Pohuehue viaduct (between Waiwera and Warkworth) |
| From central Auckland | Approximately 66 km north; around 50–60 minutes drive via SH1 then Old SH1 / Twin Coast Discovery Highway |
| Waterfall Track distance | About 1 km return; 20–30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy (Waterfall Track); advanced for the full Beverley Price Loop |
| Setting | Native bush and regenerating forest beside Pohuehue Stream |
| Parking | Free DOC car park at the signposted entrance |
| Dogs | No dogs |
| Cost | Free |
| Facilities | Picnic area near the start; not wheelchair or pram accessible (steps and uneven sections) |
About Pohuehue Falls
Pohuehue Falls is a roughly 10-metre cascade on the Pohuehue Stream within the DOC-managed Pohuehue Scenic Reserve. The reserve covers regenerating native forest featuring species such as kohekohe and taraire, with nikau palms, ferns, and occasional mature trees including kauri on longer routes. Greenhood orchids can appear in spring.
The falls sit in a bush-clad setting reached via a well-formed track that drops from the car park, crosses the stream by footbridge, and follows the stream to a side track and lookout platform. Views of the falls from the platform are partial; an unofficial path to the base exists but requires care and is not recommended when wet or slippery.
The reserve holds cultural significance for Ngāti Manuhiri, who have a statutory acknowledgement over Pohuehue Scenic Reserve as a valued remnant of the area’s original lush native forest. It forms part of the wider Warkworth-area DOC network of short walks and longer tramps through regenerating bush.
The short walk makes an ideal leg-stretch or picnic stop on journeys between Auckland and Northland or the Matakana / Warkworth area. The car park is signposted and relatively spacious, though it can fill on busy weekends.
The Walk to Pohuehue Falls
From the free car park on the western side of Old SH 1 / Twin Coast Discovery Highway, the Waterfall Track descends to the Pohuehue Stream and enters native forest. At a track junction, follow signs left along the stream. A short side track leads to the falls lookout platform.
The return walk is approximately 1 km and typically takes 20–30 minutes. The track is generally well-formed with some steps and uneven sections, making it suitable for most families and casual walkers, though it is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Surface conditions can become muddy or slippery after rain.
Many visitors treat it as a quick scenic stop rather than a major hiking destination. The falls themselves are modest in size, so the appeal lies in the cool bush setting, streamside walking, and the chance to stretch the legs away from the highway.
Beverley Price Loop Track
From the waterfall area, walkers can continue onto the Beverley Price Loop Track for a longer outing through regenerating forest. DOC lists this as a 6 km loop taking about 2 hours and graded as an advanced tramping track. It is best walked clockwise.
The route climbs steeply in places through bush (including stands of older kauri), follows a forestry road section along a ridge, then descends, sometimes steeply and on slippery pine-needle surfaces. The track can be rough, muddy, and rooty. No dogs are permitted. This option suits fitter walkers seeking a proper workout and more extensive forest experience while still starting from the same car park.
Getting There and Access
Travel north from Auckland on State Highway 1. Exit onto the Twin Coast Discovery Highway / Old SH 1 (via the Puhoi area) and continue north. The entrance is signposted on the western (left when heading north) side of the road just after crossing the Pohuehue viaduct. The site is between Waiwera and Warkworth, south of Warkworth township.
Parking is free at the DOC car park. There is no public transport to the reserve. Check the DOC website for any current track alerts before visiting, as conditions or temporary closures can occur after weather events or maintenance.
Combining With a North Auckland Trip
Pohuehue Falls works well as a short break on the drive north from Auckland toward Warkworth, Matakana, or further into Northland. It pairs easily with lunch or shopping in Warkworth, visits to nearby regional parks such as Wenderholm or Mahurangi, or other short walks in the area. The modest time commitment means it fits into a half-day or full-day itinerary without dominating the schedule.
What Visitors Often Say
Many people describe it as a pleasant, easy short bush walk that makes a worthwhile quick stop on the highway. They appreciate the cool green forest, the well-maintained path with steps, and the viewing platform, even when the falls themselves are small or only partially visible. It is frequently recommended as a leg-stretch rather than a destination for dramatic waterfalls.
Visitors often note the track is family-friendly for the short option but has enough steps and uneven ground that it is not ideal for very young toddlers or those with limited mobility. Some mention the place can feel quiet, while others comment that the falls view is limited from the official lookout and that after rain the track becomes muddy or slippery.
Where to Learn More
DOC Waterfall Track: Official description, access details, and connection to the longer loop for Pohuehue Falls.
DOC Beverley Price Loop Track: Details on the 6 km advanced loop option through regenerating forest in the same reserve.
DOC Warkworth area: Overview of tracks and places to go in the wider Warkworth DOC network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Pohuehue Falls?
In the Pohuehue Scenic Reserve on the western side of Old SH 1 / Twin Coast Discovery Highway, just north of the Pohuehue viaduct between Waiwera and Warkworth, about 66 km north of central Auckland.
How long is the walk to the falls?
The Waterfall Track is about 1 km return and usually takes 20–30 minutes. A longer Beverley Price Loop option is listed by DOC as 6 km and around 2 hours.
Is the track suitable for children?
The short waterfall walk is generally suitable for most families and active children, though it includes steps and uneven ground. It is not suitable for prams or very young toddlers who cannot manage steps.
Can I swim at Pohuehue Falls?
There is a modest pool area, and some people carefully access the base via unofficial paths, but it is primarily a scenic viewing stop rather than a swimming destination. Conditions can be slippery and access is not formalised.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC rules prohibit dogs on the Waterfall Track and Beverley Price Loop Track.
Is there parking and is it free?
Yes. There is a free DOC car park at the signposted entrance just north of the Pohuehue viaduct.
Is the track wheelchair accessible?
No. The track has steps, descents, and uneven surfaces and is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
How do I combine it with other activities?
It works well as a short stop on the drive to or from Warkworth, Matakana, or Northland, or alongside visits to nearby regional parks and other short bush walks in the area.
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