Karamatura Falls is located on the southern border of the Waitakere Ranges. The fall is a narrow but reasonably rich water column for its parameter, with a height of about 15- 20 metres. This waterfall is part of Karamatura Stream which has a series of smaller cascading waterfalls downstream as well. There are no clear 'waterfall' sign boards at the turn-off of the track next to Huia Settler's Museum, so you need to turn right on to the Karamatura loop track road and then drive about 100m to the car park. From there, you can take the Karamatura loop track - either one, to proceed about a two km distance to the waterfall. Be aware that although it is about 2.0 km [one way] 90% well maintained track, there are around thousand steps to climb altogether, some very steep as shown in my photos, so it is NOT an 'easy' track for everyone, as some have misinterpreted in reviews here. Clearly ranked "moderately challenging route" by reputed tramping sites such as 'AllTrails", one needs a reasonable level of fitness to do this track. There are records that some turning back halfway through, because they had been told it was an 'easy' walk. Also, crossing the small stream just before the waterfall needs very good non-slippery track shoes to do the balancing act treading on the boulders to cross. It is about 4km track if you do the loop, but due to the steepness at some places, you may do it slow, so it takes about 2-3 hrs. to do the return loop leisurely and comfortably, if you do not intend to break records by doing it in 30-40 mins, one-way ;) Anyway, it is a worthwhile hike to be frank as the track runs through a lush green vegetation throughout. On a good day you will come across beautiful birds, plants, trees and clear water streams, some with little cascading waterfalls. Part of the track runs on the old horse coach track which was used to transport huge tree trunks for shipbuilding in the early last century and you can see a decaying 'sample' log displayed closer to the start of the track.

A friend and I did this track and, though we're pretty fit, it took us about 2 1/2 hours to get to Donald Maclean lookout from Karamatura carpark. There were more stairs than we thought, which begin about 2km in from our start point and go on for a while at steep elevation. Good for training! Just make sure you're aware of the stairs as most people seemed to turn back halfway. Luckily, the falls are all before the stairs. You can walk along the stream where you can hear several waterfalls. Its a good challenge to try and get down to them through the bush. Some of them were accessible, one wasn't (too steep). Definitely one of the few tracks that takes longer than it's estimated time. Carpark is small so in the weekend be aware, I think you can fit about 15 cars comfortably and squeeze 25

This has been a favourite spot of mine for a long time now, and I have been doing this walk since I was really young. The walk from the carpark takes around 40 minutes one way, where you start with the easier loop walk before completing the rest of the walk on the slightly harder Karamatura Track. The falls itself are beautiful and while it is quite smaller compared to others nearby, this one has a very private feeling, so with that, I highly recommend. The hundreds of stairs other reviewers are talking about start AFTER the turn off to the falls, so if you are ONLY after Karamatura Falls, you need not worry unless you are wanting to continue to either Karamatura Forks or Donald McClean. The falls walk is a suitable track for all ages for that reason. This is easily one of my favourite falls in NZ, only falling behind the best from the South Island.

The waterfall loop is under construction for the next 4 weeks.so we did the longer trek but it wasn't easy getting to the falls as we had to walk back too. Took well over 2hrs. Beautiful walk though and quite a few stairs. Will definitely be back once the waterfall trail is open.

A beautiful well maintained track. Not friendly for baby prams to waterfall but good for older children. Lots of stairs but good if you take your time. Waterfall pool has to be one of the better ones for families to swim and jump off the rocks. There is also a family pool at the carpark for swimming if you dont want to walk to the waterfall. 10/10

Stunning water fall is hidden in the bush. The walkway is at moderate level. Not too hard. It's all covered by shades of the bushes. Very suitable for summer hiking. There is a toilet at the entrance area. Very clean and tidy. Parking spaces are sufficient as there is an overflow car park across the road.

Hit the carpark just after sunset. Managed to get to the waterfall and back within 40 minutes just as it got really dark. Tracks are all boarded. The side trail that turns it into a circuit is current closed. Small stream crossing, would recommend enclosed/waterproof shoes if you want to keep dry.

This is a well maintained track. The road is pretty good. The car park is big and the toilet is on your left when facing the track. The toilets are clean. There was toilet paper available. The track is not muddy. The track is covered with gravel stones and at places there are wooden planks for our convenience. It took us 40 minutes to get to the waterfalls because we stopped along the way to see the water cascading through the rocks. Sadly, we never heard any birds chopping or singing on our walk. The waterfall is beautiful. I have no idea if we are allowed to swim or not. However, the water looks very clean. The track is not very steep. I counted 370 steps up (man-made wooden steps). This track is not for the handicap challenged community. Coming back was a breeze. You do not have to pay for this hike but are encouraged to keep it clean. The whole loop is closed because of damage during a cyclone, but you can still make it to the waterfall. We met someone who hiked right up to the lookout. It took him an extra 90 minutes from the waterfall back. We did not go to the lookout but just to the waterfall.

Really loved it here. The park is well looked after. Toilets are clean and the tracks are well maintained. Oh and the water is 👌👌👌👌perfect for a picnic 😍

Has a big car park with toilets. Walk starts off nice and easy. Once you get to the bench seat around halfway, the walk gets a little harder with steps and incline walking. It's only around 30mins of walking to see the waterfall so it's worth the walk.

Great walk and amazing scenery also it is open even after the floods

Easy track to hike! Takes about 20 mins. Make sure you take appropriate swimwear, definitely a nice spot for a dip during summer.

It’s a good track. The photos can’t show its beauty. We walked along the stream and listened to the sound of water. It was a really nice experience.

Great walk to the falls, takes about an hour return from the Karamatura carpark. The walk mainly follows the stream with lots of opportunities to take photos, little bit of stream crossing on the way but not deep to get the shoes wet.

Ideal for picnics and swimming, this picturesque spot features beautifully maintained trails and pristine, crystal-clear waters.

Stunning. Peaceful. Beautiful. Thank you. The loop is currently closed but the there is back again is open (and gorgeous). There are stairs and some stream crossing on the way to the falls.

A great walk to this small but beautiful falls through forest and a few sets of steps to get your cardio in! If you love waterfall trails, you might like our YouTube channel - Pack Lunch and Travel. Join our search for waterfalls round the world!